Browsing: Harley-Davidson

Harley Davidson and its financial division HDFS are drawing a clear line at the end of the year and repaying a large block of older debts ahead of schedule. The measures affect bonds with a total volume of over a billion dollars and are intended to strengthen the group’s financial base. The steps indicate a strategic reorganization of the financial base.

The Harley Davidson X440T expands the manufacturer’s existing entry-level segment and sets new standards, particularly in terms of appearance. The model is once again being developed in collaboration with Hero MotoCorp and is aimed exclusively at the Indian market, where it will be available shortly, according to the manufacturer.

Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Let’s Ride Challenge – Ride for Heroes ran across the United States between March 28 and October 31 and became one of the manufacturer’s largest participatory campaigns. More than 29,000 registered participants collectively racked up 83.4 million miles on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This significantly exceeded the original target of 50 million miles and triggered a donation of US$1 million (approx. €920,000) to various organizations that support military personnel, veterans, and first responders.

Harley-Davidson announced further details about the planned Bagger World Cup at EICMA in Milan. The US brand presented the official logo for the new series, showed off a prototype of the racing machine, and introduced the first three teams for the inaugural 2026 season. The international racing series will take place over six MotoGP weekends and represents a significant step forward in Harley-Davidson’s motorsports tradition.

Harley-Davidson has unveiled selected motorcycles for the 2026 model year, which are expected to be available from authorized dealers worldwide starting in the first quarter of 2026. The announcement was made on the official website and in the video “Model Year 2026 Reveal – Chapter One – November 4th” on the company’s YouTube channel. Another presentation of new models, including the limited edition Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) collection, is scheduled for January 14, 2026.

Harley-Davidson has been under pressure for years. The legendary motorcycle brand is struggling with a changing market environment, an aging target group, and the consequences of economic uncertainty. With the change at the top of the company—Artie Starrs took over the leadership at the beginning of October—the mood among dealers now seems to be noticeably improving.

From September 2 to 7, 2025, the region around Lake Faaker See was all about motorcycles: European Bike Week 2025 brought together more than 100,000 motorcycle fans from Europe and overseas in Carinthia. The event is considered Europe’s largest free motorcycle festival and offered a mix of brand experience, riding fun, and community spirit—especially around Harley-Davidson.

A motorcycle that smells like French fries and is powered by a tractor engine—what initially sounds like a crazy DIY project is actually the result of years of work by 22-year-old student Alex Jennison. Using a 1999 Harley-Davidson Softail frame as a basis, he has created an unusual vehicle that runs on biodiesel made from frying oil. Jennison is currently on a 1,900-kilometer tour along the US West Coast with his homemade creation to raise awareness of the practicality of alternative fuels.

Harley-Davidson and MotoGP have officially unveiled the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup. The racing series will be held for the first time in 2026 and is considered the first international championship specifically designed for powerful Harley-Davidson baggers.

Hero MotoCorp announced during a recent investor meeting that it will expand Harley-Davidson’s 440cc range with another model by September. The new machine will be based on the existing X440, making it the third joint model from Hero and Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson has appointed a new president and CEO, effective October 1, 2025: Artie Starrs will take over the helm of the long-established motorcycle manufacturer, replacing Jochen Zeitz, who has led the company since 2020. Starrs, 48, brings extensive experience from the leisure industry and global franchise business. His move to Harley-Davidson marks a new phase for the company, which continues to face declining sales figures, an aging target audience, and economic challenges.

With the announcement of the new Harley-Davidson Sprint, the US motorcycle manufacturer is looking to appeal to younger and new target groups again after years without a real entry-level model. According to outgoing CEO Jochen Zeitz, the new model will be available from 2026 and cost less than $6,000 (around €5,550). The aim is to bring an affordable motorcycle to market that makes it easier to access the brand.

Dresden, known as the Florence of the Elbe with its cultural and architectural heritage, once again became the meeting place for V-Twin fans from July 25 to 27, 2025. In recent years, Harley Days Dresden has developed into one of the most important city events for lovers of motorized two-wheelers. The event attracted thousands of visitors and provided a mix of urban lifestyle, music, and motorcycle culture.

Speculation is mounting in the MotoGP paddock about Harley-Davidson’s possible entry into the premier class of motorcycle racing. This is based on reports that the traditional US brand could enter the series with a rebranded prototype from another manufacturer. The background to this is the increasing importance of the US market within MotoGP, not least due to the influence of Liberty Media, which recently acquired the commercial rights to the racing series.

From June 12 to 15, 2025, the small Croatian coastal town of Medulin became a meeting place for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts from all over Europe. The 31st edition of the European H.O.G. Rally attracted over 30,000 visitors and thousands of motorcycles to the sunny southern tip of the Istrian peninsula. The atmosphere was characterized by freedom, community, and the distinctive sound of V-Twin engines – set against an impressive backdrop directly on the Adriatic Sea.

From July 25 to 27, 2025, Dresden will once again transform into a hub for motorcycle enthusiasts and Harley-Davidson fans. Harley Days Dresden attracts visitors to the Saxon metropolis with a diverse program centered around motorcycles, music, and socializing. The event will take place at the Rinne am Messegelände, which is centrally located and easily accessible.

Harley-Davidson has launched a major recall affecting more than 82,000 Softail motorcycles worldwide. The reason for the recall is a problem with the rear shock absorber mount, which could break.

Harley-Davidson may be on the verge of a decisive change.  In view of an ageing customer base and a changing motorcycle market, the long-established US manufacturer is considering a return to the light motorcycle segment.  Kolja Rebstock, Vice President for International Markets at Harley-Davidson, gave the first indications of such plans in an interview with MCN.

Harley-Davidson is entering the MotoGP weekends with its own racing series. The “BaggerGP” will start on six selected dates worldwide from 2026 – with fully clad Road Glide bikes, over 200 hp and real racing character.

With the Fat Boy Gray Ghost, Harley-Davidson presents the fifth model in its exclusive Icons Motorcycle Collection – strictly limited to 1,990 units worldwide.  The special edition honors the 35th anniversary of the Fat Boy, one of the most famous names in the motorcycle world, with a striking appearance and technical enhancements.  The price in Germany is €30,700 (approx. $33,100).