When I was looking for a bike 18 months ago the R/E North America rebrand was just getting underway. As I understand it, there had been an importer supporting a network of dealerships. RENA was rolling up those dealerships to put them in the big multi-brand stores instead. For quite some time while I was keeping abreast of it, there were no more than five dealerships in the States for months.
My local shop had one left on the floor, but I was nervous to buy it knowing my closest dealership would be a long day's drive away.
Then I found an XS650 with no shop, no dealer, no warranty, but a great forum. I went for it.