I was in about a year ago now and Gary Bang was there and looked pretty good for a guy in his 70s. I worked part time for him when he had his store in Canoga Park on Sherman Way. I worked at machining those cases he used to cast. At one time he was the only source of HD cases with no serial numbers. That was late 60s. Uh oh, did I date myself? I did not work for him very long. Uncle Sam got me.
The next I heard of him, Tom Selleck had bought his place overlooking Camarillo and that was in the late 70's. It might have been about that time he moved his operation to Atascadero, I do not know.
Anyway, I introduced myself and he did not remember me. His wife at the time I worked for him pretty much ran the operation. He looks good though. I don't hot rod bikes any more. I do not know if he has a catalog any more or not. He is a nice guy.
Jim B. I have never been into Santa Maria, but a few guys I know say they deal well and are professional.
Another up and coming dealer is Antelope out in Lancaster. They sell a ton of bikes,new used, consignment. They must be doing it right.
I have to confess, most of my shopping is on the internet these days. It is just so convenient and the shipping offsets the no sales tax, in my small way of thinking. Some I like are Zanotti's and Grand Rapids for stock parts. They have never failed me. Got the wrong parts with the right part number from Chicago and it can happen, but I haven't been back since, because I had to pay shipping back and forth on my dime. Not a great deal.
There just seems to be too many dealers going under, not just motorcycles, but cars too,especially in my area and it is hard hit by the economy. That is what is probably driving the closures. I myself would have bought a new bike by now, but I can't pull the trigger until I see a turnaround. I guess I am part of the problem. :s