Kyla P Mora

Pacific Daily News

It's been 18 years since Harley-Davidson of Guam brought the popular motorcycle brand to the island.

Now under new ownership, the dealership is hosting a grand opening sale 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the current location in Asan, along Marine Corps Drive.

The event celebrates Harley-Davidson of Guam's transition from the hands of one family-owned business to another, said Jennifer Camacho, senior vice-president of Cars Plus Guam.

When Harley-Davidson of Guam opened nearly two decades ago, it was under the management of Bill Nielsen, who many called the godfather of Guam's motorcycle community.

Since Nielsen's death in October 2012, the dealership was owned by his son, David, Nielsen. But after moving to open a new Harley-Davidson dealership in Hong Kong, Camacho said, David Nielsen realized "he needed someone on island who can give (the dealership) the love and attention it deserves."

Camacho partnered with Joey Crisostomo, president of Cars Plus Guam, and Robbi Crisostomo to create Pacific Powersports LLC. Together, the trio purchased the motorcycle dealership.

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Robbi Crisostomo, who spent more than 25 years at United Airlines and worked recently as a director with IP&E Guam, will take over daily operations as general manager.

"This is very exciting for our family," Robbi Crisostomo said. "I have a great team here that loves the brand and the Harley-Davidson way of life. That's what this new endeavor is — something we love and are passionate about."

According to Camacho, the dealership employs 13 people.

Approximately 150 to 350 motorcycles are sold on island every year. In 2016, Camacho said, Guam's power sports dealers sold more than 200 motorcycles combined.

"We're confident in the market and know growth is coming," Camacho said. "Guam is a beautiful place to ride and the support and camaraderie amongst the riders is amazing."

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Harley-Davidson of Guam also is the regional dealer for the Marianas and hopes to expand its strong rider community on Saipan and the outer Micronesian islands, Camacho said.

The dealership will unveil and launch new models and engines very soon after the grand opening, Camacho said.

"We've had to wait on our new shipments of motorcycles, which took a little longer than we expected. But they've arrived and are mean machines," Camacho said. "New bike models, incredible new engines and styling — riders of every level have a lot to look forward to."

And given their long history in Guam motor sports racing and the riding community, so do the new owners, Robbi Crisostomo said.

"Growing up around motorcycles our entire lives is something we did, so getting the chance to work with your family and be around motorcycles? There's nothing better than this," he said.

IF YOU GO:

Harley-Davidson of Guam's grand opening event features the following:

4 to 7:30 p.m., Jumpstart

4:30 and 6 p.m., Shop Talk

5 to 6 p.m., Bike Rodeo

6 p.m., Barbecue Battle

7 p.m., Burnout Contest