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.
Authorities Look into Deadly Collision on Godwin Blvd
Published 2:10 pm Friday, January 31, 2025
All lanes of Route 10 at 4120 Godwin Boulevard have reopened. Official identification has been confirmed, and next of kin has been notified. The deceased motorcyclist has been identified as 30-year-old Wyatt Austin Brill, residing in the 200 block of Bedford Place, Suffolk, Virginia.
On Thursday, January 30, 2025, at around 6:30 PM, a Virginia State trooper tried to pull over a 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle for speeding—traveling at 100 mph in a 55 mph zone—on Route 10 near Five Mile Road, in Suffolk.
The rider, who remains unidentified, did not stop, initiating a police pursuit. The motorcyclist fled eastbound on Route 10 at a high speed, overtaking vehicles over a double solid line. At 6:33 PM, the trooper lost sight of the motorcycle near Kings Fork Road and ceased the pursuit.
At approximately 6:46 PM, the driver of a 2018 Ford Explorer contacted authorities, stating she was driving westbound on Route 10 when she noticed a motorcycle in her lane attempting to evade police. The motorcycle sideswiped her vehicle on Godwin Boulevard, east of Harrell Drive, and continued down Route 10. The investigating trooper, along with the Suffolk Police Department, searched the area for the fleeing motorist and treated the incident as a hit and run. The driver of the Ford Explorer sustained no injuries.
On January 31, 2025, at approximately 12:42 PM, Suffolk PD informed state police that a body matching the description of the motorcyclist had been discovered at 4120 Godwin Boulevard. The unidentified body was located roughly 25 feet from the roadway, down a 40-foot ravine covered in brush.
Currently, state troopers remain on scene conducting investigations. Efforts are underway to recover both the motorcycle and the body from the ravine while identifying the deceased and notifying the appropriate parties. A further update will be released as more information becomes available.
This Harley-Davidson limo challenges the traditional biker image, yet it could very well be the most elegant modification we’ve ever seen.
When you picture a Harley, the clichés come to mind, reminiscent of an episode of Sons of Anarchy.
Bold, rugged, and rebellious.
However, this Harley-Davidson limo departs from that stereotype, showcasing the iconic brand in a luxurious off-white hue that might just alter your perception of it.
Nonetheless, the legendary bike brand often serves as inspiration for astonishing modifications – one individual even transformed a Harley into a saxophone.
Now, someone has introduced the ‘Harley-Davidson Limo’, blending the laid-back aesthetic of the bike brand with a luxurious interior.
MotorBlogCOM
This bike modification resembles an unconventional horse-drawn carriage, as if a rebellious Cinderella would arrive at the ball in it.
It was first showcased at the Essen Motor Show, offering ample space for an entire gathering.
Furnished with leather seats for up to eight guests, the cabin even includes an entertainment system and a screen – karaoke, anyone?
MotorBlogCOM
The bike limo was initially unveiled in 2012, and since then, it has made only a handful of public appearances.
In fact, its owner remains a mystery, and the current location of this vehicle is unknown.
Some motorcycle enthusiasts have expressed concerns that the forks may not provide sufficient support for this bike modification to be a regular road user, suggesting it might better serve as an art piece in a museum or a dusty barn somewhere.
Nonetheless, we’d love to see it make another appearance. Can you imagine arriving at a wedding or gala in this?
A LARGE Harley-Davidson dealership has reopened after unexpectedly shutting its doors for weeks, leaving customers’ bikes inside.
The expansive 30,000-square-foot location features over 100 Harley-Davidson motorcycles and boasts more than $3.5 million in inventory.
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New ownership has taken over a previously closed Harley-Davidson dealership Credit: Getty
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A message posted on the dealership’s Facebook page detailing ongoing operations following the sudden closure Credit: Facebook/San Jose Harley-Davidson
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The dealership features over 100 motorcycles valued at millions Credit: Getty
The San Jose Harley-Davidson dealership is situated in San Jose, California, within the San Francisco Bay Area.
This dealership is among the largest Harley-Davidson locations in Northern California and temporarily closed on December 21, 2024.
“To the Harley-Davidson community that San Jose H-D serves, we extend our gratitude for your support and passion throughout the years,” the dealership announced in a Facebook statement on the day it closed.
