Originally published in BikerTrash. By Larry Gore.
Republic
Harley-Davidson/Buell Opens
Texas Bikers Get a New Place To Shop
“Best of all, they have plenty of NEW bikes,
In Stock!”
More
Photos
Bikers wait for new shops to open with the same excitement that children anticipate Christmas and birthdays. Good news, the wait is over and Republic is now officially open.
It has been about 2 years since most of us first heard that a new dealer was coming to town and the rumors have been plentiful. Some of the more prevalent rumors have been;
“new Shop to Sell First 50 Harleys at Dealer’s Cost “
“all bikes will be sold at, or below, MSRP . . . “
“Lyle Lovett owns the new dealership . . . “
“the new dealership will have a restaurant and bar . . . “
” the Harley-Davidson company does not know about the new dealership . . . “
None of the above rumors are true. What is true is that Mike Rafizadeh is the owner of the dealership. Mike formerly owned a very large GNC distributorship in the Pacific Northwest which he sold. Mike’s interest in bike and his confidence in the HD brand helped him to decide to try to obtain an HD dealership.
Why Houston? Because this was where HD had decided to authorize an additional dealership.
When you meet Mike and have a little time to talk to him you will realize that this is a man who is very customer-oriented and that he is going to make certain that Republic HD/Buell reflects his own beliefs about taking care of customers. Mike is so focused on the idea that “the customer is King” that there is even a massive “throne” in the showroom. Sitting on that throne and looking out across the showroom will make anyone feel special, although my inclination to shout “off with their heads” did not produce any tangible results.
No, he isn’t there to give bikes away but we believe that he will be fair and honest in his dealings and competitive is his pricing.
You will be impressed with all of the facilties and the design of the place. When you first enter you will notice is the brightness and openess of the 2-story design.
The lower showroom is full of new bikes and there is a skyway above your head that will display additional models. Clothing and accessories occupy most of the two other levels. From any of the upper levels you can look down on the main showroom floor – it is a very impressive view.
Chrome, steel, wood and stone all work together to create an atmosphere of welcome, warmth, fun, and “macho” for the men and an atmosphere of “wow, this looks like a great mall to shop . . .” for the ladies.
When the weather gets cold you will enjoy having a cup of coffee beside the massive fireplace which dominates one corner of the main showroom.
If you get a feeling of “deja vue” it may be because Mike has recruited a management team that has a lot of experience with other Houston area motorcycle dealerships and shops.
The Sales Manager is Robert Poffinbarger. Robert’s good nature and friendliness will make you feel at home instantly whether you have bought a bike from him in the past or whether you are meeting him for the first time. Harley has made several changes to their product lines in the last few years and Robert is just the person to answer any questions that you might have.
The last weekend of September will be the official Grand Opening festivities for Republic. Make your plans to be there and bring a few friends. Watch BikerTrash.com for addtional information concerning the Grand Opening.
Republic is located at 12707 Southwest Fwy, Houston.
77477
Phone 281-295-1000
Republic is on the Southwest side of Houston in the Sugar Land area. Take 59 South, exit at Corporate Drive, U-turn under the highway and come back along the service road about 1/2 mile.