Stay up-to-date with the latest in the world of Harley-Davidson. From new model releases and technology advancements to company announcements and industry insights, this category covers all the breaking news and essential updates about Harley-Davidson. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a rider, or simply curious about the iconic brand, our news section keeps you informed on everything happening with Harley-Davidson, including events, partnerships, and trends shaping the future of motorcycling.
When Captain America experienced a breakdown on his way to a children’s hospital, deputies in Colorado came to the rescue.
While Captain America himself may be invincible (superheroes rarely face such troubles), his motorcycle certainly is not.
A man referred to as the “Colorado Captain” has been “traveling across the nation on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, promoting charitable efforts while donning the attire of our beloved hero,” according to his website.
As stated on the Colorado Captain website, “He rides his Harley daily, aiming to impact communities nationwide at hospitals, rallies, conventions, parades, and more.”
On Wednesday, December 11, Captain was en route to a children’s hospital to spread joy to ill children when his motorcycle broke down on a Colorado highway.
“Colorado Captain” is assisted by a deputy from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado
Deputy Zach Zepeski of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office learned of the predicament and met the “captain” roadside.
Zepeski took it upon himself to pay for a tow truck to retrieve the captain’s Harley, while a fellow superhero (or someone dressed as one) provided Captain with a lift to the children’s hospital charity holiday parade.
Snapshots of Santa Claus from Brazil, Germany, Greece, Hungary, and Russia.
IMAGE: A Santa Claus impersonator welcomes a child during Christmas festivities at the Esplanade of Ministries in Brasilia, Brazil. Photograph: Adriano Machado/Reuters
IMAGE: Members of the ‘Riding Santas’ Harley Davidson club participate in their 10th ride to distribute treats to children and raise funds for a children’s hospice in Jockgrim, near Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Germany. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters
IMAGE: Greek firefighters, some dressed as Santa Claus, descend outside the Aghia Sofia Children’s Hospital in Athens, Greece. Photograph: Stelios Misinas/Reuters
IMAGE: The Greek firefighters in Santa costumes enter the oncology unit of the hospital to deliver Christmas gifts to young patients. Photograph: Stelios Misinas/Reuters
IMAGE: A firefighter dressed as Santa Claus visits a young patient in the oncology unit of the Aghia Sofia Children’s Hospital. Photograph: Stelios Misinas/Reuters
IMAGE: A Santa Claus-dressed diver swims in a fish tank at the Tropicarium aquarium in Budapest. Photograph: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
Photograph: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
IMAGE: Dogs dressed as Santa Claus participate in a festive walk in City Park, Budapest, Hungary. Photograph: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
Photograph: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
Photograph: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters
IMAGE: A man identified as ‘Sultan Das Matas’, dressed as Santa Claus, spotted in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photograph: Amanda Perobelli/Reuters
IMAGE: A large inflatable Santa Claus figure advertises a Christmas tree shop with Frankfurt’s skyline in the background. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters
IMAGE: A steam train featuring Ded Moroz (Father Frost) — the Russian counterpart of Santa Claus — traverses the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, prior to the New Year and Christmas celebrations. Photograph: Alexander Manzyuk/Reuters
IMAGE: Onlookers gather at a railway station to witness the arrival of Ded Moroz. Photograph: Alexander Manzyuk/Reuters
Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com
Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
The latest 440cc motorcycle vying against Royal Enfield has certainly made waves in the market with its impressive performance. With power and agility reminiscent of a lion, it has the potential to outshine Royal Enfield effortlessly. Boasting a robust engine, striking design, and exceptional features, this bike is set to capture the hearts of riders everywhere. Let’s explore why it’s being hailed as Royal Enfield’s toughest competitor.
Harley Davidson X440
The Harley Davidson X440 variant has generated excitement among motorcycle enthusiasts. Ready to take on renowned brands like Royal Enfield, it comes equipped with a powerful engine and impressive features. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Engine and Power Overview
The Harley Davidson X440 features a 440cc single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine capable of producing a maximum torque of 38 Nm. This ensures excellent power and performance, even on challenging routes. With a 6-speed gearbox and a fuel injection system, the bike provides a smooth and powerful riding experience.