New ownership was set to take over on January 14.
Following a few delays, the store officially reopened on January 21 with the consent of the previous owners.
Mike Genthner and Jess Bettencourt, the new owners, have been affiliated with the Harley-Davidson brand since 1997.
They also own Oakland Harley-Davidson, located in Oakland, California, which is within the same region.
After taking control, Genthner and Bettencourt stated they would reach out to customers whose bikes were left in the store during the December closure.
Additionally, they committed to fulfilling existing special orders and work order deposits, as well as honoring gift cards.
Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Lineup: 7 New Bikes Unveiled
The new owners, both natives of California, have been involved with their family businesses from a young age.
The two met in high school, forming a bond over their mutual love for motorcycles and the Harley-Davidson brand.
Genthner and Bettencourt both manage daily operations at Oakland Harley-Davidson and engage closely with both staff and customers.
Customers from San Jose Harley-Davidson expressed their approval of the new ownership on the dealership’s Facebook page.
“The new owner I spoke with is very customer-focused,” one supporter remarked.
“He took my bike from SJ service up to Oakland, and they’re nearly finished after just a week.”
“Thank you for honoring the gift cards and for continuing the business,” another customer commented.
Moreover, the motorcycle manufacturer has released a new special model – although it’s not available to the public.
This is part of a series of bikes created specifically for police use.
Laidlaw’s Harley-Davidson, located near Los Angeles, recently unveiled a Pan America 1250 Special concept motorcycle featuring flashing red and blue lights, multiple saddlebags, and sirens.
It also included higher ground clearance and enhanced suspension suitable for various terrains.
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, shut its doors in October after the owners sold the business to Walter Brothers Harley-Davidson in Peoria, Illinois.
Harley Davidson is actively working on expanding its presence in India, having launched the Harley Davidson X440 in 2023. As part of this expansion, the company has now introduced the Pan American 1250 ST. This new ST variant includes modifications designed to better suit Indian road conditions.
Harley Davidson Pan American 1250 ST: Engine and Powertrain
The Harley Davidson Pan American ST comes equipped with a 1252cc, liquid-cooled engine. It boasts impressive performance, generating a peak power and torque of 148 HP and 128 Nm, respectively.
Harley Davidson Pan American 1250 ST: Design
The Harley Davidson X440 has received positive feedback in the Indian market. Building on this success, the company is set to launch the Pan American 1250 ST, featuring several enhancements compared to earlier models. The bike is fitted with a 17-inch wheel crafted from new cast aluminum, and it features reduced suspension travel in comparison to previous Pan American models. Additionally, Harley has ensured robust touring capabilities with Michelin Scorcher tyres sized 120/70 at the front and 180/55 at the rear. The Pan American ST is also designed with an electronically adjustable pre-load and a manual compression system.
Harley Davidson Pan American 1250 ST designed for long rides
Harley Davidson Pan American 1250 ST: Features
The Harley Davidson 1250 ST will feature a 6.8-inch TFT screen for navigation and various tech functionalities. It includes five riding modes along with two customizable modes. Furthermore, it is equipped with engine braking control, cruise control, hill hold assist, cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, and additional features.
Harley Davidson Pan American 1250 ST: Launch and Price
The specific launch date for the Harley Davidson Pan American 1250 ST has yet to be disclosed. However, it is anticipated that, in collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, the bike will be launched in the 2025 season. While pricing information is currently unavailable, it is expected that this touring motorcycle will be on the higher end of the market.
A unique motorcycle will be crafted this year, funded through donations from community raffle ticket sales, to support Penticton’s recovery resource organization.
Discovery House unveiled their Chopper of Hope fundraiser on Thursday, inviting “motorcycle enthusiasts, community advocates, and those ready to make a difference.”
This fundraising effort features a custom-built chopper, hand-assembled from January to April, with one fortunate supporter set to win the motorcycle of their dreams.
“The Chopper of Hope fundraiser represents more than just the creation of a remarkable motorcycle,” stated Blaine Russell, Executive Director, in a press release.
