University Honda: Bleached bones now picked clean

June 3, 3:26 AMSeattle Motorcycle ExaminerPhil Herring

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A proud and historic motorcycle dealership was auctioned into history last week, as James G. Murphy Co. Auctioneers quickly disposed of the remains of University Honda.

Off-brand helmets, jackets in size XS or XXXL, and a couple rat bikes that looked like Mad Max props found new owners.  Then everybody packed up and went home, leaving an empty retail space on Pike Street and a gaping hole in Seattle's motorcycle scene.

I sat on a motorcycle for the first time in University's showroom.  Bought my first riding gear there.  Met my first bulldog who could add whole numbers.  Only up to two.  And actually, I've never met another since.

Who knows how many people bought their first bikes there?  How many dreams were realized and passions found in that showroom?

While U. of Honda wasn't the most active dealership the past couple years, it was part of Seatte's riding substrata.  With its big showroom, big inventory, and big selection of accessories it was a dependable place to hang out while your wife spent the equivalent of a new GSXR at Nordstrom.  Lots of really nice people worked there.

And if scootering was your thing, University's Capital Hill audience encouraged the most impressive scooter inventory in Seattle, arguably better then even the stores that specialize in scoots.

The shop has been closed since January so we're all learning to live without it.  But for the handful of folks who watched its last twitch at auction last week, it was a melancholy day... and not just because the used Honda Rebel sold for $2750.

No one knows where motorcycle dealerships go when they die.  Are the twisty roads paved with gold?  Do you pass through pearly valves? Wherever you are, University Honda, here's hoping it's a better place.