PHOTOS BY TANYA CONSAUL
Riding the Legacy: How Kim Wyman Revved Up a Family Dream at Harv’s Harley-Davidson®
There are stories that start with chance, and then there are stories that start with legacy — built on the calloused hands, hard work, and heart of a family who dared to dream. For Kim Wyman, that legacy began long before she ever twisted the throttle of a Harley-Davidson®. It began with her father, Harv, and mother, Milly — two visionaries who turned a passion for motorcycles into a family business that would become one of New York’s most beloved Harley-Davidson® dealerships.
Nestled in the scenic countryside, Harv’s Harley-Davidson® is more than a dealership — it’s a destination. A place where the rumble of an engine is a familiar comfort, where customers become family, and where history lives and breathes through every bolt, photo, and ride. For over six decades, the family has been at the heart of this legendary brand, keeping the spirit of freedom alive for riders across generations.
But what makes this story truly remarkable isn’t just the legacy — it’s the woman behind the handlebars today. When Kim Wyman took over the reins at just 20 years old, she stepped into a role few women had ever held. In a male-dominated industry where resilience is as essential as horsepower, Kim blazed her own trail with courage, grit, and vision.
From turning wrenches and selling oil as a little girl to transforming a family business into an 18,000-square-foot powerhouse and cultural hub, Kim’s journey is one of inspiration and innovation. It’s about carrying forward the past while fearlessly embracing the future — all from the same farm where it began.
And through every twist and turn, Kim has proven that the true spirit of Harley-Davidson® isn’t just about the bikes — it’s about the people, the passion, and the power of perseverance.
Growing Up Harley
There’s something about the low rumble of a Harley-Davidson® engine that stirs the soul — the sound of freedom, grit, and timeless Americana. For Kim Wyman, that sound has been the heartbeat of her life since before she could even walk. As the proud owner and CEO of Harv’s Harley-Davidson®, a dealership still standing proudly on the family farm where it all began, Kim’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose — a testament to what it truly means to grow up “life on two wheels.”
For Kim, motorcycles weren’t just a part of the family business; they were the family business. Her childhood wasn’t filled with dolls or playhouses, but with engines, chrome, and the hum of a shop bustling with riders coming and going.
“Growing up in a family-owned Harley-Davidson® dealership was life on two wheels right from the age of 3,” Kim says with a smile. “The dealership’s first store was literally a chicken coop on the family farm. I started selling oil to customers when I was tall enough to look over the counter.”
That first counter job would mark the beginning of a lifelong journey — one that would see Kim grow from a curious young girl into a trailblazing businesswoman in a male-dominated industry.
Through her teen years, Kim immersed herself in every facet of the dealership. While other kids her age might have been hanging out at the mall, Kim was learning the ins and outs of motorcycle mechanics, sales, marketing, and bookkeeping — all under the watchful eye of her mom and dad, Harv, the dealership’s namesake.
“My dad taught me how to service and assemble the motorcycles, while my mom taight me how to sell parts, accessories, and bikes, and even handle promotions and bookkeeping,” Kim recalls.
“All of that prepared me for the unexpected — my mom’s untimely passing when I was just 20 years old.”
When tragedy struck, Kim did what strong women often do — she rose to the occasion. At just 20, she stepped into her mother Milly’s management role, suddenly responsible for running the business that had been the lifeblood of her family for generations.
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Finding Her Strength at 20
The year was 1980, and Kim Wyman was not only young — she was a woman in a world where few expected women to lead, especially in the motorcycle industry.
“Being female was a challenge in a ‘man’s motorcycle world,’” she admits. “But I had enough experience to hold my own.”
Hold her own she did. Kim learned quickly that leadership isn’t about age or gender — it’s about passion, resilience, and the drive to succeed. Under her management, the dealership not only survived but thrived. Less than a decade later, in 1989, she officially purchased the Harley-Davidson® franchise — right at a time when the motorcycle industry was struggling.
“1989 was a low time for the motorcycle industry overall,” Kim explains. “But Harley-Davidson had started a new ‘SuperRide’ campaign that turned things around. The 90s became the most lucrative years as a Harley-Davidson dealer.”
That combination of grit and timing — along with a deep understanding of her customers and community — helped Kim steer Harv’s Harley-Davidson® into an era of growth that would set the stage for decades to come.
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Riding Through Challenges, Building a Legacy
Over the years, Harv’s Harley-Davidson® has grown from that humble chicken coop to an 18,000-square-foot facility complete with additional storage buildings and even a café bar. The expansion was more than just about square footage — it was about creating a space that reflected the warmth, heritage, and authenticity of the Wyman family.
“Since taking over management in 1980, the business has grown tremendously,” Kim shares. “The motorcycle industry will always have its highs and lows, but Harv’s Harley-Davidson® has sustained the challenges and stayed true to who we are.”
Part of that success lies in how Kim has managed to honor her parents’ legacy while bringing her own modern vision to life.
