Number 1 Best of the Best ATV, Side-By-Side & Motorcycle Businesses in the Area – Prairie ATV & Cycle, LLC!

After working for15 to 18 years for other similar businesses in Fort Pierre, Abe Elder decided to open his own business here.  In 2016 He purchased property along Highway 83 upon which a liquor store had stood and began tearing it down to prepare to build his own building. In December 2017 he opened that business.

“With 4 wheelers and ATVs,” Elder said, “I thought the business was a good fit for Fort Pierre surrounded by the farming and ranching community; it was more what we are about.” Elder also “felt at home here.” The sale barn road location which Prairie ATV & Cycle sits next to as well as Hwy 83 have been a very visible location for Elder.

When asked how his business has changed the last six years, Elder responded, “4 wheelers are not as popular as they were. I am selling more Side-By-Sides. “They are more user friendly and get you out of the element. Motorcycles over the last three years have increased which is good. We have a good following with motorcycles and the farmers and ranchers with Side-By-Sides.”

Prairie ATV & Cycle have a good customer base and repeat business from satisfied customers. They do trades and consignments as well as service on ATVs, Side-By-Sides and motorcycles. According to Elder, the motorcycle season is about to take off.  He pointed to a 2013 Ultra Classic with 20,000 miles on it with a 103 motor and said, “This is a very good bike.”

One of his recent sales had been a very low mileage cycle with which the customer was well pleased. There were at least 8 more used motorcycles displayed for viewing as customers walk in the door. Elder said, “It would be quite a task to set up a dealership to sell new motorcycles.”

He currently has a few 4 wheelers and Side-By-Sides on hand for sale but low mileage consignments move very quickly and sometimes never ever make it to the lot before they are sold. They currently have a 2015 Honda 500 Foreman Side-By-Side in the shop now which will be ready in the next week of so for sale.

Prairie ATV & Cycle has three full time service men, two of which have over 20 years of experience with four or five years in ATV and motorcycle repairs. One of his employees has only been with him two years and is learning the trade.

When he asked about his employee retention. Elder said, “If you are treated well and with respect it makes a world of difference. It makes you want to come to work every day.” He added, “I couldn’t have a business like this without them.” Elder is looking for a receptionist, front counter person right now and would entertain the idea of hiring an interested high school student full or part time.

Elder is hosting some students from Riggs High School automotive class next week to see a demonstration of working on vehicles in his shop. His business has grown steadily in spite of rising costs forcing people to do some of their own servicing like oil changes. However, he is available if it is something over their head and is willing to get them back on the road again by replacing a part or doing an upgrade.

Prairie ATV & Cycle has a lot of repeat customers has been voted “Best of the Best Business Award from the Capital Journal” for the past 4 years. Open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and just a phone call away on weekends for emergency repair.