“It symbolizes the hope we build together, fosters connections, and makes a lasting impact on our community. This year’s bike promises to be exceptionally unique, and we eagerly look forward to sharing it with everyone.”
Russell noted that this initiative is dedicated to their late Executive Director, Jerome Abraham, who passed away last year after battling cancer.
“We decided to involve current clients in the design, planning, and assembly of this incredible project. The ‘Chopper of Hope’ will play a role in their recovery journey,” he shared.
“Without revealing too much ahead of the unveiling, we have spent the past two months constructing a 1971 Harley Davidson rigid frame Springer, with much of the motorcycle being custom-made. This bike integrates modern technology while exuding a classic aesthetic.”
The motorcycle is being meticulously built from the ground up by a team of experts, from the frame to the fine paint details.
Discovery House mentioned that updates on the building process will be available on social media, alongside behind-the-scenes footage.
“We invite both businesses and individuals to become sponsors of the Chopper of Hope fundraiser. By choosing to sponsor, you not only support a noble cause but also enhance your exposure and reputation within the community,” they added.
“Join us in making a significant impact and unite with us in this extraordinary endeavor.”
Raffle tickets will be on sale starting May 1, 2025, and will remain available until October 31, 2025.
All proceeds will directly benefit Discovery House, which offers support for wellness, recovery, and the enhancement of life quality for individuals dealing with addiction.
The winner will be announced sometime in November 2025.
For further details regarding sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch with community engagement coordinator Dennis Sweetnam at [email protected] or 778-931-1464
Sportsbikeshop acquired the former Harley Davidson location on Ber Street in October, aiming to enhance its presence across the UK.
An investment of approximately £350,000 has been allocated for renovating the premises, and the company has confirmed that it will open to customers on February 1.
Sportsbikeshop has taken over the former Harley Davidson store on Ber Street (Image: Newsquest)
Chris Winters, the managing director, stated: “Our Norwich location has been a long time coming, as we have spent considerable time searching for the ideal site.”
“This is our 10th store and will include all the conveniences found in our other locations, such as our ‘Try on or Buy’ reservation system.”
“We believe this is the most effective way to connect the extensive selection of the UK’s largest biking website with a local storefront.”
Sportsbikeshop announced on its website that it would officially open the Ber Street location on February 1 (Image: Sportsbikeshop)
Originating from a spare bedroom in Lincolnshire, the company began its online journey 12 years ago and has since established itself as a leading retailer of motorcycle clothing and accessories in the UK.
Currently, there are nine branches located in Bristol, Glasgow, Reading, Milton Keynes, Leeds, Harlow, Birmingham, and Boston, where the main warehouse is situated.
An investment of roughly £350,000 has been made in the site, with renovations commencing in October of the previous year (Image: Newsquest)
Sportsbikeshop officially took over the former Harley Davidson location on Ber Street in October, aiming to broaden its presence across the UK.
The company is set to invest approximately £350,000 in renovating the space, with plans to welcome customers starting February 1.
Sportsbikeshop has moved into the former Harley Davidson location on Ber Street (Image: Newsquest)
Chris Winters, the managing director, shared: “Our Norwich store has been a long time in the making as it took us quite a while to find the ideal location.
“This will be our 10th store and it will offer all the advantages seen in our other outlets, including our ‘Try on or Buy’ reservation system.
“We believe this is the optimal way to connect the extensive selection of the UK’s leading biking website with a local shop.”
Sportsbikeshop announced on its website the opening date of the Ber Street site on February 1 (Image: Sportsbikeshop)
Founded in Lincolnshire, the company began its journey online 12 years ago from a spare bedroom and has since evolved into one of the UK’s top retailers for motorcycle apparel and accessories.
Currently, there are nine locations in Bristol, Glasgow, Reading, Milton Keynes, Leeds, Harlow, Birmingham, and Boston, where the main warehouse is situated.
An investment of approximately £350,000 has been directed towards the site following work that commenced last October (Image: Newsquest)
Harley Davidson has unveiled the Pan America 1250 ST, a sportier version aimed at road enthusiasts.
Harley Davidson has introduced the Pan America ST, signaling its upcoming release.
Harley Davidson is enhancing the Pan America lineup with the new Pan America 1250 ST, designed for a sportier, road-focused experience while maintaining the same engine. Modifications have been made for better on-road capabilities.
