Harley-Davidsons sound great.
I didn't even have to use the word "motorcycle" to end that last sentence. You know what I mean.
"Harley-Davidson is an American legend," Julio Valdenegro, the general manager of Northwest Harley-Davidson in Lacey, told me last Saturday afternoon. "And the sound is distinctively American."
Named after and founded by William Harley and brothers Arthur and Walter Davidson, the Milwaukee-based company began in 1901. In 1903, a wooden shed was built in the Davidson's back yard, and by 1904 production output topped out at eight motorcycles annually.
In 1905 Carl Lang, the first Harley-Davidson dealer, sold three Harley-Davidson motorcycles out of the dozen or so built in the shed.
Since then, the brand has flourished, floundered and then reestablished itself as the dominant motorcycle company in the country.
Part of Harley-Davidson's success lies in the quality of its product. The rest of it lies in the attitude of dealerships like Northwest Harley-Davidson.
Located at 8000 Freedom Lane Northeast in Lacey, Northwest Harley-Davidson has established itself as a destination point for local riders.
Billing itself as "The Friendliest Shop on the West Coast," the dealership features a 30,000 square-foot facility that offers its customers sales, service and accessories.
Of particular interest are the 31 models of Harley-Davidsons neatly arranged in the showroom.
"We love the dynamic of the customers who come here," Tina Torfin, guest relations manager and military sales specialist, said. "We are friendly, welcoming and family-oriented."
The dealership also gives back to the community.
To wit, check out the silver bell behind the information center just inside the front doors.
A gift from the Lacey Fire Department, the bell is rung whenever a customer purchases a Harley.
What's more, it signals the dealership's donation of money to the fire department, which in turn uses the money to help the less fortunate at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"We're part of this community, and we give back to it," Torfin added.
That community includes Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
One small example of Northwest Harley-Davidson's commitment to JBLM centers on the month of November. On the third Saturday, the dealership will host another Freedom Ride.
"All of the proceeds - 100 percent - will go to Army Community Service," Torfin pointed out.
Outside in the Northwest Harley-Davidson dealership parking lot, Sgt. Elliott Bicandi hosted an event designed to bring sport bike riders and Harley riders closer together.
"This place is fantastic," he said. "They go out of their way to make you feel welcome."
Store hours are Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, visit www.nwharley.com or call (360) 705-8515.
