First-ever Asia Harley Days off to a rumbling start, 2023 plans in the works

Iconic motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson successfully concluded its first-ever Asia Harley Days festival held last November 5-6, 2022, at Cha-am beach in Hua Hin, Thailand. The event was attended by more than 1600 festival goers from all over Asia, including Thailand, South Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, Macao, Hong Kong, India, Guam, and Singapore, as well as 80 Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) chapters and motorcycle clubs from these countries and territories.

Mayor Nukul Pornsomboonsiri of Cha-am was guest of honor at the traditional Thai-style opening ceremony held at the festival venue of Triple Tree Resort, Cha-am Beach. The first day of the festivities featured a H.O.G. motorcycle parade organized exclusively for H.O.G. members. The parade started with a traditional ceremony to pay respect to the 7 Kings of Thailand, followed by H.O.G. logo formation.

More than 350 riders came from Rajabhakti Park, Hua Hin, to join the parade and ride to the festival venue. The parade was flagged-off by Lieutenant General Pit Chotisut, Director of Army Tourism Promotion Agency, and Major General Somporn Donsingha, Commander of Royal Thai Army Sergeant School, Hua Hin. The parade was led by Dimitris Raptis – Vice President, Asia Pacific, Harley-Davidson, along with Sajeev Rajasekharan, Managing Director, Asia Emerging Markets & India, Harley-Davidson.

Throughout the evening, thousands of festival attendees were treated to electrifying music performances by well-known bands such as Ebola, Evolu5ion, DJ Alpha, DJ Riviere, and Silly Fool. Apart from the music performances, the attendees enjoyed many other activities, such as breathtaking gymkhana stunts, slow racing, and test rides. Fun contests include the best beard, the best tattoo, the fashion icon, the highest number of Harley-Davidson patches, and the best slogan. The iconic Custom Kings contest was one of the festival’s major attractions. 

On the second day, festival goers enjoyed performances by leading bands Silly Fools, Dead Rabbit, Black Rose, DJ Kenny & DJ Karn, as well as the June & Sanpond Violin and Saxophone duo. Other activities, such as Championship Extreme stunts and a food extravaganza, also entertained attendees. In the evening, awards were handed out to various winners of the on-spot contests and first-ever Asia Harley Days Hall of Fame recipients. Over 50 select riders and dealer groups were recognized for their contribution and achievement to the community. The event was hosted by Guitar – Saruda Chusri and popular Thai artist, Guy – Rachanont Suprakob.

Asia Harley Days will be an annual event by Harley-Davidson in the region, and an announcement for the 2023 edition will be made soon. Let’s hope the next one will be held on one of our beautiful beaches. Boracay, Bohol or Calaguas, what do you think?

Source: First-ever Asia Harley Days off to a rumbling start, 2023 plans in the works