Modern Features and Connectivity
Equipped with a digital instrument console, the Harley Davidson X440 presents all essential bike data with ease. Additionally, it includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, call/SMS alerts, a USB charging port, music control, and navigation features. Its 3.5-inch TFT display and gear indicator further enhance the riding experience.
Advanced Safety Features
The X440 comes with standard switchable ABS for enhanced safety during braking. Furthermore, it includes dual-channel ABS that allows for better control in critical braking scenarios, along with features like an engine kill switch and service due indicator for added safety.
Impressive Mileage and Performance
The Harley Davidson X440 boasts a mileage of up to 35 km, making it an ideal choice for long journeys. With a total power output of 27.37 PS @ 6000 rpm, it guarantees an exceptional riding experience. Its stylish appearance combined with powerful performance makes this bike a fantastic package, providing riders with a sense of adventure on every trip.
Stunning Design
The design of the X440 beautifully blends elements of both a roadster and cruiser bike. Measuring 2168 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 1418 mm and a ground clearance of 170 mm, it excels on both city streets and rough terrains. The bike’s tire size and suspension system are specifically designed to tackle a variety of road conditions with ease.
When Captain America encountered a breakdown while heading to a children’s hospital, deputies in Colorado came to the rescue.
Though Captain America seldom has troubles (superheroes are quite reliable), his motorcycle sometimes does.
Known as the “Colorado Captain,” a man has been “cruising across the nation on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, promoting charitable causes while donned as our star-spangled hero,” as stated on his website.
According to the Colorado Captain website, “Cap rides his Harley daily to create a positive impact in communities throughout the country at hospitals, rallies, conventions, parades, and more.”
On Wednesday, December 11, Captain was en route to a children’s hospital to spread joy to ill children when his motorcycle broke down on the roadside in Colorado.
A deputy from the Douglas County Sheriffs Office comes to the aid of the “Colorado Captain”.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Zach Zepeski learned of the predicament and found the “captain” stranded on the roadside.
He took the initiative to pay for a tow service to help transport the captain’s Harley, while another superhero (or someone dressed as one) offered a ride to the charity holiday parade at the children’s hospital.
At ZigWheels, we had the exciting opportunity to take part in the Harley-Davidson X440 Flat Track Race during India Bike Week (IBW) 2024. This race served as our first real experience with flat track racing and also proved to be quite an eye-opening experience.
Getting Started
A few weeks ago, I attended the TVS Ronin Drift-R school, where I learned fundamental skills for riding on the flat track. This enlightening experience significantly enhanced my road riding abilities.
Landing the chance to participate in the Harley-Davidson X440 Flat Track Race at IBW 2024 thrilled me. It was an opportunity to apply what I had learned previously, and as someone who had never raced before, I was eager to see how I’d perform.
The Motorcycle and the Circuit
For this event, we rode the uniquely modified Harley-Davidson X440. This bike featured numerous alterations in both its design and mechanics. The headlight was removed, replaced with a racing number plate.
The standard seat and subframe were swapped out for foam padding and a sleeker rear end. Additionally, several mechanical modifications were made; for instance, the front brake was taken off and the original footpegs were replaced with ones suitable for off-roading.
One feature I particularly appreciated about this build was its resemblance to the Harley-Davidson XR750. Overall, the modifications were executed exceptionally well, making the bike feel like an authentic flat tracker.
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The race track was a 160m oval, considerably shorter than the 250m circuit I had previously experienced. This smaller size posed unique challenges, particularly due to the reduced straightaway lengths.
The intensity of the race increased as we approached the corners at a much faster pace. The bike was well-equipped to handle the conditions, but I couldn’t help wondering if I was truly prepared for this challenge.
