Financially exhausted by poor sales and by defending during 6 years a very costly lawsuit filed by Harley-Davidson (I remember President Clay Ridley telling me last September that more than 1/2 million dollars were spent in defense lawyer fees) and settled in 2009 (with Ridley losing the right to use the Auto-Glide name), Ridley Motorcycle Company filed on December 29, 09 a voluntarily petition under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. A motion was just filed the day after on December 30, 09 by MidFirst Bank, lender to Ridley in 2005 of an amount of $1 million, for the bankruptcy court to authorize the abandonment of the collateral given by Ridley to the bank. (Ridley already voluntarily surrendered its collateral to the bank on October 1st 2009, but Ridley bankruptcy case was filed before Midfirst Bank had the time to organize an auction this January 2010). The court document in my possession shows that the indebtedness by Ridley to MifFirst Bank far exceeds the value of the given collateral.
Ridley was founded in 1995 by Clay Ridley and launched an innovative motorcycle with CVT transmission design. In 1999, the company introduced the first fully automatic street/cruiser motorcycle known as the Ridley Speedster. The 3/4 scale motorcycle featured a nearly 600cc Ridley V-Twin engine, fully automatic CVT transmission, low 24 inch seat height, and weighed less than 270 pounds. The next innovation for Ridley was announced in 2003, when the company introduced its first “full size” automatic motorcycle, the Auto-Glide. Sales boomed with the arrival of new riders, men and women looking for a motorcycle easy to handle. At the end of the 1st semester of 2009 Ridley decided to no more produce motorcycles and instead, via another company called “2 Wheel Ventures” in which Clay Ridley’s son Jay is President, to launch a program to sell CPO Ridleys (Certified Pre-Owned) and to market custom parts available for its models.
HD sued for the use of the name “Auto-Glide”? Wow.
One more. Amen!
It seems to me that Ridley can’t reorganize in chapter 11. All collatral gone. Just keeping the name. It’s over.
It’s Karma. A lot of disgruntled Ridley clients, especially during the last 12 months.
Yea thats to bad.
Outside of a few automatic prototype bikes built decades ago, I wasen’t aware of any “AutoGlide” bikes HD makes….
Though I hate to see anybody go down, and especially with the way things are currently throughout the industry, there are those whose time was coming. This had nothing to do with the AutoGlide issue…that was just a bunch of BS for HD to make a fuss about.
This came about due to an over priced scooter being sold, with sub-par service, by a family once touted for it’s worth, having lost its integrity, its couth, and finally any semblance of respect for itself.
It also came from the false belief that the housing and credit market would never bottom out, and that there would be endless amounts of discretionary spending eternally.
Compound that with the companies poor spending habits, not paying your bills to your vendors and then trying to screw those same vendors with a line of BS…CLAY. Poor management, holier than thou attitudes, and lack of scruples will cut you down faster than a hot knife through butter-JAY
Good riddance.
I have talked with both Ridley’s and even the two twin Ridley boys. Love all of them very much. They built me a bike that I can handle and enjoy riding. Now I just hope there will be parts for my Ridley. – Shilea
where is the good time when you can take care of business with a shoot gun
Lyle.
There is a possibility that Harley Davidson paid for this name for “if and when” the time came and HD registered the trade name to protect themselves if they had a new product that fit the “name”.
This is why we have patent research attorneys to protect thy butt. research research research
Good company goes down in history. All thanks to Obama’s America. Definitely change we can believe in.
You know Vick, I’m not going to get into a pissing match with you over politics because this is not the place for it. If you check your facts you would realize that Ridley (and many others) was in trouble long before Obama took office.
This is an unfortunate situation where nobody wins. People lost jobs, investors lost money, etc. I wouldn’t wish this upon anybody. It sure as hell isn’t funny…
I think it depends on what office you are referring to. When the degenocrats took over in 2006 and Dodd and Frank rewrote the housing and banking codes, the economy was set to be doomed. Now with all branches of govt in their favor, they are getting exactly what the need. Accountability for what they’ve created.
The Ridley Motorcycle added a whole lot more to our industry in terms of innovation than AIH, Titan, and all the other catalog builders. This is very bad news for what’s to come in our industry.
very small niche market for this product… market shrunk to nothing during the recession… sell tooling & design to China
At the end of the 1st semester of 2009 Ridley …
What the hell does that mean, Cyril?
