Which motorcycle company just went out of business?

The most recently and widely reported shutdown was Volcon Inc., a Texas-based electric powersports maker known for the Grunt electric motorcycle, which filed for Chapter 7 liquidation and ceased operations in early September 2024. If you’re asking about a different company or a development from the past few days, share the region and date and we’ll verify the latest status.

The most recent confirmed closure: Volcon Inc.

Volcon Inc., headquartered near Austin, Texas, moved to wind down and liquidate under Chapter 7 bankruptcy in early September 2024. The company produced electric off-road motorcycles and powersports vehicles, including the Grunt/Grunt EVO and the Stag UTV. The filing effectively ended operations, with staff reductions and asset liquidation following.

The shutdown capped months of cash constraints, missed funding targets, and supply-chain setbacks that had already led to production delays. Volcon had been publicly traded and had pursued partnerships to stabilize manufacturing, but ultimately could not secure sufficient capital to continue.

Related but different: CAKE’s bankruptcy and relaunch

Separately, Swedish electric motorcycle brand CAKE filed for bankruptcy protection in early 2024 after a planned financing round fell through. Later in 2024, the brand and assets were acquired and operations were restarted under new ownership. Because CAKE resumed business, it is not currently considered “out of business,” even though the original corporate entity entered bankruptcy.

What about Buell and other boutique brands?

Some boutique motorcycle brands have faced operational pauses or restructuring in recent years, and headlines can create confusion. As of the latest widely verified reports through late 2024, there was no confirmed, formal liquidation for Buell Motorcycles. Given how quickly situations can change for small manufacturers, it’s best to verify the current status using official filings and recent company statements.

Other notable motorcycle-company shutdowns in recent years

The motorcycle industry has seen several closures and collapses over the past decade, often tied to funding challenges, supply-chain disruptions, and the difficulty of scaling production. The following examples provide context for how common such shutdowns can be.

• Alta Motors (2018): Pioneering U.S. electric dirt-bike maker; ceased operations after funding and partnership setbacks.
• Victory Motorcycles (2017): Polaris-owned cruiser brand; discontinued to focus on Indian Motorcycle.
• Erik Buell Racing (EBR) (2015 and 2017): Entered receivership twice; assets sold; later attempts to revive under different structures.
• Mission Motors (2015): Early electric sportbike innovator; closed amid financial and IP challenges.
• Bultaco (electric reboot, 2019): The revived Spanish brand wound down amid financial difficulties.

These cases highlight that even well-regarded brands can struggle to cross the capital-intensive “valley of death” between prototypes and sustained production.

How to confirm the latest closure right now

If you need to know whether a company has gone out of business in the last few days, these steps can help you verify quickly and reliably.

• Check official insolvency and court records: Look up recent bankruptcy filings (e.g., Chapter 7 or 11 in the U.S.) or administration/insolvency notices in the company’s home country.
• Review company channels: Company newsroom pages and official social media often post shutdown or restructuring notices.
• Scan business and industry press: Reputable outlets and motorcycle-industry trades will confirm closures and provide context.
• Look for SEC or equivalent filings (for public companies): An 8-K, delisting notice, or liquidation announcement is definitive.
• Ask a dealer: Authorized dealers usually receive direct communications about parts, warranties, and service continuity.

Taken together, these sources can distinguish between a temporary pause, a restructuring, and a full liquidation.

What a shutdown means for current owners

When a motorcycle company closes, owners still have options to keep bikes on the road and protect their interests. Consider the following practical implications and steps.

• Warranties: Manufacturer warranties typically lapse unless a successor entity assumes them; third-party service contracts may remain valid.
• Parts and service: Independent suppliers often stock compatible components; liquidators may also release parts inventories to the market.
• Recalls: Existing recalls remain on record; dealers or independent shops may perform fixes if parts are available.
• Registration and title: Ownership and registration remain valid; keep your documentation current for resale value.
• Resale and valuation: Expect short-term depreciation; collector interest can buoy prices for rare models over time.

Documenting maintenance and securing spare parts early can help preserve value and usability after a brand’s closure.

Tell us the company and location you mean

If you’re referring to a specific brand or a very recent announcement, share the company name and country. We’ll check official filings and trusted sources to confirm whether it has just gone out of business or is undergoing a temporary restructuring.

Summary

The most recently reported motorcycle-related company to go out of business is Volcon Inc., which ceased operations and entered Chapter 7 liquidation in early September 2024. Other brands, such as CAKE, experienced bankruptcy but later resumed operations under new ownership. If you have a different brand in mind or need confirmation of a breaking development, provide the name and location and we’ll verify the current status.

Is Kawasaki motorcycles going out of business?

Interestingly, it is with the spin-off in mind that Kawasaki seeks to boost its powersports business as the company’s flagship brand. So it’s safe to say that our beloved Kawasaki motorcycles aren’t going anywhere.

Is KTM still in financial trouble?

But on the other you had figures like Stefan Pir telling their customers not to worry as they wouldn’t be affected. It’s hard to see how that could have been the case when looking deeper KTM.

Did Big Dog Motorcycles go out of business?

Big Dog Motorcycles is a manufacturer of semi-custom, mid-priced motorcycles, based in Wichita, Kansas, United States. The company was founded in 1994, shut down in 2011, and recently reopened as Big Dog Is Back .

What motorcycle company did Polaris buy?

Indian Motorcycle
Indian Motorcycle (or Indian) is an American brand of motorcycles owned and produced by automotive manufacturer Polaris Inc. Independent operations ended in 1953; resumed operations in 1999 in Gilroy, CA. Purchased by Polaris Industries in 2011.