The bike features lower suspension, smaller 17-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Scorcher Sport Tires, a reduced seat height, a lighter exhaust system, and a bi-directional quick-shifter. Some protective elements have been removed, including the radiator shroud and knuckle guards.
The engine remains the robust 1,250cc V-Twin liquid-cooled unit generating 150 bhp and 127 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch.
The Pan America ST is tailored for road performance.
On the features front, it boasts a 6.8-inch TFT dashboard with touchscreen functionality, featuring compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Riders can select from five riding modes: Road, Sport, Rain, and two customizable modes. Additional electronic features include cornering ABS, wheelie control, cruise control, and TPMS, along with an adaptive ride height that lowers the bike for easier ground reach when stopped.
Other specifications include a Showa mono-shock at the rear and Brembo mono-block calipers at the front. The motorcycle will come in three color options: Grey, Black, and Red. The pricing is yet to be announced, but it is anticipated to be slightly less than the Pan America 1250 Special, estimated at about Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom), which is around Rs 2.5 lakh cheaper than the full-tilt adventure variant.
Tauseef Zia
Tauseef, with roots in performance tuning, has had a lifelong passion for all things automotive. When he’s not writing about vehicles, he’s often found working on cars and bikes or capturing their essence in photos as he drives around the city.
9am. Saturday 1st February: We are thrilled to announce the opening of our tenth store this Saturday in beautiful Norwich! The new location is situated in the former Harley Davidson site on Ber Street. Customers will find a wide selection of motorcycle clothing, helmets, and accessories, with our fantastic staff ready to assist and provide expert advice.
Our Norwich store will boast over 6000 stocked items, and we’re excited to introduce our exclusive ‘Try on or Buy’ service. Customers can explore our complete online catalog prior to their visit, and we will deliver most in-stock items to the Norwich location for fitting the following day, at no cost, every day of the week.
This year marks a milestone for Sportsbikeshop as we celebrate 20 years of business, making us the UK’s largest retailer of motorcycle clothing and accessories. Our Boston warehouse is stocked with over 200,000 products from more than 250 top brands. Our award-winning website offers next-day delivery, seven days a week, featuring free UK mainland delivery and returns on any orders exceeding £25. Plus, we provide a 365-day returns policy!
Our managing director, Chris ‘Bernie’ Winters shared his thoughts: “The opening of our Norwich store is a significant achievement for us, as we have spent considerable time finding the ideal location. This is our tenth store and will include all the features our other locations offer, including our ‘Try on or Buy’ reservation system. We believe this will create the best link between the extensive variety available on the UK’s largest biking website and a local retail experience.”
Currently, Sportsbikeshop operates stores in Bristol, Reading, Milton Keynes, Leeds, Harlow, Birmingham, Preston, Glasgow, and Boston, where our main warehouse is also located.
Motorcycles are exhilarating, right? Enjoyment is one of the key elements of motorcycling. Truly, there’s no other reason to board our delicate bodies onto a hot engine with wheels and zoom through space like a round of Galaga, without lasers or extra lives. It’s all about fun.
This is where Bixby Moto steps in. Introducing a touch of joy to the usually serious motorcycle culture, it offers an antidote to the drudgery of frowning faces, embellished flames, and duck faces. We decided to delve deeper and had the chance to chat with Drew from Bixby Moto about dreams, fashion tips, and the taste of bull testicles. Plus, we needed to replenish our humor reserves.
Who are you? Wow. That’s a pretty existential question. Just a regular guy with insecurities, a passion for motorcycles, and a quirky sense of humor. My name is Drew. I run a scooter shop in California. I make just enough to fund my escapades and love for motorbikes.
Okay, this question didn’t seem so profound when I asked it, but thinking about it now makes me anxious. What is Bixby Moto? It’s a personal reminder for myself and every intolerant individual out there: lighten up a little. Can you tell I’ve been bullied?