If it wasn’t for Ridley, I (& many many more) wouldn’t be riding their own motorcycle today. If Clay had not been financially hog-tied by HD, he may have been able to ride out this recession. This young, innovative company got hit hard. Isn’t that what the BK laws were designed for? I hope he reorganizes and comes back stronger than ever. To the narrow minds: The market Clay tapped into is the fastest growing in the industry.
Clay the Christian scientist or should I say “the guy that only believed in prayer to heal his sick ass” should try and pray his way out of this one. Working for this two-faced egotistical man and his retarded smug son only proved to me 3 years ago now that their business would close down eventually. They didn’t have the means to keep it going. not after they spent 1/2 million on a NASCAR campaign that didn’t work worth two scents! Oh? You didn’t head that Ridley had a name on a NASCAR? HMMM PROBABLY BECAUSE IT DIDNT WORK!!! Good Money well spent aye folks? That was all YOUR MONEY that you gave to them, spent on a Hobby THEY LIKED. Just Because they wanted a chance to be around NASCAR drivers. DUMB. SOOO DUMB.
Interesting line of comments so far….I especially like the ones defending Clay and Jay. Obviously the money they spent on their bikes did not flow back to the people who provided parts for the bikes.
Of course nobody wants to see a business go down…but let’s remember the Boyd Coddington’s of the world, who also screwed a ton of people while he was living HIS dream, and then ended up losing it all.
KARMA is a bitch. When good people get into trouble, and other good people who try (tried) to help them end up going down with them, nobody wins. Does this make Clay and Jay bad people? Not necessarily….but when you are not able to face the TRUTH about your business and you LIE to cover your tracks….well, the change becomes obvious. A business shipwreck doesn’t mean that you have to take innocent bystanders alone with you. A “bad economy” is not synonymous with “bad management” no matter how you play it. CLAY AND JAY lied to try to plug the holes in their sinking ship.
If someone does have the ability to reincarnate this company,,,,they need to do with with INTEGRITY. Then again, isn’t that the way a business SHOULD operate?
Karma is a bitch. ‘Nuf said…for now.
Just to give you a hint, I received their BK filing in the mail today…476 names on the creditor names list. Mostly companies, but some individual names…customers owed refunds? Don’t know, can’t say. So how many people are being screwed in this? Still want to defend the scruples? Think this company’s going down with speed of the AIH fiasco, ‘cept nobody’s gonna be stupid enough to try to bail this one out once.
Unfortunately for the Ridleys, they put their name on the bike, so their catching the brunt of it. I’m sure is investors (and yes he did have some) are none too happy either.
I hear Mexico’s nice this time of year.
Oh…and um…Kathy? 50CC $1000 scooters are the latest craze in the industry…not 600 CC $22K automatic scooters. Maybe Clay can get the chinese to produce his for him again and he and Johnny Pag can open shop together.
*they’re
*his
Clay is one of the most honest people I know. This has got to be tearing him up. I would say, if you’re owed money go to the creditors meeting.
SM
The “market” I was referring to is “women”. According to an article by HD V.P., women riders are the fastest growing market today. I can’t remember the exact numbers, but it was somewhere around 30% and HD is very interested in tapping into that. I’ve been on both sides of the BK courts. It’s always the last resort when you have to file. It was the worse time in our lives. I have also been listed as a vendor. I’ve learned not to extend more credit than I can afford to lose. I would never wish this on anyone, especially the Ridley family – who has always been fair & kind to me and many more Ridley riders. As far as the price per cc – really? If there was only ONE type of car you could drive or there was a very special “anything” you wanted to treat yourself to – how much that is worth to a person is a personal decision – don’t you think?
B. – What? Bringing a guys religion into this is like calling someone a short Mexican or drunk Indian. It really doesn’t have anything to do with why the company closed down. It’s just name calling. This topic is looking more and more like something we’ll see later on Judge Judy. Stupid.
Grad School Friend of Clays -WAS or IS?
Clay that I’ve dealt with has been full of crap and gave nothing but excuses. Did not give paperwork that was requested relative to warranty issues, etc. and then tried to make excuses for not paying for new product.
We will be filing at the creditors meeting. Perhaps we’ll just take one of his bikes for what he owes…and I’m just one of the people on the list.
Kathy-Understood with the female demographic, but in the same…the price you’re paying for an automatic motorcycle for the quality and support you receive pales in comparison to what you’d get for spending 15 minutes learning a clutch and buying a Harley for the same price.
I worked for the Ridley’s for two years 2007-2009. Was let go in June. KAB that means your “facts” are wrong. The Ridley’s are good people who got pressured into closing by their financers. During the last months, there were several dealers closing and those bikes were being returned by the dealers credit plan company. I remeber seeing several bikes from General Electric and textron.
