BMW Motorrad USA Announces Opening of BMW Motorcycles of Jacksonville

Grand Opening Scheduled March 3, Demo Truck March 10 Former Navy Pilot Brings Passion for Motorcycling to Northeast Florida

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 17, 2012… Jacksonville – Florida’s largest city and third largest seaport – is now home to BMW Motorcycles of Jacksonville, the newest member of BMW Motorrad USA’s dealer network.  The new BMW motorcycle dealership, located at 1515 Wells Road in the Jacksonville suburb of Orange Park, offers a complete line of new and pre-owned BMW motorcycles, parts, accessories, apparel and service capabilities in a newly renovated 15,000 square-foot facility.

A grand opening event, Saturday, March 3, will feature a seminar by Jim Hyde of  RawHyde Adventures, representatives from BMW Motorrad USA, and special giveaways.  On Saturday, March 10, a demo truck from BMW Motorrad USA will be onsite, featuring demo rides, a selection of the latest BMW riding apparel and special dealer giveaways. 

“With its proximity to I-295 and great visibility from the road, we are setting this up to be a destination point for all riders in the area,” says owner Don Passell.  “Whether you are waiting for service, browsing our inventory of bikes, or just hanging out with a cup of coffee, we welcome everyone to our comfortable showroom and customer lounge.”

The Jacksonville dealership is the culmination of a several-year effort to establish a BMW presence in northeast Florida, according to Lou Provato, Dealer Development Manager, BMW Motorrad USA.  “Don and his entire staff are passionate about motorcycling and bring a tremendous amount of riding experience and knowledge to motorcycle enthusiasts in their region.  We are proud to have them represent the BMW brand.”

Mr. Passell brings a lifelong passion for adventure to what he now terms his “third career.”  He spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a carrier-based fighter pilot before working as a commercial airline pilot.  Upon his retirement from Delta Airlines, he started his first motorcycle dealership in 2007. 

“I’ve been a BMW rider for a long time, so establishing a BMW dealership was a natural fit,” he comments.

Off the motorcycle showroom floor, Don spends free time in his hangar, building a Lancair he hopes to pilot in this year’s Reno Air Races.  His need for speed – both on and off the ground – will resonate with local motorcyclists and military personnel alike.

For more information about BMW Motorcycles of Jacksonville, including the upcoming grand opening celebration and other special events, visit www.bmwmcjax.com or phone (904) 375-2921.   Showroom hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.