Harley

I don’t believe I’ve ever met anyone who wants to keep their Harley-Davidson motorcycle stock. Even before your new pride and joy rolls off the showroom floor, shiny ideas and images of style and performance changes rumble into your motoring mind. Louder and less restrictive exhaust pipes are usually the first thing, closely followed by an air cleaner that lets the motor breathe more oxygen. All in endless pursuit of fun and coolness.

Bagger Pit Crew Life

by Rob Brooks | Apr 21, 2026 | Industry & Racing | 6 |

You hear them before you see them.
I am down by the wall on the front straight at Road Atlanta, as the King of the Baggers riders approach the hill and bridge after turn 10B. The bikes haven’t come into view yet, but their growl is already wafting through the paddock and down pit lane. Suddenly they are visible, one by one diving under the bridge then plunging down the hill and throttling hard right onto the front straight. I set the pit board over the fence, displaying Harley-Davidson Factory Racing team rider Bradley Smith’s position, gap to the rider behind him, and laps left. He’s holding off Indian’s Troy Herfoss for 3rd, as the whole field of bikes roar past at over 160 mph, then lean right up the hill at turn 1.
I feel them in my chest, as they blast past me at speeds these bikes shouldn’t be capable of.

Winter Work: Harley-Davidson Super Reach Seat

by J. Joshua Placa | Jan 20, 2026 | Bikes & Gear, Nuts & Bolts | 0 |

After much meditation, thought, internal debate, posterior pain, and consulting with my witch doctor, I finally concluded it was time to find a touring machine, one with some built-in creature comforts. For me, this translated to a smooth, powerful motor and a seat that will stay comfortable for many a mile. Unfortunately, the 2012 Road King Classic I picked up came with an aftermarket saddle that was, as hard as it is to believe, too cozy.

Tombstone’s Helldorado Days

by J. Joshua Placa | Nov 19, 2025 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads | 1 |

The way to Tombstone, AZ can feel like a wagon trail that happens to be paved. Passing through small, dusty towns that aren’t much more than stage coach stops, a place to get some grub, put up your boots, feed your steel horse and get back on the trail. For those of us who watched too many westerns, this is the way of the west. Whether you’re pushing cattle, prospecting for precious metals, running from the law, endlessly searching for a homestead or riding to the next cold beer, we are always trying to get somewhere else. Just passing through, gone before the dust settles. The West is less a place and more a state of mind. It embodies wanderlust, adventure, independence. Not much more needed than our ride, big black boots, and shoulders covered in well-worn leather. It is freedom. And for three days and nights in the third weekend of October for the last 96 years, it is Helldorado Days.

Zeitz Leaves Harley-Davidson

by Rob Brooks | Apr 9, 2025 | Industry & Racing | 3 |

News came today that Harley-Davidson’s CEO, Jochen Zeitz, is stepping down from his position. The company is now beginning the search for a new leader.