During my employment Ridley had their owners rally in Okla City. Good attendence and every rider which included guys and girls was so greatful for their bikes. I never thought someone would hug me for making their dreams come true.
Now adding to the unemployment count it does suck that I don’t have a job. I do wish I still worked for the Ridleys and hope they get things turned around.
Biker Bob
Still stuck on what YOU think other people should pay, buy or ride? I can operate a clucth, stick, horse, boat, etc. That’s not the issue. HD makes great bikes. My husband owns two. My husband is also jealous of all the attention I get from my “second” Ridley. I hope to someday buy my third. Variety is the spice of life. Now I’ve completely gone off the subject. To the Ridleys: you are all hard workers and I know you’ll bounce back. Take care.
B2, maybe you just a smug little xxxxx just like Jay ridley is
I guess if making an observation is your definition of being smug than that’s what I am. But you continue to be the one name calling.
B. You have a point. I see where you’re going with it. Many times we talked with Clay, and he would always bring up “the good Lord” all the time. Funny that now, the good Lord has taketh away. Bringing up Jesus, and the good Lord during business might make you seem like you’re walking the right path, but how do you walk the right path when you’re greedy and don’t want to pay warranty, or deny buying dealers bikes back under contract with GE just because a distributor decides he doesn’t want to buy back from a dealer. These too were crooks like Johnny Pag. Well at Least the way Jay Ridley used to call Johnny Pag a criminal. Dishonest people have their asses handed to them. Thats really what happened. Can’t wait to join the creditors meeting, funny how Jay and Clay don’t write much on this blog. Better they keep their mouth shut, except for Jay who disguises his name with B2 and whatever else on the previous Blogs. Karma does slap ya in the face. It’s not about people losing their jobs, his workers were all underpaid anyway. They probably found something better somewhere else. And one of their head mechanics didn’t even believe in the product, said he didn’t even wanna be seen on one.
Even HE said they were overpriced. Cost to build a Ridley was around $8000-$1000. And they were selling them for $14-22 g’s. Hopefully Clay will realize his son was part of the demise for Ridley.
Did Jay and Clay pay their workers like short mexicans and drunken Indians?
X Ridley Builder,
Pretty sure you were let go just shortly before Steve, and I believe your last name starts with an S. I’m well aware of who you are, and though you may believe in Clay, you weren’t on the receiving end of being screwed by him.
I’m sure you got your last check…I”ve been waiting two years for mine, yet excuse after excuse…it never came. Glad you got your last 12-15 checks, because that money should have gone to pay what they owe me.
I”m sure they’re wonderful people if you’re getting paid by them. To those of us who know better…Good riddance. It all comes full circle and the way you treat others will ALWAYS come back to you, whether good or bad.
And Kathy, I really don’t care what you ride…I personally wouldn’t plop my money down on this product. Crying shame because there’s lots of good parts on their bikes too.
Enjoy your ride, whether you’re scooting or shifting…it’s all good.
If riding their scooter’s your dream…more power to you…you’ll need it…LITERALLY.
No this is not Justin. There were more than just Steve there when I was let go. If I’m right about who u r u quit and never picked up ur check. U didn’t have the balls to get it. It was on Clays desk formonths.
XRB-Thought you would have had the last name of Summers. Secondly, I’m a vendor, not an employee. Makes perfect sense to see you touting the Ridleys though…you appear to be about as conscienscious as them.
This is exactly why I sold both of my HD’s back in 94! I believe that karma is coming back for HD as I heard AMF is thinking of buying the brand again and mass producing them in the PROC.
If all those holier than thou people truly knew the Ridleys you would certainly know their intensions were not to fail in this business venture. They are great people caught in this bad economy. The economy turned bad and what’s the first thing people stop spending money on? – Pleasure items such as boats, custom motorcycles, motor homes, new cars etc. Sales have tanked for all these industries and you expect small companies like Ridley and their dealers can make it through this kind of economy. How long do you think any company can survive in this economy? I hope Clay and Jay don’t read this mess of disgruntled employees and unpaid vendors. These vendors certainly didn’t complain about Ridley when the economy was good and their businesses were doing well and I hope they can survive and don’t have to be subject to this kind ridicule if their businesses fail.
No, not Robert. I was an assembler. What did u supply.
TJW – well said!
TJW,
after reading this insanely long blog…you’re right to a point, but if there’s such a huge amount of people named in their settlement, apparently they’ve been on a downturn quite a while and should have done better to quit screwing people back when.
