Buckminn's Harley-Davidson Celebrating 25th Anniversary

Not only is Buckminn’s Harley-Davidson an outstanding motorcycle dealership, the business now celebrating its 25th Anniversary, has left an indelible impression on the community with its charitable endeavors. Buckminn’s has for years helped bring miles of smiles to hundreds of faces, especially children.

They have rolled right along with generous donations to the Greene County Combined Health District Foundation and to the oldest scholarship awarded at Xenia High School.  Annually – Rusty’s Ride – stocks the shelves of the toy cupboard at Christmas-time.  Since 1992, the Ride has provided more than $110,000 to fund the Holiday Project.  In 2008, proceeds from the Ride benefited 95 families.  Over the last 18 years, more than 14,800 families have received assistance.  Just how important these contributions are, is reflected in this comment from Carol Sue Knox, GCCHD, “We just couldn’t get along without the donations from Rusty’s Ride and other Xenia Ladies of Harley projects.”

Twenty-five years ago in 1984, the Smiths – John, Connie and brother Charlie purchased the former Championship Harley-Davidson dealership and moved it from north Xenia to a storefront on E. Second St. in downtown Xenia.  Buckminn’s expanded to an adjacent building in 1995 and continued there until 2003 when it re-located to its present location at 1213 Cincinnati Ave.  “The move was a good one,” Connie Smith said, “with plenty of parking, room for expansion and room to stage special events.”  The access is a convenience for customers. 

The dealership has always been a family affair.  Rod Smith, Connie and John’s son, joined the business in 1995 and is general manager.  Connie is Motorclothes manager and representative to the Xenia H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) club which is sponsored by Buckminn’s and has 253 members.  Brittany Smith, their daughter, has been at the dealership nine years and works in the Motorclothes Dept.  The Smiths express thankfulness for being in business 25 years and look forward to many more years association with Harley-Davidson.  Friendly service has always been an important aspect of their dealership and they agree they have provided this well over the years! 

The Smiths are proud of the Xenia H.O.G. which recently celebrated its 23rd anniversary.  The group and Xenia Ladies of Harley have been very active in the community for many years. 

In June, Buckminn’s was one of the major sponsors for the 86.6 mile Ride to Ripley.  More than $712 was donated to Ride to Ripley Charitable Account at Greene Giving (the Greene County Community Foundation) which promotes motorcycle safety and awareness and makes grants to local charities.  The ride is held the last Sunday of June.   

In 2003, the Smiths took over the “Rocky Thomas Memorial Scholarship” at Xenia High School.  The scholarship was established by the Xenia Sertoma Club in 1948 in memory of the Xenia Central High School athlete who was killed during World War II.

The name Buckminn’s, a tribute to John and Charlie’s parents, is a combination of the couple’s nicknames:  Charles “Buck” and Marian “Minn” Smith. 

Buckminn’s 20 employees invite customers and friends and colleagues in the community to attend their 25th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 29.  Hours for the open house will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. … six hours of free entertainment by a live band and stunt riders, refreshments and giveaway prizes.  It will be a time, too, to save 15% on all parts and Motorclothes (in-stock and special orders).  For information, call 1-866-218-1452. 

ELIZABETH STUDEBAKER (Feature Writer, Xenia Daily Gazette)

The Smith family, owners of Buckminn’s Harley-Davidson, celebrating 25 years of friendly service  – Rod, general manager, Connie, Brittany and John.

Motorcycles, motorcycles, and motorcycles ready to roll at Buckminn’s Harley-Davidson, 1213 Cincinnati Ave., Xenia, OH