Skip Fordyce

A popular and successful pioneer Harley-Davidson dealer in Riverside. California. In the 1930s he starred in and operated a traveling stunt motorcycle troupe that toured up and down the West Coast. As a dealer he caused a scandal after the Second World War by taking on Triumph machines as well, and a horrified Harley-Davidson management threatened to withdraw his franchise. Fordyce pointed out that Harley had nothing to offer new riders in the increasingly popular 30-45-ci (500- 750-cc) market, adding that he could take them to court for restraint of trade. Harley-Davidson withdrew its objection.