The Race and Lessons Learned
The flat track race was quite different from my expectations. Instead of having all eight journalists racing simultaneously, we were divided into four pairs. This structure meant that the race became a series of one-on-one match-ups, with the winners progressing to the next round. This format allowed me more space to maneuver on the track.
One principle I adhere to is that “competence breeds confidence.” Before the race, I felt quite self-assured. However, once the competition began, it quickly became evident that my confidence was not supported by the necessary skills.
Getting eliminated in the first round made it clear where I truly stood in terms of my abilities. I managed to get a couple of things right, but there were also many mistakes.
During my prior track experiences, I focused on three critical areas: vision, body positioning, and throttle control. However, I overlooked the importance of choosing racing lines, which was a significant factor in my performance.
When riding on roads, we think about lines for safety against oncoming traffic. In contrast, in racing, the objective is to find the optimal path to maximize speed and minimize lap times.
I attempted to approach the corners from a middle line into an inside line, exiting toward the outside. This habit stems from road riding, where it allows a better view of oncoming traffic.
However, during racing, the dynamics are entirely different. On the flat track, where double apex turns are involved, choosing the right lines is crucial. Ideally, I should have approached wide, taking the first apex closer to the center of the track and the second on the inside.
Insights Gained from Racing
One of the most significant lessons I learned from participating in the Harley-Davidson Flat Track Race is that there’s always more beneath the surface. This is especially true in flat track racing.
To the casual observer, it may appear to be a simple race around an oval track, but once you find yourself on the bike, your perspective shifts dramatically. The insights gained from this experience have highlighted areas of my skills that require improvement.
If you’ve been contemplating trying flat track racing, my advice is straightforward: just do it. The experience will significantly enhance your road riding abilities.
EXCLUSIVE: Motorcycle aficionado John Dingwall never had the opportunity to ride his dream Harley Davidson during his lifetime, but his loved ones arranged a fitting tribute for his funeral.
Biker John Dingwall enjoyed a farewell ride in a special sidecar hearse beside his dream Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The motorcycle lover, who passed away at the age of 68, had always dreamt of a road trip on an iconic Road King, yet never had the chance. However, his dream was fulfilled when his coffin was transported by the classic bike before he was laid to rest.
The resident of South Shields, Tyneside, led a procession of over 50 bikers. On that day, his brother Robert spearheaded the emotional convoy, revving their engines in unison until John entered the crematorium.
John had always dreamed of riding a Harley (Image: Marc Walker)
His wife Louise remarked: “John’s final journey was precisely what he would have wanted.
“He lived his life in the saddle, and now he’s taken one last ride on his dream bike.”
She expressed her gratitude to Co-op Funeralcare South Shields for arranging what she described as a “truly fitting tribute”.
Louise added: “We were all deeply moved by the motorbike hearse, which allowed John to be encircled by his family, friends, and fellow riders.”
John was introduced to the world of motorbikes by Louise and soon became an “avid biker”, even learning how to construct them and obtaining a welding qualification from South Tyneside College, where he enjoyed lunch with his daughter Chloe, who was also a student there.
His craftsmanship allowed him to build over 100 motorcycles and several teardrop trailers.
He rode a variety of bikes, including models from Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki, yet he always longed to experience the thrill of riding a Harley.
John earned numerous medals at biking rallies and raised significant funds for air ambulance services and children’s charities.
He was a passionate supporter of veterans and participated in rides to Bents Park in South Shields for Armed Forces Day celebrations.
Louise said: “John always made a point to support those in need.”
Sophie Alderson from Co-op Funeralcare remarked: “We were committed to allowing John a chance to ride his dream bike, the Harley Davidson Road King, so David Nye, the funeral director at Co-op Funeralcare South Shields, reached out to Motorcycle Funerals, which provided a specially-fitted custom hearse sidecar that truly honored John’s passion for the open road.”
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A motorcyclist from Winter Haven was fatally injured on Interstate 275 on Friday after colliding with another vehicle, officials reported.
The 47-year-old man was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on I-275 in the outer lane, just north of milepost 43, around 2:40 p.m. in Hillsborough County.
