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Premium US motorcycle brand files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

While Americans have pulled back on some discretionary spending, it hasn’t affected the motorcycle market.

“The global motorcycle market size was $71.92 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from $75.82 billion in 2025 to $119.09 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period,” according to data from Fortune Business Insights.

Sales will also increase in the US

“The motorcycle market in the United States is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of $8.76 billion by 2032, driven by year-over-year sales volume growth and consumer inclination toward recreational and power sports activities post-pandemic,” the data showed.

Despite the overall market growth, leading dealers of brands including Motos America, BMW and Triumph have struggled and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Rising interest rates have sharply increased inventory-floorplan financing costs for motorcycle dealers, strained cash flow and made it harder to carry expensive, slow-moving premium models.

Most dealer floorplan loans are variable-rate, meaning that financing costs increase rapidly as interest rates rise even as unit sales remain constant.

Motos America, Inc., a Salt Lake City, Utah-based motorcycle dealership group, filed for Chapter 11 protection on December 31, 2025, in the District of Utah. The company operates a network of 13 premium motorcycle dealerships in states including California, Florida and Oregon.

Its portfolio includes luxury European brands such as BMW Motorrad, Triumph, Ducati, Royal Enfield, and Vespa. Motos America was formed in late 2021 through a reverse merger and expanded its vertical footprint in early 2024 through the acquisition of New Start Financial, LLC, a subsidiary that provides in-house financing for its retail customers.

“A period of severe liquidity crisis followed after the company lost a $3 million deposit to Prime Capital Ventures in an alleged fraudulent scheme that halted a planned $15 million credit facility,” reported RK Consulting on X, formerly Twitter.

Operational challenges were compounded after the SEC revoked the company’s securities registration at the end of 2024.

“Motos America cited high inventory financing costs and failure to secure a $12M financing round as factors in the restructuring,” RK Consulting added.

High-end motorcycle sales are expected to increase.Shutterstock

When the SEC cancels a company’s securities registration, it stops trading of the brand’s stock.

“Generally, the agency sends delinquent notices before taking action; if they are ignored, trading of the company’s stock may be suspended without notice. At the same time, the SEC will initiate administrative proceedings to cancel the registration. A letter will be sent to the company that has ten days to notify that it has failed to file any kind of case, if any kind of failure to file. Canceled by default,” according to Security Lawyers 101.

More bankruptcies:

At the time of the delisting, Motos America tried to frame the move positively.

“This step allows us to focus more intensely on building a thriving and passionate community of riders while continuing to expand our dealership footprint,” Motos America CEO Vance Harrison said in a press release.

“By reallocating resources directed at regulatory compliance first, we can make even greater investments in our dealerships, customer programs, and long-term growth opportunities.”

Motos America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah on December 31, 2025, according to Bondoro.
In the bankruptcy petition, the company is listed Estimated assets between $500,000 and $1 millionRK Consultants reported.
The filing also informed Liabilities (loans) range from $10 million to $50 millionThis indicates that the debt in this case is more than the assets, shares RK Consultants.
According to the SEC, the majority controlled by CEO Vance Harrison with about 69% of the voting power in early 2023.
The SEC canceled the securities registration on November 18, 2024 for failure to file periodic reports.
The portfolio includes six premium brands including BMW, Triumph, and Ducati.
Chapter 11 is designed to allow a company to restructure its debts while continuing to operateInstead of liquidating assets under Chapter 7, according to the Justice Department.
Additional source: PacerMonitor

“The high-end motorcycle market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by disposable income and a growing passion for luxury and performance among consumers. Defined by motorcycles that offer superior craftsmanship, advanced technology and high performance capabilities, this segment includes brands such as Harley-Wu, Harley-Wu, Duquid-Wu, among others. According to a verified market report.

Regional Market Contribution (2023): North America leads with 35%, followed by Europe at 30%. Asia Pacific accounts for 25%, while Latin America and the Middle East and Africa contribute 5% and 5%, respectively. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region.
Market Breakdown by Type (2023): Among the sub-segments, double cylinder motorcycles account for the largest share at 45%, followed by four cylinder models at 25%. Metal single cylinders contribute 15%, and three cylinders contribute 10%. The fastest growing sub-segment is the metal single cylinder.
Motorcycle Size Distribution: The largest share of the market is in the above 500cc category, which commands 50% of the total revenue. The fastest growing sub-segment is the 250-500 cc category, estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period.
Growth Trend: The overall high-end motorcycle market is experiencing a steady growth trajectory, particularly in Asia Pacific, driven by increasing consumer demand for premium models.
Source: Verified Market Reports

American consumers have become more cautious when it comes to luxury spending.

“Field from April 24-28, 2025, the Saks Global Luxury Pulse Rising uncertainty around the macroeconomic environment has led to an overall decline in sentiment. Luxury consumers indicated that the top five drivers of their concerns were the general social and political climate, a possible impending recession, personal financial security, stock market volatility and ongoing global conflict,” according to the report.

Saks Global Luxury Pulse shared some other key information:

Luxury consumers are feeling the pinch as macroeconomic uncertainty increases Much less calm about the economy: 32% feel calmer, down 13 percentage points from the previous survey and down 22 percentage points from the same time last year.
So are luxury consumers Feeling underprepared When thinking about the economy, 36% indicate they feel prepared, which is a 13 percentage point drop from the previous survey and a 20 percentage point drop from the same time last year.
Note, with respondents Income of $200k or more All income groups reported feeling more prepared (41%).
Despite the lack of optimism about the economy, the majority of luxury consumers Stay optimistic about your personal finances; 67% of those with incomes of $200k or more feel they are prepared when it comes to their personal finances.

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This story was originally published by TheStreet on January 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a preferred source by clicking here.

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