It all started back in 1916 when Wilbur (Bill) H. Thede opened his first motorcycle shop. This shop would eventually grow into what we now know as Illinois Harley-Davidson.
In July of 1967, Bill, now known as the "Motorcycle Man," sold his business of 50 years to Robert E. Maxant and his son, Bob Jr. The Maxants purchased the entire inventory of parts, motorcycles, tools and store fixtures for a little more than two new, top-of-the-line Harley® motorcycles sell for today. The 2500 sq. ft. store was located at 6510 W. Roosevelt Road in Oak Park.
At that time, the Maxant family, who had very little knowledge of the motorcycle business, inherited Jerry Kiesow, the resident mechanic who showed them the ropes of the Harley business. Around 1971, Jerry's son, Dave, began working as a mechanic at the shop. His specialty was the lightweight Harley bikes known as Sprints. Dave bought into the business in 1980, and when Bob Sr. passed away in August of 1989, Bob and Dave became partners.
As the business grew, the Roosevelt Road location became too cramped with no room for parking. In 1991, the boys went after a 16-lane bowling alley on Harlem Avenue where the business is today. The transformation from bowling alley to Harley Shop took place in just four months and yielded one of the first Harley Designer Stores and home of the world's largest Harley-Davidson neon eagle sign.
It all started back in 1916 when Wilbur (Bill) H. Thede opened his first motorcycle shop. This shop would eventually grow into what we now know as Illinois Harley-Davidson.