Concurrently, a 49-year-old woman from Lithia was operating a Tesla Model 3 northbound on the I-275 entrance ramp beside the motorcycle.
As detailed in a report by the Florida Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist crossed the gore area of the entrance ramp and struck the left rear of the Tesla.
Following the collision, the motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead.
The Tesla driver and her 19-year-old female passenger sustained no injuries.
“You threw my son under the bus. You didn’t take care of him.”
The state of Florida and the VA are facing scrutiny following the improper application of the Baker Act on a young veteran who sought assistance at a Florida VA hospital.
Baker Act used incorrectly on young veteran who went to Florida VA hospital for help
Jamie Duxbury, a resident of Blackburn, was found to be more than twice the legal alcohol limit when he collided with a Harley Davidson motorcycle, ridden by Steven Howarth, on September 8 of last year.
The incident occurred near Junction 5 of the motorway close to Blackburn, resulting in Mr. Howarth requiring immediate medical care to control significant bleeding from a severe leg injury.
After being transported to Salford Royal Infirmary and subsequently to Manchester Royal Infirmary, Mr. Howarth’s leg was deemed beyond saving and was amputated the next day.
Jamie Duxbury (Image: Lancashire Police) Duxbury, aged 33, reportedly had a dispute with his partner before driving, and the court was informed that he executed a hazardous maneuver, swerving his vehicle from the outer lane across the road.
A lorry driver who witnessed the accident, Paul Gee, parked his truck in the roadway a short distance from where Mr. Howarth lay injured in the central lane.
Footage from Mr. Gee’s dashcam was presented in court, revealing Duxbury overtaking the lorry at a high speed, although he was not exceeding the speed limit, and swerving dangerously across the motorway.
Mr. Howarth’s injuries have hindered his profession as a shoe designer and impacted his passions for motorcycling and golf.
Preston Crown Court (Image: Archive) Initially, he had no plans to retire, but now feels it may become a necessity.
Investigations found no faults with either vehicle, confirmed that Mr. Howarth could not have prevented the collision, and found no justifiable reason for Duxbury’s erratic swerving.
Duxbury, residing on Ivy Street, was sentenced to 27 months in prison at Preston Crown Court on Monday, December 9. He was also prohibited from driving for two years.
On the last Christmas Eve, 8-year-old Jacobe Cook caused his parents quite a fright when he started having difficulty breathing and his lips turned blue.
Jacobe had begun to feel unwell the day before and has a history of pneumonia. However, this year’s Christmas 2023 was particularly traumatic for his family as his condition deteriorated rapidly, necessitating a trip to the Freeman Hospital.
Mum, Sarah Roberts, first took him to an urgent care center, then to North Tees Hospital. Initially, the medical staff suspected he had a stomach bug and sent him home, instructing his parents to monitor his condition closely. Sarah and dad Gary did just that, but on Christmas Eve, things took a turn for the worse.
Sarah recounted, “Jacobe was up all night being sick, maintaining a high temperature and complaining of pain in his shoulders and back. By the next morning, on Christmas Eve, he struggled to breathe.”
“We quickly took him back to urgent care and, while we were waiting, his condition worsened significantly. He was working hard to breathe; his lips had turned blue, and his arms and hands were turning purple. He was immediately seen by a doctor who administered oxygen and suspected he might be septic.”
Jacobe Cook with his parents Gary and Sarah -Credit:Sick Children’s Trust
An ambulance quickly transported us back to North Tees Hospital, where Jacobe underwent numerous assessments to rule out meningitis or any infection. An x-ray revealed that he was suffering from severe pneumonia in his left lung, leading to him being kept on oxygen and started on antibiotics.
At this point, Sarah noted that her son was “really poorly,” and they faced a nerve-wracking Christmas Day when a doctor informed them that Jacobe was in serious condition and had fluid in his lungs. She explained, “Hearing that was extremely worrying and frightening for us. A scan was needed to confirm the fluid, but it couldn’t be done until Boxing Day due to the reduced staff.”