Seems they have people that worked with them that thought they were good folks, which maybe they were, but behind closed doors, it appears as if they were living a lie and were basically just in “save yourself” mode.
Customer service and employee/owner relationship goes a long way, especially when you’re able to depend on your vendors to support you. When a vendor is ultimately paying for you to remain in business and you continue to sell product while not paying them, how much of a “great guy” are you really?
Nobody intends on failing in their business venture, but I’ve been screwed by folks like this before, so it seems to me, they got what was coming to them!
Hmmmmmmmmmm I think I like this Karma Bitch. If the Ridley’s are out like they should be, at least people will stop getting re-screwed, and hopefully some creditors (like me) will get paid in the end like they all should. Cheaters may prosper, and good people always take in the ass, but eventually, you reap what you sow.
XRB,
Not at liberty to disclose that due to legal reasons. Don’t worry…they’ll get what’s coming to them, then maybe I’ll get 1/10th of what’s coming to me.
Likewise, you’re out, and you’re an assembler, so it’s none of your concern.
Folks like Art and myself are the ones who have EVERY right to badmouth them. You…as an employee, who was probably getting paid during that time, really do not have a leg to stand on, as you apparently were not screwed by the Ridleys, nor their consortium of investors.
The name’s done, the bikes are done, the employees are done. Time to start fresh and without the Ridley pimple on the world’s ass anymore.
Oh…and TJW…yeah..we did complain back then. Clay’s been pulling this shit for a while, then tried to play nice, then pulled shit again. Screw ’em.
Karma’s a bitch, I get what you’re sayin’ about an employee not having a leg to stand on, but you and I are in the same boat. Did you not ever get paid for any of the parts you supplied? I supplied Clay with batteries since 2004. Sold him over 3500 batteries. Almost 300k in batteries. They owed me $1500 when I got the bk notice. Can I say I want my money? Yes. Would I say Clay is a terrible business man? No. This is like his eighth start up with all the others being a success. I’ve known of Clay for years, but have never heard anyone call him a crook or lier. Did you notice that he is filing personal bk also? Looks like the company took him down with it. Its a terrible thing to see these small businesses fail. Makes me think about how it could happen to my supply business.
Does anyone plan on attending the creditors meeting? Wasn’t sure if I could get some of the $1500 owed.
Jeez.. i don’t mean this in a bad way, but i guess i don’t feel as bad now knowing that I wasn’t the only one getting lied to.. What a bunch of hosers these guys were.. May if Clay wouldn’t have bought his big semi.. and not spent over half a mil on Nascar, everyone would have been paid.. Thats where the money went. Hey Clay.. still watch NASCAR? Really paid off didn’t it.
Ridley sure became the household name you wanted it to be with that idea… Good Job Jay.. Good Job Clay.. way to screw your dealers and vendors. Spending all that money on your own hobbies n’such.
Does anyone know if the bank will buy back the bikes Ridley owes us money for? We cancelled out contract with Ridley and din’t buy back the bikes as Minnesota state law states they should.. Is anyone else in this predicament? Who owns the bikes? GE? RIDLEY? the bank?
Battery supplier,
We are owed roughly 10K. I’m sure he went elsewhere for his components when he quit paying me. Conveniently, he took 75 units units that run about $150 each, then shortly thereafter, I had issues getting ahold of accounting, getting emails returned, etc.
Fortunately, I was able to catch Clay or Steve on a cell phone or I’m sure I wouldn’t have gotten the courtesy of ANY correspondence.
You may have held a better hand as a supplier than I did, and had a longer relationship, as I dealt with him since 2005, and it was for the most part, a never ending drama.
Also, I never said Clay was a terrible businessman. The industry is what it is, but when you’re a liar and dishonest to not only your vendors, but the customer base (notice…warranty issues over the last year and lack of support), then I would say you’ve lost your scruples and credibility.
The personal BK is simply to cover his ass so he can homestead his home, etc. and not lose his personal belongings over anything he may have signed against with a PG, etc.
As far as the creditor meeting, talk to an attorney. You don’t have to be present for it, but you will need to submit paperwork ahead of time. I’m visiting with my attorney tomorrow.
