Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara: 70 Years of Motorcycle Passion in Ontario

At Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara, motorcycles are more than just a passion—they're part of our history, our family, and our community. For 70 years, we've proudly served motorcycle enthusiasts across Ontario, building lasting relationships through our love of riding, exceptional customer service, and commitment to quality.

What started as a small motorcycle business in 1955 has grown into a trusted name in the Niagara region, with two locations in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fenwick, Ontario. From our selection of new and pre-owned Harley-Davidson® motorcycles to our expert service, genuine parts, accessories, and riding apparel, we're here to make every riding experience unforgettable.

Our Story: A Family Legacy That Began in 1955

Every great journey begins somewhere, and ours started with a motorcycle and a lifelong passion for the open road.

Our founder, John Clare, discovered his love for motorcycles in 1949 when he received a Harley-Davidson® in exchange for a plumbing job. That single motorcycle sparked an extraordinary journey that would shape the future of our family business and leave a lasting mark on Canada's motorcycling community.

In 1955, Clare's began as a small motorcycle shop in Welland, Ontario, before relocating to Fenwick, where our original dealership continued to grow. Over the decades, we expanded our offerings to include respected motorcycle brands such as Harley-Davidson®, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha, serving generations of riders throughout the Niagara region.

In 2008, we took another important step by opening our dedicated Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara dealership at 590 York Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Today, our two locations continue to reflect the values that started it all: passion for motorcycles, quality products, and genuine relationships with our customers.

John Clare: A Pioneer in Canadian Motorcycling

Our history wouldn't be complete without recognizing the remarkable achievements of our founder.

John Clare wasn't just a motorcycle dealer. He was an accomplished competitor, a dedicated advocate for riders, and a respected leader in Canadian motorsports.

Throughout his riding career, John participated in road racing, trials, scrambles, hill climbs, and dirt track competitions. His dedication to the sport earned him the prestigious Ontario Sportsman of the Year award in 1974.

His contributions extended far beyond competitive racing. John played an influential role in the Canadian Motorcycle Association, supporting organized motorcycling, rider education, and the growth of the sport throughout Ontario and Canada.

His outstanding achievements were recognized with several important honours, including:

1974: Ontario Sportsman of the Year
2011: Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming only the third Canadian to receive this distinction
2011: Induction into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame

John's legacy remains at the heart of Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara, inspiring our continued dedication to the riding community.

More Than Motorcycles: Our Commitment to the Niagara Community

At Clare's, we've always believed that being part of a community means giving back to the people who support us.

John Clare demonstrated this commitment through decades of community involvement. As a two-term president of the Fenwick Lions Club, he dedicated his time to local initiatives and received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions.

His involvement in motorcycle organizations and rider education also helped promote safer riding and a stronger motorcycle community.

Today, we carry that same spirit forward by supporting local riding events, bringing motorcycle enthusiasts together, and welcoming riders from across Ontario and beyond.

Whether you're a longtime customer, a first-time visitor, or a motorcycle enthusiast passing through Niagara, you'll always find a place in the Clare's family.

Diana Sweets Café: A Piece of Niagara History at Clare's

There's another special piece of Niagara history waiting inside our Harley-Davidson® dealership: Diana Sweets Café.

For more than 75 years, Diana Sweets was a beloved gathering place in downtown St. Catharines. Known affectionately as "The Di," it brought generations of local residents together over coffee, conversation, and good company.

When the original café closed in 1996, its iconic Art Deco furnishings eventually made their way to Buffalo, New York.

Years later, Randy Clare helped bring this remarkable piece of local heritage home by acquiring the historic furnishings and restoring them inside our Niagara-on-the-Lake dealership.

Today, the recreated Diana Sweets space celebrates the history of the Niagara community while offering visitors a unique atmosphere.

It's one more reason to stop by Clare's, take in the surroundings, and experience a little local history along the way.

Two Locations, One Passion for Riding

From our original roots in Fenwick to our dedicated Harley-Davidson® dealership in Niagara-on-the-Lake, our commitment to riders has never changed.

At Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara, located at 590 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, we specialize in Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, offering sales, financing, service, parts, accessories, and official riding merchandise.

At our original Clare's Cycle & Sports location in Fenwick, riders can explore motorcycles and powersports products from leading brands, including Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki, along with additional product lines.

Together, our two dealerships proudly serve riders from Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, Fort Erie, Hamilton, and communities throughout Southern Ontario.

Celebrating 70 Years of Riding, Family, and Community

Reaching our 70th anniversary in 2025 marked an incredible milestone for Clare's. It represented seven decades of dedication, generations of loyal customers, and countless memories made on two wheels.

While motorcycles and technology have evolved since 1955, the values behind our business remain the same.

We believe in treating customers with respect, sharing our knowledge, and helping every rider find the products and support they need to enjoy the road ahead.

From our founder's first Harley-Davidson® to the motorcycles in our showroom today, every chapter of our story has been driven by a shared passion for riding.

And we're proud to continue that journey with you.

Visit Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara Today

Whether you're searching for your next Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, looking for genuine parts and accessories, or simply want to experience a dealership with more than 70 years of history, we invite you to visit us.

Stop by our Niagara-on-the-Lake dealership, explore our motorcycle inventory, and discover what makes Clare's such a special part of Ontario's riding community.

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact us today. Our team looks forward to welcoming you!

Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara — 70 Years of Great Riding. Est. 1955.

About Us - 70 Years of Riding History