The scan confirmed the presence of fluid, but the type was uncertain, prompting a transfer to Freeman Hospital for specialized care. Sarah shared, “We arrived on December 28 and suddenly realized we were an hour away from home, our son was critically ill in hospital, and we had nowhere to stay.”
They stayed at the hospital that first night, and as they tried to figure out their accommodations, the nurses informed them about Scott House, a ‘Home from Home’ that provides accommodation for families with hospitalized children.
Scott House, run by the charity Sick Children’s Trust, offers families a place to stay during their child’s hospitalization. Sarah described it as “an absolute lifesaver.” It provided everything they needed and kept them just minutes away from Jacobe.
“I was determined to stay at the hospital regardless, since I couldn’t be away from Jacobe. The limited space in the wards meant Gary could be with us and then return to Scott House for some rest. Without it, our only option would have been to sleep in the waiting rooms. We couldn’t afford a hotel, especially not knowing how long Jacobe would be in the hospital,” she said.
With everything transpiring during Christmas, Sarah noted, “It made everything feel much more challenging. Traditionally, it’s a joyful time, but to us, it felt like everything had come to a standstill. The hospital had Christmas decorations, and staff kindly gifted Jacobe presents, which was wonderful. However, his illness made us hesitant to celebrate.”
Due to Jacobe’s condition, she explained, “Our lives were essentially paused. The presents under the tree at home remained wrapped, and we didn’t see any family.” She continued, “In reality, Christmas took a back seat for us. We were entirely focused on his recovery.”
Over the following days and into the New Year, the NHS staff worked to drain the fluid from Jacob’s chest. By January 4, it became evident that surgery was required to remove an “empyema,” a pus-filled sac that had caused his lung to collapse.
Thankfully, Jacobe recovered and was discharged on January 12. Sarah commented on her son’s progress since then, stating, “Jacobe has had a few episodes of pneumonia since, but each was managed successfully with antibiotics.”
“Now he’s doing so much better, full of energy, and back to his usual self. He’s looking forward to Christmas, and we can’t wait to have a big roast dinner and spend quality time together as a family, relaxing and playing,” she expressed.
“We will always be thankful to The Sick Children’s Trust for their amazing support at Scott House. If you’re able to contribute to their Christmas appeal, please consider doing so – your donation will mean a great deal to families trying to remain close to their seriously ill children, just as we did.”
JAKARTA – Elang Harley-Davidson (AE-HD), a prominent Harley-Davidson dealer in Indonesia, has proudly opened its latest showroom at Jl. Raya Kebayoran Lama No.1, South Jakarta.
Raka Herza, the Director of AE-HD, stated that the launch of this new facility signifies their commitment to enhancing various aspects, including service improvement and delivering an exceptional experience for motorcycle enthusiasts in Indonesia.
“With this new location, we pledge to continually elevate the quality of our services and offer an extraordinary experience to every Harley-Davidson rider,” Raka remarked in a statement on Friday, December 13.
The new facility features a spacious and modern design, boasting a total building area of 1,501.6 m2 on a site of 3,325.3 m2. The structure comprises five floors that cater to the needs of customers and Harley-Davidson users.
The ground floor houses the Authorized Service Workshop, staffed with certified technicians and featuring 10 fully-equipped bays, inclusive of the latest diagnostic tools.
Moving to the 2nd floor, visitors will find an array of Harley-Davidson motorcycle models, along with various merchandise and official genuine parts.
On the 3rd floor, a Community Space is available for the Harley-Davidson community, along with the Harley Owners Group (HOG) secretariat. Additionally, a café named ‘Cafeagle’ offers entertainment amenities including billiards, fussball, a large Videotron, and live music on Friday nights.
The 4th floor features an operational area with a comfortable meeting room suitable for various activities, including business meetings.
Lastly, the 5th floor boasts a rooftop outdoor area, providing a unique view of Jakarta from above.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies; please refer to Indonesian as our primary language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