Do you have any peculiar, frightening, or strange recurring dreams? I often have a dream where I lose all my teeth. I find myself in the bathroom lightly pulling them out, one by one. As I stare in the mirror, they accumulate into a gory pile in the sink. Is there any significance to this? That sounds truly terrifying! It could make for a great horror film plot, but dreams involving rainbows and unicorns seem far more delightful. Your imagination is impressive; should I be concerned? My dreams usually revolve around my amazing girlfriend. She floats ethereally on clouds of affection. Nothing goes wrong, and I wake up with a smile. I believe they call that love; I’m not sure.
What inspired you to start Bixby Moto? I noticed that at motorcycle events, people rarely seemed to be having a good time. There was a lot of judgment and finger-pointing. I started to conform to the culture, and the desire to appear cool began to weigh me down. I wanted to simplify my approach: just have fun. This became the Bixby Moto motto: “Fun Time Only”.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten? I tried rattlesnake once. I have also accidentally consumed dirt and likely numerous spiders. To set aside the juvenile humor, I’ve tasted bull testicles. They weren’t as delicious as you might expect. Rattlesnake sounds far more extravagant.
True, it’s quite fancy. Rattlesnake is akin to a mix of fish and chicken. It’s quite tasty when slathered in BBQ sauce. Although, I’m sure spiders would also taste good with BBQ sauce. What do bull testicles taste like, and how were they prepared? They were deep-fried and pretty flavorless. My entire life has revolved around seeking excuses to dip everything in BBQ sauce. After 30 years, I’m finding new ways to be creative.
When you ride a motorcycle, do you feel the spirit of freedom taking over, allowing your soul to soar? Indeed, motorcycles are an enchanting world that many have never experienced. They evoke strong emotions—pure joy! But it’s also like “ghost riding” your bike into a wall, shrugging it off and walking away. I’d prefer a handbag over a showy bike. An even better choice would be a scooter.
I hear you; sometimes, a flashy bike doesn’t have real stories to tell. Where do you find those stylish outfits? You always look sharp. While most men have wandering eyes, I’m not looking at pretty women but instead on the hunt for rhinestones that catch my fancy. I grab it whenever I spot something appealing. Thrift stores offer incredible deals. Rural areas usually have fantastic cowboy hats and western-style suits.
Any fashion tips for me? Absolutely. Wear something that makes you feel foolish. That sense of embarrassment acts like a shield; there’s nothing anyone can say that will hurt worse than how you feel. It may seem irrational, but it’s effective. And if all else fails: What would Liberace do?
What was that epic ride you took to challenge the dunes? A standard ‘71 XLH900 Sportster. It doesn’t perform exceptionally well at any task, which is why I adore it. Ideally, I’d love to romp through the sand dunes on a Gold Wing. However, I don’t own one, so I took my least favorable bike out.
How did it handle with those gigantic paddles on it? It was sluggish, cumbersome, and felt like seaweed in choppy waters. The key to navigating sand is to glide smoothly over the surface. But I’m not a graceful person, and I enjoy a challenge. The paddle tires might’ve aided a bit, but 50 horsepower from a boat anchor was certainly not optimal.
Nonetheless, NASA managed to land us on the moon two years before Harley Davidson started building my bike. What was I complaining about? The simple answer: I kept it pinned the entire time.
What was your first bike? When I was a kid, my dad bought a Suzuki DS80 for me to learn on. He took my brother and me to a sandy washout in the desert for our inaugural lesson. I managed only about 20 feet before bursting into tears. It was the most terrified I’ve ever been. I was ready to give up, but Dad was incredibly supportive. He wouldn’t let me quit. Now, I feel confident enough to ride anything anywhere. Thanks, Dad!
Where can we find Bixby Moto? 11211 Slater Ave., Fountain Valley, CA, 92708. That’s quite straightforward, but anyone interested in a sticker can send me a postcard with a return address, and I’ll ship out something uniquely tailored.
This article originally appeared in issue 21 of Iron & Air Magazine, and is shared here under license | Interview by Gregory George Moore | Images by Christopher Hopkins
9am. Saturday 1st February: We are thrilled to announce the opening of our tenth store this Saturday in beautiful Norwich! The new location is situated in the former Harley Davidson site on Ber Street. Customers will find a wide selection of motorcycle clothing, helmets, and accessories, with our fantastic staff ready to assist and provide expert advice.
