Javaspeed Restructuring, Winter Shutdown (& Liquidation)

luigi · Post by **luigi** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:19 pm

I don't work for Javaspeed, and I don't benefit from anything said below, except in that Javaspeed welfare = scooterists hangout/ride point. Patrick has always been a Buddy promoter and focus for New England scooting, so I though the MB community would want to hear it pronto.

I was down for the weekly ride last night and discovered that in order to continue operating, Javaspeed is restructuring and closing down retail and new bike sales planning to shutter by HALLOWEEN. (Rhode Island unemployment is worse that all save Michigan and Nevada right now). The plan as explained is to liquidate now, and open a much smaller repair and warrantee shop next spring.

I do know that the staff will be kept on cleaning and packing, as well as finishing any service work still in the shop.

The owner is obviously down about this winter shutdown and restructuring, but realizes that without it there may be no future. It is still sinking in, IMHO, there is nothing being done to promote this. (He did say it was OK to let other people know.) Frankly, he is a friend and I don't want him to close at all but, especially permanently. In any event, he is selling the new bikes, accessories, and helmets, jackets at a loss. These are never-to-be-seen-again type pricing on Buddys, Roughhouse, and Kymcos.

Please see this post not as a careless shill of a first poster (and a vintage guy at that) but as a fellow scooterist wanting a local shop to have a chance at coming back fully when things improve.

I am going down to the shop again to get more info (the weekly ride leaves right as the shop is closing, and well, obviously nobody wanted to hang around and answer all the curious questions).

-Luigi

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:44 pm

Thanks for posting the update Luigi. I can't make the rides on Wednesdays this semester as I'm on campus until 10pm. Patrick and crew are good, good people (I still owe $4.28 for my fuel filter!).

If anyone in New England is looking for scoots, parts or gear, please come to Javaspeed and support them. I was in there about a week ago and there was a lot inventory, both of bikes and Corazzo jackets and bags, helmets. Please support Patrick.

brape · Post by **brape** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:56 pm

I love javaspeed, this is indeed very sad. I would like to upgrade my horn and maybe ad some chrome (front rack and crash bars) to my buddy if they have any of that stuff around. Do you know what their hours are for the rest of the month? I have a huge exam this weekend but might be able to make it up next friday or saturday.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 2:45 am

Damn. I'm coming into PVD on the 27th and was looking forward to stopping in just to see a(nother) well-known, highly respected shop.

I still might, if I can make it work before the weekend, but it just won't be the same

bosbud · Post by **bosbud** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 2:53 am

I am a lurker. This is my 1st ever post (actually I just created this account). I bought my Buddy from Javaspeed and really loved the whole experience and everyone I have interacted with. Patrick is simply wonderful and this news saddens me greatly.

brape · Post by **brape** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 11:36 am

I think I'm going to try and ditch work early and get to providence by 5:30/6 and then go climb at the gym with my boy.

Ethanc · Post by **Ethanc** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 12:01 pm

This is my first ever post also. I am sad to hear the news -- it certainly explains why they were not open on wednesday morning when I went to take my Buddy down to have a wheel looked at.

I will make sure to go and support them, but what does this mean for Genuine owners in the area?

ObjectAgnosia · Post by **ObjectAgnosia** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 4:31 pm

Ethanc wrote:This is my first ever post also. I am sad to hear the news -- it certainly explains why they were not open on wednesday morning when I went to take my Buddy down to have a wheel looked at.

I will make sure to go and support them, but what does this mean for Genuine owners in the area?

Fromthe OP, it looks like they'll remain open as a service and repair shop. I was looking for a place to ride to today, looks like it'll be to Java speed.

polianarchy · Post by **polianarchy** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 5:02 pm

Howdy, luigi!

Welcome aboard.

Thanks for the informative post. I'm sorry that it's such sad news. I can attest that Javaspeed is run by great folks and is an important part of the New England scootering community. Please support them so that they will be able to reopen in the spring. Who knows what the future will hold. Here's to hoping they'll be able to stay afloat, ride out this current depression, and rebuild the shop to its former glory someday soon.

hardd1 · Post by **hardd1** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 11:56 am

it is truly a shame to see yet another business forced to close...banks funded with tax dollars refuse to assist entrepreneurs with loans to remain viable through the tough times.......you have to admire Patrick's attempt to slug it out but he does recognize the long winter ahead. Liquidating Javaspeed's assets and downsizing til the economy rebounds is a savvy business move thus preserving Patricks integrity....Best Wishes and hurry back

ObjectAgnosia · Post by **ObjectAgnosia** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 3:44 pm

I stopped by yesterday and he still has a lot in stock; Genuine scooters, Kymco Scooter, electric bikes Helmets jackets, etc... I walked out with a Corazzo 5.0 Jacket at 40% off, killer deal and it was a much warmer ride home

Definitely going to stop by again sometime soon.

pdxrita · Post by **pdxrita** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 4:08 pm

ObjectAgnosia wrote:I stopped by yesterday and he still has a lot in stock; Genuine scooters, Kymco Scooter, electric bikes Helmets jackets, etc... I walked out with a Corazzo 5.0 Jacket at 40% off, killer deal and it was a much warmer ride home Definitely going to stop by again sometime soon.

Holy cow! You NEVER get a discount like that on Corazzo jacket. If I were anywhere near there, I think I'd make the trip just to pick up a spare.

brape · Post by **brape** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 4:20 pm

I'm tempted to send my boy over to pick me up a spare. I'm kicking myself now for not.

Kaos · Post by **Kaos** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 4:34 pm

Wow, you know a shop is a good one when it brings that many lurkers outa the woodworks!

Sorry to hear about this, hope it all works out!