Do any of the vendors know where I can get a seat for a Ridley? I am looking for a Studded Touring Seat for my wifes 2008 Ridley Auto-Glide. I would love to buy one, but the parts company is out of them. BTW- I have never had a problem with Ridley or their support. We bought ours in MB two years ago. Great bike, good customer service, easy to deal with. Too bad the company has to reorganize, but I am grateful there is a company supporting the bikes dispite them not having the seat I want. I was afraid we wouldn’t be able to get parts coming into the riding time of year. Harold
What Color studded seat do you need? They probably don’t have any and won’t get any because they haven’t paid the vendor that sells them to them
It is a black touring seat with the silver studs. I did speak to a company yesterday that had some. I bought one from them yesterday, but thank you for responding. Do you have other Ridley accessories. My wife loves her Ridley, but I need to get it decked out like my roadking. Harold
Battery Supplier, are you a creep or what? You just told every one about how much money and Biz you made from The Riddler Company.Now you are going to wait in line for $1500. Guys like you are never grateful for the amount of Biz from the past. It is only what is due today!!!
We have a white touring seat with studs.. and a few other ridley parts.. what other parts do you need? We actually have a lot of parts inventory in our stock room. Give the shop a call if you have any questions on other stuff.. 651-765-9988
RE: Does anyone know if the bank will buy back the bikes Ridley owes us money for? We cancelled out contract with Ridley and din’t buy back the bikes as Minnesota state law states they should.. Is anyone else in this predicament? Who owns the bikes? GE? RIDLEY? the bank?
Arturo Welch, You should sent an invoice to the manufacturer for the units. It should be forwarded to the trustee for pref payment. Its worth a try. Based on what I’ve seen here, there might be a big player in the market for the Ridley name that would require the TM buyer to cover the debts of the company.
DE
Did you send one to the trustee?
I am not a creditor. But from what I read from your earlier posts, i would be bombarding the trustee and Ridley for payment. You can’t go wrong hounding both sides. What I meant was, whatever mail Ridley received should be forwarded to the trustee, so I you don’t or can’t communicate directly with the trustee send it to Ridley.
DOES ANYBODY KNOW THE VENDORS IN CASE YOU NEED MOTOR PARTS OR WHAT EVER. I HAVE TWO SPEEDSTERS MYSELF. THEIR NEAT LITTLE BIKES THANKS.
I called the Ridley number in my owners manual and got a hold of a company that is selling parts for my Ridley. I am not sure about the smaller models. I was able to get everything I needed to have my mechanic prep my bike for spring. Try the old Ridley number. – Shilea
I was a factory technician for Ridley Motorcycles and knew Clay and Jay and others at the final assembly plant. Should the public need to know my opinions feel free to write to me at: ok_net@hotmail.com [ok_net(at)hotmail.com] and I’ll consider your request on a case by case basis. Please put “Ridley” in the subject line to work around my spam filter.
What can I say Clay… you should have listened to me and taken my advice.
Ridley Factory Technician
The point of the blog comments is to read your “public” opinions. I think you mean private opinions. Right?
Are there any other dealerships going to the trustee meeting? Has anyone else submitted in paperwork to the bank or trustee?
We’ll be there. Clay has an original 1966 Ford Shelby Cobra we’d like for the debt we are owed. Brian.
You have to be kidding. If Mr. Ridley has an original Cobra do you really think you’re going to get it for a few thousand you are owed? Arturo, ive been to a creditors meeting. It lasts five minutes. Don’t be stupid, ask an attorney. If you bought bikes from ridley and consider youself a creditor because of that you’re wrong. Ridley doesn’t owe you for any inventory you bought. Only stuff they bought from you and didn’t pay for.
actually we cancelled our contract with them, and by MN state Law, they are obligated to buy them back so technically they DO owe me for the bikes..
I am shocked, I just came accros this web site while searching for ridley’s upcoming events.
Im a chopper owner who has been out of the country.
Many questions, but foremost in my mind is my concern for parts if I should need them?
Can anyone tell me where I can check for parts that I may need in the future .
I bought mine in Daytona during the BIKEFEST last year.
Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Please put Ridley on subject block
cb901 at yahoo.com
search the google for ridley parts. Sites listing ridley parts. whats the problem?
I have done business with Clay and Jay since 2001. They have always been good to us, helping with shipping, parts and good information. They took some of our aged inventory to Myrtle beach and sold four out of four. I am very sad to see them close the doors. The economy has made an impact on us all. We are all professionals in our fields, we can focus our efforts on making things better for our business doing the things we are good at, or we can spend our time worrying about spilled milk, or chasing what we think is owed to us. If you move forward now and do what you do best and forget about what has happened you will all be in a better place by the end of 2010.
