National motorcycle retailer J&P Cycles announced its Anamosa location is closing, eight years after it moved its warehouse location to Louisville, Kentucky and six years after its parent company, Motorsports Aftermarket Group, declared bankruptcy. John and Jill Parham founded J&P Cycles in Anamosa in 1979, and the company experienced rapid growth and expansion throughout the […]
National motorcycle retailer J&P Cycles announced its Anamosa location is closing, eight years after it moved its warehouse location to Louisville, Kentucky and six years after its parent company, Motorsports Aftermarket Group, declared bankruptcy.
J&P Cycles is closing its Anamosa retail location, at 13225 Circle Drive. CREDIT ANNIE BARKALOW
John and Jill Parham founded J&P Cycles in Anamosa in 1979, and the company experienced rapid growth and expansion throughout the years. John Parham was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2015, and received the Don J. Brown Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dealernews Top 100 Dealer Awards in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2012.
The Philadelphia-based Comoto Family of Brands, which also operates RevZilla, Cycle Gear, Common Tread, and REVER, acquired J&P Cycles in 2020 and operates retail stores in Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, Michigan, and South Dakota.
"While it's incredibly hard to close the door on this chapter in a place as special as Anamosa, we look forward to continuing to serve riders and grow the J&P Cycles business. Anamosa was an integral part of our company's success, and we will forever be grateful to this community,” said Zach Parham, son of the founders and Comoto president and CFO.
Cody Taylor, employee at J&P Cycles’ Anamosa location, said inventory is being shipped to the Louisville location. Employees found out about the closure Dec. 8, and workers were offered remote jobs. Mr. Taylor said it would not be difficult to find employment at other motorcycle retailers. “We know the industry pretty well,” he said.
According to the press release, the six team members impacted by the closure will receive comprehensive support, including severance packages, outplacement services, and opportunities to be considered for other roles within the company.
A sign directing deliveries at the entrance of the National Motorcycle Museum. The museum closed in September. CREDIT ANNIE BARKALOW
“We have deep appreciation for the loyalty and support we’ve received from the people
of Anamosa and want to assure riders that this decision does not diminish the
commitment to serving the motorcycle community through our retail stores and online
network,” said Zach Parham.
National Motorcycle Museum closes
Former site of the National Motorcycle Museum, at 102 Chamber Drive in Anamosa. CREDIT ANNIE BARKALOW
In addition to retail, the Parhams established the National Motorcycle Museum in 1989 in Sturgis, South Dakota, eventually moving headquarters to Anamosa in 2001. The museum contained a collection of motorcycles from the past 100 years as well as thousands of photos, postcards and posters. The 2017 death of founder John Parham dealt a blow to the museum, as well as years of low attendance and the 2020 pandemic. The museum permanently closed on Sept. 5, 2023, and contents were auctioned off to help pay off debts.
J&P Cycles’ retail location in Anamosa will remain open until Jan. 2, 2024.