“The Harv’s Harley-Davidson® legacy continues with my three sons,” she says proudly. “They all grew up in the dealership, worked various positions in their teens, and today are all employed in motorsports. They’re also professional motorcycle racers — and they’ve put Harv’s HD on the map for raising some fast boys out of New York State!”
Indeed, the Wyman family’s passion for two wheels seems to be genetic. Between the family business and the racetrack, the next generation is ensuring that the Harv’s name — and the Harley legacy — keeps roaring into the future.
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A Family Museum of Memories
Step inside Harv’s Harley-Davidson®, and you’re not just entering a dealership — you’re stepping into history. Vintage photographs, racing memorabilia, and collectible treasures tell the story of a family who has lived and breathed the Harley lifestyle for generations.
“Our ’47 Harley has been in the family for over five decades,” Kim says. “It started out as a basket case in the cellar of our homestead and was restored to original condition in the 2000s.”
Today, that motorcycle sits proudly among an array of memorabilia, creating what Kim affectionately describes as a “visual museum” inside the dealership and café.
“We have many collectible and vintage items from my parents’ riding and dealership days, along with Harleys from my sons’ racing careers,” she says. “It’s a space that tells our story — not just a business, but a family journey.”
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Community, Camaraderie, and Cause
One of the most defining aspects of Harv’s Harley-Davidson® is its deep connection to the community. Kim doesn’t just sell motorcycles — she builds relationships, memories, and causes that matter.
“We are a riding dealership,” Kim emphasizes. “We sponsor the Wayne County Harley Owners Group, a local riding club, and we host rides and runs for fun and for causes.”
For more than a decade, Harv’s Harley-Davidson® sponsored and organized the massive “Ridin’ For A Reason” event benefiting Camp Good Days, a local nonprofit supporting children and families affected by cancer.
“Those were some of our most meaningful rides,” Kim reflects. “Now, we focus on benefits for individuals in need — it’s about community helping community.”
These events have helped transform Harv’s Harley-Davidson® into far more than a dealership — it’s a hub for riders who share the same passion for freedom, friendship, and giving back.
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Empowering Women on the Open Road
When Kim took over Harv’s in the 1980s, she was one of the very few women in the country to own a Harley-Davidson® dealership. Her journey wasn’t easy, but it was groundbreaking — paving the way for many women who would follow.
“Back in 1989, I was one of the first woman-owned Harley-Davidson® dealerships,” Kim says. “Today, there are many husband-and-wife teams or women owners. The industry has evolved — women are now a strong force in so many areas: design, engineering, management, even racing.”
Kim is passionate about encouraging more women to take up riding — not just as a hobby, but as a lifestyle and a statement of empowerment.
“Women have been part of motorcycling since the beginning,” she explains. “As with any male-dominated field, women have proven that we are capable of succeeding and winning. Harv’s HD encourages women to learn to ride, and we welcome them whether they’re brand new or seasoned riders.”
Her advice to women looking to make their mark in similar industries?
“Go for it!” she says without hesitation. “No, it won’t be easy. You’ll have to work harder, smarter, and longer to prove yourself. But the rewards and satisfaction of what you accomplish will be worth it.”
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Staying True to the Roots
Despite the changes and growth, one thing has always remained the same — Harv’s Harley-Davidson®’s “down-home” atmosphere. In an age of corporate dealerships and flashy showrooms, Harv’s stands proudly on its family farmland, serving as both a destination and a piece of living history.
“There are big brick-and-mortar dealerships across the country, but there are still small, family-run dealerships thriving,” Kim says. “Harv’s HD is still on the family farm — we never moved to a busy highway or off the interstate. Our store is a destination dealership.”
That authenticity is part of what keeps people coming back — not just for the bikes, but for the experience.
“We host events and runs on the property with plenty of room for a good time,” Kim adds. “Milly’s HandleBar Café even hosts weddings and private parties in a beautiful country setting. It’s the kind of place where everyone feels like family.”
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Looking Toward the Future
As Harv’s Harley-Davidson® approaches its 65th Anniversary in 2027, Kim and her team are already planning a celebration worthy of the dealership’s storied legacy.
“Our goals are to continue to outsell our competitors, grow our Harv’s HD team, and continue serving our loyal customers while welcoming the next generation of Harley riders — male and female,” she says. “2027 will be a big milestone, and we’re already in the planning stages. We can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
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A Legacy Fueled by Passion
From the chicken coop beginnings on a family farm to one of New York’s most respected Harley-Davidson® dealerships, the story of Harv’s Harley-Davidson® is the story of perseverance, family, and fierce determination. It’s a reminder that great businesses aren’t built overnight — they’re built over decades, by people who pour their hearts into what they do.
For Kim Wyman, that’s exactly what she’s done — and continues to do. She’s not just running a business; she’s preserving a legacy, empowering women, and inspiring a community of riders who live for the open road.
As she looks out over the dealership her parents started and her sons now help carry forward, Kim’s pride is unmistakable.