WOW, THIS IS SHOCKING TO HEAR THAT THEY ARE TRULY OUT OF BUSINESS. I HAD THE CHANCE A COUPLE TIMES TO PERSONALLY MEET CLAY AND JAY IN DAYTONA DURING BIKE EVENTS. MY WIFE ALWAYS WANTED TO RIDE SO I TAUGHT HER AND SHE WENT AND TOOK THE SAFETY COURSE AND PASSED, BUT HONESTLY SHE COULD NEVER REALLY GET THE CLUTCH SITUATION DOWN PAT. AS IT TURNED OUT SHE WAS MORE OF A DANGER ON THE STREETS BECAUSE SHE WAS SO SCARED AND UNSURE ABOUT USING THE CLUTCH. AT A RALLY IN MYRTLE BEACH SHE SAW A GIRL ON A RIDLEY AND FELL IN LOVE ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE REALIZED SHE DID NOT HAVE TO SHIFT. SHORTLY AFTER THAT I FOUND A GOOD DEAL ON A 2007 A/G AND BOUGHT IT FOR HER. THE FIRST TRIP WE TOOK WAS FROM FL. TO NC LAST JUNE AND DUE TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER’S LAYING THE BIKE ON ITS SIDE THE SHAFT TO THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS BENT AND SHE LOST HER BRAKES IN THE MOUNTAINS. WE TOOK OUR TIME GETTING TO OUR HOME AND SHE REALLY LEARNED TO USE AND RESPECT THE FRONT BRAKES. I CALLED RIDLEY FOR ADVISE AND LEFT A MESSAGE, ABOUT 2 HOURS LATER I RECEIVED A CALL FROM CLAY HIMSELF TRYING TO HELP, HE WAS GREAT AND EVEN CALLED MY H/D MECHANIC TO FIND OUT WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED QUICKLY AND RATHER INEXPENSIVE. I BET YOU COULD NOT GET THE OWNER OF H/D TO CALL YOU BACK AND SEE THAT YOUR TROUBLES ARE FIXED. THANK YOU CLAY AND I HOPE YOU BOUNCE BACK I REALLY BELEIVE THERE IS A NEED FOR AN AUTOMATIC BIKE, IF NOT MY WIFE WOULD NOT BE ENJOYING THE RIDE. WE STILL HAVE THE 2007 A/G AND ALSO THE 2003 SPEEDSTER. MARK IN FL. ACE.
I’ve been looking for a clutchless bike, I googled and found the Ridley site. I thought oh great I found my bike, now dreams are shattered due to baknrupcy. I went to the HD dealer in Southlake Georgia, to ask about the Ridley, they had never heard of Ridley..( It’s a family owned dealership). Anyway, I’m still in the market for a clutchless bike, I jsut could’nt get that cluch down pat. I really want to ride,
this message is for miss scarlett, there are 3 brand new ridley bikes still for sale at treasure coast harley davidson in stuart florida.
By Order of the Court: Ridley Motorcycle indeed did SELL, this 16th day of February, 2010. The first item sold was: ALL PARTS INVENTORY (over 1 million dollars new cost), BUSINESS NAME AND RIGHTS, AS PER UCC FILING.
What did it go for? $36,000
I was told, by an auction employee, that a distributor in Missouri bought it.
The average price for the various (non Harley) Ridley motorcycles sold for between $2500 to $4000 with the newer bicycle type versions selling for less than half that.
The three Harley-Ridleys averaged about $9000.
The rest of the stuff, office equipment, tools, supplies etc. looked, to me, to go for ordinary auction bids.
ok_net@hotmail.com if you contact me put Ridley in the subject line.
come on people
life is rough and companys go under
if you are STUPID enough to continue giving credit to some one who bull&**(^s you then its your tough luck, I feel that Clay Ridley would not want to ruin his name intentionally ,
ok so the product sucked its a dang golf cart on 2 wheels you bought it get the heck over it
bunch of wine bags
Now think of all the dealers who have 3 or more bikes in stock and tons of parts and t-shirts they are the one who gets real hurt now they can’t get what they got in the bike out of it.
Can someone please take Vick and his retarted politics and shoot him please, just please put him out of his misery. I know where the term children should been seen, but not heard comes from now. Really they should have a law against that much stupidity in and hatred in one person
Just to clarify the title of this article which reads, “Breaking News. Ridley Motorcycles In Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Reorganization”, actually whoever fed this info to Cyril Huze was in error. There was no intent to reorganize the company. There are two related bankruptcy filings: case numbers 09-17301 and 09-17302. One is a personal bankruptcy for Clay Ridley the other for Ridley Motorcycle Company; both are filed as chapter 7. In the case of Clay Ridley’s personal filing it was learned he also goes by the d.b.a. C R Ideas.
ok_net@hotmail.com
H-D goes after any company that uses “Glide” in the naming of their bikes.
