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NEWS
BRIEFS
An interim trade framework between India and the United States will eliminate import duties on Harley- Davidson motorcycles, granting the American brand zero-duty access to India ' s premium bike segment. PSB reported that Harley sold just 97 premium motorcycles in India in 2025 due in part to the tariffs, but the 800 cc + market is very small in a country that sells millions of sub-500 cc units annually. Between April and December 2025, combined sales in the 800 cc- 1,000 cc, 1,000 cc-1,60 0cc and above 1,600 cc brackets totaled under 2,000 units in India, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers( SIAM). In comparison, total motorcycle sales in India exceeded 96 million units over the same period across all engine sizes.
With sponsors including Motorcycle Storehouse, the Official 2026 BRL( Bagger Racing League) European Cup Calendar kicks off on May 23 / 24, 2026, at the Cremona Circuit in Italy. Round 2 sees the series move on to the Automotodrom Brno in the Czech Republic( July 11 / 12), followed by Nürburgring, Germany( September 5 / 6) with the fourth and final Round at the Circuito de Jerez, Spain( Oct 31 / Nov 1); www. baggereurope. com
Ouch! In an announcement that made the mainstream media on both sides of the Atlantic, Harley-Davidson has had to recall nearly 17,000 Softails over brake failure fears. It affects certain FLHC, FXBB, FXLRS, and FXLRST motorcycles from model years 2025 and 2026. The danger being that " the rear brake line may contact the Body Control Module( BCM), resulting in a hole in the brake line, a brake fluid leak, and loss of the rear brakes."
Distinguished Gentleman ' s Ride- May 17, 2026
Officially the world ' s largest charity event for classic and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts, the Distinguished Gentleman ' s Ride( DGR) returns on Sunday May 17, 2026. Triumph Motorcycles returns as Official Motorcycle Partner for the 13th year and its 950 strong global dealership network in 68 countries will
be helping The DGR achieve even greater heights this year. The DGR mission is raising much needed money in support of Men ' s Health Charities, especially Mental Health and Prostate Cancer, not least through its support of ' Movember '. That mission saw a record 127,000 riders participating in The Distinguished Gentleman ' s Ride in 2025, raising $ 7.6m. For 2026 Triumph Motorcycles is giving riders a chance to win a special one-off custom Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer DGR Edition, created exclusively for this year ' s event.
Created 15 years ago in Sydney, Australia by Mark Hawwa, and now takes place worldwide. In 2025 those 127,000 riders participated in 1,038 separate rides across 108 countries. Triumph became the official motorcycle partner of the DGR in 2014, bringing a commitment to increase awareness, grow participation, and increase fundraising in support of this worthy cause. Last year ' s $ 7.6m raised brought the 15- year total to $ 60.37m. www. gentlemansride. com