Hogging the limelight

FRANCOIS LOTTERING THE delicate roar of thunder and camaraderie are only two of many ingredients of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) in Namibia. It is like a lifestyle or even a culture only HOG members understand and feel.

Gone are the days when bikers were seen as mean, real street brawlers and a bunch of anarchists. As a matter of fact, those images of long hair, tattoos, moustaches and leathers are actually hiding a bunch of good hearts that dare to care.

Top Revs paid a short visit to the Harley owners’ hideout, Biker Barn Motorcycles, in Windhoek’s southern industrial area to see if the myth of the bearded Vikings on their iron horses is still around.

The contrary welcomed us, as some HOG members still have tattoos, some still smoke their pipes, many still have beards, but in general, they all have caring hearts and love their Harleys and families.

Mr Harly Davidson Namibia himself, Guilliaume Kruger’s passion for the brand is evident as he goes out of his way or even amends his holiday plans to be with his Harley people. As recently as the end of December, he stayed a few days longer at Swakopmund to hand over a limited edition Harley to a client, who won the bike in a competition, before taking on the roads to venture into the rest of Namibia.

What does 2022 hold for the American motorcycle icon, Harley Davidson, and its owners or would-be owners?

“Excitement, lots of it,” said Kruger when asked what is in store for the brand during 2022.

But what can still be improved or changed on a brand like Harley, which will soon celebrate its 120 years since it was founded in 1903 in Milwaukee? Back then, it was not always a smooth ride for Harley Davidson, as they faced many obstacles, ranging from trade wars to two world wars, and even lawsuits from their rivals allegedly for not patenting some of their engine parts. However, the brand prevailed throughout all the onslaughts to where they are today.

“New for 2022 would be the ST range, as they (Harley Davidson) call it. There is a Road Glide ST, and they all come with the 117 cubic inch machine, which is a 1926cc engine fitted on all the touring motorcycles,” Kruger told Top Revs.

With an engine capacity like that, Top Revs can only imagine the effortless rides throughout Namibia, as the bikers regularly embark on long trips on their Harleys.

This year’s focus by Harley Davidson is on touring, as the brand is doing this segment better than anyone else in the motorbike industry. Though other manufacturers are also building touring bikes, Harley seems to be dominating the market, as there are more Harley touring bike owners at any gathering in Namibia than the other brands.

Other models are the Low Rider S that is more a sporty motorcycle and seems to be the ideal bike for the younger generation, while the touring bikes are for the older professionals in the market. But these are not the criteria, as all motorcycle owners have their own preferences.

The model comes with a new revolutionary design on the fairing and also upgrades on the suspension of the motorcycles. Even the new bright and flashy colours is an out of the box thinking for Harley, Kruger told Top Revs.

“But we will see how the customers will accept that,” Kruger added.

This adds to the uniqueness of each and every Harley you will hear rumbling past you on the roads, as none of the Harleys is the same. It also adds a lot to the HOG fraternity, as each owner wants to stand out from the rest of the team. Yet, although they have their own identity and colours, Harley riders have one thing in common, to ride and stand as one.

Top Revs experienced several mass rides or even charity events by HOG, and even here it is evident that the Harley culture is unique in many ways. Without generalising, back in the years, bikers were seen as the trouble makers in society. Motorcycle clubs like the notorious Hells’ Angels, with chapters across the globe, did not shy away from living their name when it comes to anarchy and disregard for law and order.

However, local motorcycle chapters are the opposite and it is uncommon to hear or read about local bikers that went rumbling down the streets with swinging baseball bats and bike chains. They rather opt to spend good bikers’ time with fellow members and embark regularly on mass rides or breakfast runs to visit other towns or clubs in solidarity of a good cause.

There are many events lined up on the bikers’ calendar, according to Kruger, and this is exactly what Top Revs wants to know, as we will bring you regular updates from the Namibian bikers’ fraternity.

The local HOG chapter is planning to host the biggest HOG rally in the Southern African Division, said Kruger and, two years ago, around 600 early owners took part, and this year we are aiming at 700 motorcycles.

The impact on the local economy is mind boggling, as these bikers need fuel, food, accommodation and many other commodities. Apart from the guys and girls coming up from other countries in the region, Kruger said they already received bookings from interested riders from Europe.

The biggest selling point is to assure any new and current Harley owner there is a certified workshop and certified master technicians in Windhoek.

It is not only the certified technicians that give peace of mind, but Biker Barn also boasts the world’s best custom builder that took several accolades in the international Harley arena.

“We try to keep it local and to give the best service to our customers,” Kruger emphasised. “When buying a Harley, you not just buy a commuter between home and work or the other way around, you buy into a lifestyle and that becomes part of you. It is a family thing and we try to enjoy these things with each other over weekends,” Kruger told Top Revs.