WHEW,
AND TO THINK, I ALMOST BOUGHT A RIDLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Never mind the politics, the elitist attitudes of HD owners, et.al. I am sincerely upset at the possible demise of Ridley. I have for a couple of years been saving to buy a Ridley as I have physical Issues that forced me to stop riding a “standard” motorcycle and Ridley was my answer to get back on two wheels. Frankly if they go under that sucks!
My wife had a Ridley for one and a half summers. It really did run good, was a heavy bike and the turning radius was a bit difficult. She loved the bike but was always worried about parts and “what if it breaks down while on a trip”. She decided to sell it last June and now I say “thank God”. She got almost all she put in it so we were one of the lucky ones. She too was one that “didnt want to shift” but decided she loved riding enough to learn. She never realized how easy it really was and now loves her Honda VLX .
We met Clay and Jay in Daytona last winter and they were friendly as can be. We never had any problems with her Auto Glide so I dont have an opinion about service. My Victory dealer serviced her Ridley and said it was very easy to work on. I feel bad for all the woman and men that have Ridley’s and do hope that Jay continues with making parts for them. It would be a shame and I do hope the parts are reasonable and this will tell if the Ridley’s are really honest people .
In 2008, my wife and I bought her a 2007 Autoglide Classic. We live in eastern Canada, and the nearest dealer was 500 miles away. She has spent 2 years riding the bike and has had a great time on it.
That being said, there have been a couple of issues with the bike that I have had a difficult time getting any help with from Ridley. I found Clay Ridley to be helpful at first, however , his son and the “tech” people that I had to deal with since have left me with a very bad taste in my mouth, Now i come across this blog. Still have our $20000.00 ,750cc bike, and my wife is still riding and having fun with it, but my experience with the company owners and employees led me to find a good bike tech where I live to look after the service the company couldn’t do. And of course the cost will now be out of my pocket, not Ridley’s.
Just as a final note, my wife received a recent email from Ridley Motorcycles stating that they had been bought out by one of their “dealers” who would be looking after parts supplies and maybe “future” manufacturing. I checked into this dealer: its President in Jay Ridley……let the buyer beware. Thanks for listening….and ride safe all
I guess no one is safe in this environment. No suprise that all of the blog sites are riddled with posts about failing motorcycle builders. I agree that ridley had a good product in a very niche market which ultimately caused their demise. If they could have built a bike with a larger displacement, they would have had a better chance of making in Obama’s America. Is that attributable to management? I guess so. If you read the story about Mr Ridley, he’s had several successful businesses before attempting to tackle the motorcycle industry. But no one foresaw the coming economic collapse. Reading today’s newspaper, most companies weren’t prepared. My hope is that Americas true entrepreneurs can help the country rebound through innovation.
You can all quit worrying about finding parts…call the Two Wheel Ventures…it’s the same DAMN people. Jay’s the president, Valerie’s doing the books and I’m sure Clay’s back there filling orders…simply a sleight of hand to screw the vendors…there is ZERO INTEGRITY with the Ridley family.
How do I know this? I am a vendor, and they “conveniently” had somebody call for some parts…a new voice on the phone, yet the purchase order had Valeria P’s name on it.
I hope you go down twice Ridley…you’re bad people and regardless of your “maybe, at some point” deflating ego (not sure it could happen with you two), and kind words from those who don’t know better, those of us who do know, who were screwed for a lot of money, let’s just say I’d love to meet you personally to discuss how things are going.
Shit comes full circle, so the crap you just slung will come back to you and hit you from behind when you’re not looking….and it doesn’t have anything to do with the economy…you were screwing people 2 years ago…this wasn’t something that happened in the last 6 months.
I OWN A 2006 RIDLEY AND JUST LOVE IT. I AM TRYING TO FIND A BLACK TOURING SEAT WITH THE STUDS AND A BLACK PADDED SISSY BAR WITH THE STUDS TO MATCH. IF YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND ONE PLEASE E-MAIL OTTOMART2@VERIZON.NET. THANKS ANN
It’s shame that Ridley is out of business and can not make this great Automatic Motorcycle.
I bought one, brand new in 2006 and still own it and love it very much. It’s fun to ride this bike.
You folks have to understand one thing….any mechanical part do break down and needs maintenance.
