American motorcycle brands, including Harley-Davidson, could see a price drop in India following the Budget 2025 announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025. The budget has reduced import duties on high-capacity motorcycles.
The import duty for motorcycles with engine capacities up to 1,600 cc, which are imported as completely built-up (CBU) units, has been decreased from 50 percent to 40 percent.
Harley Davidson is renowned for its high-capacity motorcycles.
Moreover, the import duty on semi-knocked down (SKD) kits has been lowered from 25 percent to 20 percent, while completely knocked down (CKD) units now incur a tax of 10 percent, reduced from the previous 15 percent.
This tariff reduction is a response to threats from US President Donald Trump regarding reciprocal taxes on nations imposing high tariffs on American goods.
In December, Trump remarked that India’s taxes are excessive, asserting, “If they tax us, we tax them the same amount.”
According to the Ministry of Commerce, India emerged as the largest trading partner of the US last financial year.
Additionally, the tariff on Harley-Davidson bikes has been a contentious issue between India and the US for years, with Trump advocating for its reduction.
A MASSIVE Harley-Davidson dealership has reopened after abruptly closing its doors for several weeks, with customers’ bikes still inside.
The expansive 30,000-square-foot establishment features over 100 Harley-Davidson motorcycles and more than $3.5 million in inventory.
New owners have taken charge of a previously closed Harley-Davidson dealershipGetty An announcement on the dealership’s Facebook page detailed operational continuity after the abrupt closureFacebook/San Jose Harley-Davidson The dealership features over 100 motorcycles valued in the millionsGetty
The dealership, one of the largest Harley-Davidson locations in Northern California, ceased operations on December 21, 2024.
“To the Harley-Davidson community that San Jose H-D has served, we thank you for your years of support and shared enthusiasm,” the dealer stated on their Facebook page on the closure day.
It was announced that new ownership would take effect on January 14.
After a few delays, the store officially reopened on January 21, with the prior owner’s endorsement.
The new owners, Mike Genthner and Jess Bettencourt, have been part of the Harley-Davidson family since 1997.
They already operate Oakland Harley-Davidson in Oakland, California, also located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Upon taking over, Genthner and Bettencourt pledged to reach out to customers whose bikes were in the store during the December closure.
They also committed to fulfilling pending special orders, work order deposits, and honoring gift cards.
Both Genthner and Bettencourt, native Californians, have been involved in their family businesses from a young age.
The two acquaintances met in high school, united by their passion for motorcycles and the Harley-Davidson brand.
Genthner and Bettencourt manage daily operations at Oakland Harley-Davidson and actively engage with both staff and customers.
San Jose Harley-Davidson patrons have expressed positive sentiments about the ownership transition on the store’s Facebook page.
“The new owner I spoke with is very customer-oriented,” noted one fan.
“He took my bike from SJ service to Oakland, and they’re almost done after a week.”
“Thank you for continuing to honor the gift cards and maintaining the business,” another commented.
Laidlaw’s Harley-Davidson, situated near Los Angeles, has recently introduced a Pan America 1250 Special concept bike featuring flashing red and blue lights, multiple saddlebags, and sirens.
This model also features enhanced ground clearance and improved suspension for various terrains.
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, ceased operations in October after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
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.
