Category: Harley Davidson News

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.

Harley Davidson News

MotoAmerica: A New MotoGP Rider Set to Challenge Loris Baz!

Post author By Mike Deny
Post date February 28, 2025
No Comments on MotoAmerica: A New MotoGP Rider Set to Challenge Loris Baz!

This year, the King of the Baggers category in the championship is certainly not to be overlooked. MotoAmerica has recently made headlines with the announcement of our national hero Loris Baz joining the Indian Factory team, and now another MotoGP alumnus is set to challenge the French racer!

This notable addition known to MotoGP enthusiasts is Bradley Smith, who will be sporting the black and orange of the official Harley Davidson team! Racing fans can expect thrilling action throughout the 14 races in the 2025 season!

The season kicks off next week, from March 6-8, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Race Team will field three riders on race-prepped Harley-Davidson Road Glide bikes. Returning for his fifth season is Kyle Wyman, joined by James Rispoli for his sophomore year on the official team, as they welcome the experienced English rider Bradley Smith to the lineup in 2025.

“The Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Race Team is eager for another season of fierce competition in the King of the Baggers category,” stated Jason Kehl, director of Harley-Davidson Racing. “This class showcases incredibly talented riders and impressively fast bagger bikes, delivering exhilarating racing for our fans. We are excited to have someone with Bradley Smith’s road racing experience boost our team. With Kyle, Bradley, and James, I truly believe we have the most dynamic lineup in the series geared towards winning races and claiming the 2025 championship.”

Having been a professional rider since 2006, Bradley Smith has achieved podium finishes in all four classes of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, including top-three finishes in Moto125, Moto3, MotoGP, and MotoE World Cup. He has competed in MotoGP’s premier class for eight seasons and has made two starts with teams such as Monster Tech119 Yamaha, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, and Aprilia Racing Team. In 3, Smith also served as a test rider for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport WorldSBK Team. Additionally, he co-founded #Project 2024, a racing initiative aimed at mentoring and training aspiring riders.

Bradley Smith: “I am thrilled to be welcomed into the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Team. The opportunity to compete in the United States and participate in King of the Baggers is incredibly exciting. This category has seen remarkable growth over the past four years, and the efforts of Harley-Davidson and its factory riders have been stellar in developing a fantastic bike. I’m hopeful that my global experience will help us return to Victory Lane in 2025/2026.”

MotoAmerica MotoGP

Tags Baz, Challenge, Loris, MotoAmerica, MotoGP, rider, Set

Harley Davidson News

GCSO Seeks Community Help in Two Ongoing Cases

Post author By Mike Deny
Post date February 28, 2025
No Comments on GCSO Seeks Community Help in Two Ongoing Cases

MOSES LAKE — The Major Crimes Detectives at the Grant County Sheriff’s Office are looking for help regarding a case that involves two elements: a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a young girl seen at Slices Pizza.

“This is part of the same investigation; however, the motorcycle is not connected to the young girl,” stated Kyle Foreman, Public Information Officer for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Slices

The GCSO is requesting information about the guardians of a young girl who visited Slices Pizza in Moses Lake during the summer of 2024. According to the GCSO, neither the pizza establishment nor its staff are implicated in any wrongdoing.

Authorities have apprehended the suspect involved in the incident.

Harley

The GCSO is looking for information about the owner of a maroon Harley Davidson motorcycle seen in Moses Lake during the summer of 2024. While the motorcycle owner is not considered a suspect, they may have inadvertently witnessed a crime that occurred at the Dollar General store in the Cascade Valley area of Moses Lake, as noted by the GCSO. The suspect connected to the crime is currently in custody.

On Wednesday evening, an update regarding the motorcycle witness revealed that contact had been made. Foreman explained that while investigators are not disclosing the individual’s identity to respect their privacy, they are thankful for the public’s help.

Anyone with information regarding either case is urged to call or text Detective Katrina Ball at 509-237-3384.

GCSO Seeks Community Help in Two Ongoing Cases

Investigators were able to connect with the owner of a Harley Davidson motorcycle through this partial image and a post to social media.

Tags Cases, Community, GCSO, Ongoing, Seeks

Harley Davidson News

Well-Known Harley-Davidson Dealership Relocating to New Site with Improved Layout – Opening Delayed for Several Months

A beloved Harley-Davidson dealership is preparing for a relocation, but won’t be operational for several months.

The Big Moose Harley-Davidson in Portland, Maine, will be moving from its current location on Riverside Street to Main Street in Gorham, approximately 20 miles away, in a deal worth $2.85 million.

Well-Known Harley-Davidson Dealership Relocating to New Site with Improved Layout – Opening Delayed for Several Months — Big Moose Harley-Davidson in Portland, Maine is relocating to a new site just outside of the cityCredit: Google Maps

The new site, previously a furniture store, spans nearly four acres and boasts significant visibility, with thousands of vehicles passing daily, as reported by Maine Biz.