I had attended that First Ridley Rally. Had lot of fun meeting other Ridley Riders. Met personally Clay, Jay and whole staff at Factory. Nicest people on the earth. Had talked to Clay and Jay couple of time on Technical issue and were resolved very quickly.
Presently dealing with 2 Wheel Venture for parts etc….and again very nice experience.
If you have not dealt with this people and don’t own a Ridley than you don’t have a right to complain about anything !!!
I wish Ridley should come back to life and serve the riders again with same enthusiasm.
Bye now.
I have to agree with Patrick. I am disabled and can no longer work a clutch, so I was really hoping to be able to purchase one someday. I loved the freedom of riding and miss it dearly. I don’t know anything about how the company was or wasn’t managed but I am always saddened when an American company goes out of business. We already import too much, and I would be proud to own a true American motorcycle.I am sorry for the vendors that lost money but I am more sorry for the employees that lost their livelyhood when the company went under. Just my two cents for what it’s worth…..
On a side note… If anyone is so discusted with the situation that they don’t want their Ridley anymore, I would gladly let them give it to me! lol
My ’08 Ridley auto-glide has been a piece of junk. Last year, it caught fire and had be re-wired. 9/18/10, the transmission went out. All of the small parts have fallen off and the paint on the speedometer is peeling off (the bike is garaged kept except for riding). I have contacted Ridley who never responded. Oh, and yesterday the kickstand bent from holding the weight of the bike without rider and fell over so I have big scratches in the expensive paint. I am stuck with 2 and half years more of payments on something I can no longer ride. I wish they had stayed in business so I could have sued them under the ‘lemon’ law.
Its true that alot of american businesses are closing down due to bankruptcy these days and thats sad. im just sorry that this will make it hard for alot of handycapped people (such as myself) who were planning to buy an automatic bike wont have that luxery now.Hopefuly hd will get the balls to buy clays design rights and put it on a descent american made bike (well half of it made in america now) if they did i would surely buy one! possably more than one. Yes I do believe that its more of the want to riders that this hurt.
Just want to add my 2cents. Clay was always what I and my wife called a friend. I still think of him, his wife and Jay as friends. We sold Ridley Motorcycles and made a few more good friends of our customers. I believed in what he was building from the beginning, and still do. I really hated to see his business fail. I would welcome a chance to tap his brain and be in a business with him. He done more to please owners of his bikes then I would have expected. I’ve seen it. Clay is a smart man and I don’t believe he will be down very long and can’t wait to see what comes next. Thank you Clay for being a friend. Dan
Funny about Harley Davidson suing this company because I remember when Harley was bailed out by the Reagan Administration and Congress through sweet heart tax incentives.
Ridley filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, not 11. Big difference. Ch. 7 is liquidation; Ch. 11 is re-organization. Ridley was liquidated the following Feb. I think some offspring of the original founder has started the company up again, though.
man after reading the comments someone had to put obama in there and i bet it must be a republican. You will get your chance, next election. The economy is what it is, suck it up or are u gonna blame obama for the tsunami too.
To the Ridley family I am truly sorry to hear about you problems like so many smaller bussiness this economy has killed us off but keep you heads up you made a great product. I own several harleys and am purchasing a pre owned ridley it is for my wife and I have several reasons for this desisions one is the weight, two no clutch (my wife has rumatoid arthritis) so these bike have a lot of good features for inexperienced or handicap riders.I have built a bike for her but I feel more comfortable knowing that she can handle this bike easier and to all the americen people out there you should be ashamed of yourselfs instead of judging these people why not go out invest in your own dream take all your money invent something and go out in the real world and try to sell it work 80 to 100 hrs a week don’t take a paycheck and then let someone take that dream away from you let us know how it works out for you To the Ridleys thank you for trying to build something american I truly hope you can come back from this Joey Tenamore
Oh man this really bites! I can’t ride a regular built bike due to medical reasons. I’ve spent the past 30 of my 40 years on the back of a Harley and love to ride! I just went thru a class here in Va which gave me my class M to go buy my own. I planned on buying a Ridley. They are the closest bike to a Harley. Now what am I going to do? Does anyone know if Harley will ever realize there is a market for Auto bikes? If so, then by all means I’d sign up now to buy one of the first ones…. Any suggestions on what to buy now that Ridley is no more???
They are still available just look up Route 66 Ridley.
Taking delivery of mine in 2 to 3 weeks from Missouri. They are not availabe out here in the Pacific Northwest. Derek Smyth can help you out!
where can i get one of their (CVT) transmissions- for deal price of course- 600cc power range