“This isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life,” she says. “Harv’s Harley-Davidson® has always been about family, freedom, and the love of riding. That’s something that will never change.”
The Heart Behind the Handlebars
At the heart of Harv’s Harley-Davidson® isn’t just the thunder of engines or the gleam of polished chrome — it’s the people. Kim Wyman has built something more than a successful dealership; she’s built a family of riders, dreamers, and doers who understand that Harley-Davidson® is more than a brand — it’s a brotherhood and sisterhood that transcends generations.
“Every customer who walks through our doors becomes part of our story,” Kim says. “Some have been riding with us for decades. Others are just starting out. But the bond we share is the same — the love for the ride and the freedom it represents.”
That sense of community extends beyond business hours. Kim often takes time to greet riders personally, to listen to their stories, and to celebrate their milestones — whether it’s a first bike, a retirement ride, or a cross-country adventure. She knows that every Harley-Davidson® represents a story of courage, independence, and self-expression.
“For so many people, riding a Harley is more than transportation,” she reflects. “It’s therapy. It’s empowerment. It’s their time to breathe, to think, and to just be.”
It’s this understanding — the human connection behind the machine — that has made Harv’s Harley-Davidson® such a beloved landmark for riders near and far.
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Women Who Ride, Women Who Lead
Kim’s influence reaches far beyond the walls of her dealership. She’s become an unofficial mentor and role model for women in motorcycling — and for women in business. Her story has inspired countless others who’ve faced similar challenges breaking through barriers in industries that were once almost entirely male-dominated.
“When I first started, there weren’t many women dealers — you could count us on one hand,” she recalls. “Now, seeing more women take ownership roles, step into leadership positions, or even just get out there and ride — it’s incredible. It’s progress.”
That progress is something Kim has actively fostered. She has worked with local organizations and rider education programs to encourage women to get licensed, feel confident, and experience the joy of riding safely.
“I’ve seen women come into the shop saying they could never do it — that riding wasn’t for them,” Kim says with a grin. “Then a few months later, they roll up on their new Harley with the biggest smile. That’s what it’s all about. Seeing that transformation — that spark — it’s contagious.”
For Kim, empowering women to ride isn’t just about selling bikes; it’s about igniting independence, building confidence, and helping others experience the freedom that riding has given her.
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Rolling Into the Next Generation
As Kim looks toward the future, she’s filled with pride — not just for how far the business has come, but for how it continues to evolve with each new generation. Her sons — all professional motorcycle racers — are carving their own paths in the world of motorsports, proudly carrying the family name wherever the road or racetrack takes them.
“They’ve taken what started here and brought it to a whole new level,” Kim says. “Seeing them out there racing, representing Harv’s, it’s an incredible feeling. It’s proof that what my parents built, and what I’ve worked to continue, is still inspiring others to chase their dreams — on and off the road.”
The next phase of Harv’s Harley-Davidson® isn’t just about maintaining tradition — it’s about expanding it. Kim envisions continuing to grow the dealership’s community outreach, creating more events that blend riding, philanthropy, and fun, and building deeper connections with local riders and organizations.
She’s also passionate about embracing the next generation of Harley enthusiasts — those who may be discovering the brand for the first time.
“The Harley-Davidson® community is timeless,” Kim says. “Whether you’re 25 or 75, that feeling you get when you ride — it’s the same. My goal is to keep that spirit alive, to make sure new riders know they’re welcome and part of something bigger.”
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A Legacy That Lives On
As the dealership approaches its 65th anniversary, the story of Harv’s Harley-Davidson® stands as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. From a chicken coop on a family farm to a full-service dealership with national recognition, Harv’s isn’t just a business — it’s a living legacy.
And through every triumph and challenge, every race and ride, one constant remains: Kim Wyman’s unwavering dedication to the dream her parents began.
“This dealership is my family’s story,” she says softly. “It’s where I grew up. It’s where I learned what hard work means. It’s where my boys took their first rides. And it’s where so many people have found their passion. That’s what makes it special. That’s what keeps me going.”
For Kim, the future isn’t about slowing down — it’s about riding forward, full throttle, into whatever comes next. With every rev of the engine, every smile from a customer, and every memory made along the way, the legacy of Harv’s Harley-Davidson® continues to grow — fueled by heart, horsepower, and an unbreakable love for the ride.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the motorcycles.
It’s about the moments, the memories, and the people who make the journey worthwhile.
And as the sun sets over that familiar stretch of countryside where it all began, the sound of a Harley echoes through the air — steady, powerful, and free.
Just like the woman who keeps it all running.
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Follow Harv’s Harley-Davidson®
Keep up with all the Happenings at Harv’s! — events, rides, and celebrations — by following them on social media or visiting their destination dealership on the original family farm. Whether you’re a lifelong rider or just Harley-curious, you’ll find that at Harv’s, everyone is welcome — because here, it’s not just about motorcycles.
It’s about legacy, loyalty, and life on two wheels.