Charles Day, who facilitated the deal, stated: “This property, due to its size and current condition, which allows for efficient organization, was particularly appealing.

“Additionally, the location sees strong traffic.”

The new dealership will be in capable hands, as the purchasing entity, 673 Main Street LLC, is owned by Al Contois and Shawn Lillie, who also run a flagship dealership, Seacoast Harley-Davidson in North Hampton, New Hampshire.

They also operate additional locations in Rochester, New Hampshire, and Revere, Massachusetts.

Altogether, these four dealerships, featuring Harley-Davidson motorcycles, merchandise, parts, and accessories, are part of the New England Motorcycle Group.

This move presents an opportunity for more space and a fresh beginning for the dealership, as the Portland rental was becoming inadequate for the business.

As a result, Contois and Lillie opted to purchase and renovate a new site, with over a year spent in search of the ideal location.

“The design flow is better,” remarked Contois. “This store is essentially a large box, making it much easier for us to organize.”

The store’s design will follow a template from a Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, which includes guidelines for both exterior and interior styles, along with specific signage requirements and finishing details for both inside and outside.

Harley-Davidson enthusiasts highlight a significant ‘oversight’ by the brand following a decline in stock and permanent dealership closures

Interior demolition of the building is anticipated to commence soon.

Contois expressed optimism about moving in by the end of October.

The existing staff will remain intact, with 15 employees transferring from Portland.

Overall investment for the new site, including property acquisition, is projected to be around $7 million.

Contois is optimistic about the relocation, citing license registration data indicating that numerous riders reside in the Gorham region, which is more conveniently located for riding compared to their current site.

“When you think about it, riders typically don’t take their motorcycles into downtown Portland,” he said.

“Usually, those who live in Portland prefer to ride into the surrounding areas.”

Jensen noted: “The roads in that area offer safer riding conditions than those in Portland.”

“This provides us the chance to appeal to younger individuals in their mid-20s to early 30s.”

From the town’s perspective, the arrival of this business in Gorham is also a positive development.

Jensen added: “This area has excellent visibility for businesses.

“Big Moose, in particular, will greatly enhance the curb appeal.”

Harley-Davidson Closures in 2024

There are more than 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships nationwide.

However, numerous stores have shut down for various reasons throughout 2024, often without explanation.

Here’s a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have closed this year along with their reasons:

The San Francisco location shut down in June after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ resulting from new management.

Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed in September with no explanation provided.

Harley-Davidson’s historical location in New York City ceased operations on September 28, as the owner cited economic difficulties.

Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, closed in October after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley-Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.

Additionally, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.

Tags Dealership, Delayed, HarleyDavidson, Improved, Layout, Months, Opening, Relocating, Site, WellKnown

Harley Davidson News

Police Seek Harley Owner Who May Have Witnessed Crimes

Post author By Mike Deny
Post date February 27, 2025
No Comments on Police Seek Harley Owner Who May Have Witnessed Crimes

Authorities in Grant County are seeking the community’s help in finding the owner of a motorcycle.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the motorcycle owner is not a suspect in any crimes but may have inadvertently witnessed a crime that occurred at two local businesses last summer.

According to investigators, both incidents occurred in the 8000 block of Valley Road Northeast in Moses Lake, with one taking place at a Dollar General store and the other at the nearby Cascade Grocery. A suspect in both cases is currently in custody.

Detectives have provided a photograph of a maroon-colored Harley Davidson motorcycle in hopes that someone might recognize it and be able to reach out to its owner.

If you have any information regarding the motorcycle or its owner, please contact Sheriff’s Detective Katrina Ball at 509-237-3384.

Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State / Fatal Crash Rate

Across the nation, motorcycle helmet laws differ among the 50 states. The legal team at Anidjar & Levine has compiled data from the National Highway Safety Transportation Association (NHSTA) comparing the incidence of fatal crashes in each state involving riders with helmets versus those without. Here’s an alphabetical overview of Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State / Fatal Crash Rate.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Tags Crimes, Harley, Owner, police, Seek, Witnessed

Harley Davidson News

Man Charged with Pointing Gun at Woman in Suspected Road Rage Incident in Palmdale

Post author By Mike Deny
Post date February 26, 2025
No Comments on Man Charged with Pointing Gun at Woman in Suspected Road Rage Incident in Palmdale

CBS News Los Angeles
Live

A man was taken into custody on Tuesday following a search of his home in Palmdale linked to a road rage incident where he allegedly aimed a gun at a woman.

The arsenal of weapons and ammunition uncovered by LASD deputies during a search warrant at a Palmdale residence.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

While the exact timing of the alleged road rage incident remains uncertain, deputies executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence on the 37500 block of Sparrow Drive on Tuesday, according to a series of updates on X from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Palmdale Station.

“During the operation, numerous firearms were recovered from the residence and vehicles on the premises, including assault weapons equipped with modified accessories,” stated one update. They also discovered high-capacity magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body armor, narcotics, and a stolen Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Authorities suspect they have located the firearm involved in the road rage incident.

“Deputies also found a homemade explosive device or ‘Pipe Bomb,'” the update mentioned. This was assessed as safe by LASD Arson Explosive Detail personnel, who subsequently removed it from the site.

The man and his girlfriend were apprehended as they exited the home, with deputies reporting that both were later arrested and charged with multiple felonies.

Dean Fioresi

Dean Fioresi is a web producer for CBS Los Angeles. He covers breaking news across Southern California. Outside of reporting on local happenings, he enjoys focusing on sports and entertainment.

Tags Charged, Gun, Incident, Man, Palmdale, Pointing, Rage, road, Suspected, Woman

Harley Davidson News

Scores of Bikes Gather for Harley Davidson Enthusiast’s Ride-Out

Post author By Mike Deny
Post date February 26, 2025
No Comments on Scores of Bikes Gather for Harley Davidson Enthusiast’s Ride-Out

The family of Steve Dakin was truly moved by the vast number of motorcyclists who came to honor his memory.

In a heartfelt tribute, the coffin of the retired engineer was transported to The Birches crematorium by a model steam engine.

Steve on his cherished Harley-Davidson (Image: Supplied) The atmosphere was filled with applause as Michael Buble’s song ‘Everything’ played, inviting everyone to celebrate his life.

Over 100 motorcyclists joined Steve on his last ride (Image: Supplied) His daughter, Katie Mulhern, remarked: “I’ve never witnessed a funeral where people applauded as the coffin was brought in.”

The family expresses gratitude to residents for clearing the area for bikers (Image: Supplied) “It was a really beautiful moment.”

Steve's last request was for his coffin to be carried by the last model steam engine he built Steve’s last request was for his coffin to be carried by the last model steam engine he built (Image: Supplied) “The turnout was incredible, with many needing to stand outside.”

Steve and Karen riding their Harley-Davidsons (Image: Supplied) “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every single person who attended.”

Enthusiastic bikers Karen and Steve (Image: Supplied) “A special thank you goes to Dave Staton for letting us use his model steam engine, the last one dad built, for his final journey to the crematorium, which was his last wish.”

A hand-knitted Harley-Davidson crafted specifically for Steve’s coffin by the Woolverine Ladies Middlewich Knitting and Crochet Group (Image: Supplied) Hailing from Goostrey, the 68-year-old had moved to Middlewich and attended countless steam engine rallies throughout his life.

Steve was a retired engineer who spent many years working at Jodrell Bank as a shift engineer.

His father, Jim, was one of the original founding members of the Astle Park steam engine rally in Chelford.

Both he and his wife, Karen, had a shared passion for motorbikes, owning their own Harley-Davidsons.

A dedicated family man with two children, Steve was active in the Mancunian Chapter of the Harley-Davidson Owners Group, King’s Motorcycle Club Middlewich, and the Cheshire Live Steamers model steam club.

Katie shared, “He actually crafted his own steam engine models from scratch.

“With his engineering expertise, he could repair almost anything and was always willing to lend a hand or tools to others.

“His love for bikes was evident; during one rally, he fixed another biker’s broken motorcycle right there on the field.”

His brother Will and son Harry share his enthusiasm for building engines.

Steve also enjoyed archery and line dancing, was a member of the Steam Boat Association, and conducted boiler tests for steam model engines and boats.

Additionally, he played darts and dominoes at various pubs in Middlewich.

Unfortunately, he passed away after a brave fight against cancer, enduring for more than two years.

Katie expressed, “Everyone who knew him understands how fiercely he fought to stay positive, remaining the cheerful man we all loved.

“Even during his hospital stays, we needed to tell the doctors that he wasn’t just half full; he was three-quarters full.”

“He was always the first to step up if someone needed assistance.”

Steve was a proud grandfather to three grandchildren: Harley, Pippa, and Molly.

Steve Spencer, director of the Mancunian Chapter, stated: “Steve was an integral part of our Harley-Davidson Chapter and he will be dearly missed by us all.”

The Dakin family extends their gratitude to James Byatt for his help in organizing the funeral, Anna Byatt for the floral arrangements, and funeral directors Joseph Edwards and Sons for their support.

The Woolverine Ladies Middlewich Knitting and Crochet Group created over 130 worry worms for bikers and mourners, in red, Steve’s favored color.

The ladies also handcrafted a special motorbike for his coffin.

Steve Spencer and Dave Capper coordinated the motorcycle escort, while The Big Lock and Newton Brewery provided parking space for the bikers.

Celebrant Steve Game-Blackmoor led the service.

The reception was held at The Turnpike Pub with a buffet catered by Jackie and Karl Osborne.

More than £500 was raised for St Luke’s Hospice in his memory.

For those interested in making a donation, please visit josephedwards.co.uk/online-donation