EUROPE’S LARGEST FREE MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO ITS FORMER GLORY
Thousands of fans gathered to celebrate the Harley-Davidson lifestyle at European Bike Week 2022
FAAK AM SEE, AUSTRIA, 12th September 2022 – For the 23rd time, Europe's largest motorcycle party, European Bike Week®, returned to the sunny south side of the Alps in the Austrian state of Carinthia from September 6-11, 2022. Approximately 80,000 people and more than 50,000 motorcycles flocked to the Austrian village of Faak am See to celebrate Harley-Davidson® and motorcycle lifestyle in a stunning alpine setting at an event that was free of charge and open to all riders. This year's guest of honour was Bill Davidson, director of the Harley-Davidson Museum™ and vice president of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Bill is great-grandson of one of the company’s founding fathers, William A. Davidson.
The heart of the action was in Harley Village – a site of around 40,000m2 which was buzzing day and night with motorcycles lining the road as far as the eye could see. Fourteen authorized Harley-Davidson dealers from across Europe and numerous other traders presented bikes, accessories and apparel; and more than 30 bands rocked two stages as part of the free entertainment offering.
The H-D EXPO featured the latest motorcycles from the iconic brand, including the reveal of the latest Icons Collection model, the Low Rider® El Diablo, launched on September 1 and limited to just 1,500 units worldwide. Opposite the EXPO, European Bike Week’s automobile partner, Ford, had a display that included the new Ford Bronco and a Ford Mustang in police livery. The H-D Demo Zone was fully booked up for most of the week and two new feature experiences: a Revolution Max Experience and an off-road Adventure Riding Experience. Both experiences took riders on bespoke tours, with the Adventure Experience including off-road training on the Pan America™ 1250 by Bosnia Rally participant, Ralf ‘Ralle’ Wiesenfaller and Dakar legend, Mick Extance.
Another new feature for 2022 was the EV Zone, where test rides on LiveWire© OneTM and Serial 1 e-bikes sat alongside a display by Ford, who were showing the Mustang Mach-E and all electric Transit – with the latter even capable of charging a LiveWire motorcycle!
On Friday, the Custom Bike Show sponsored by Metzeler took place in the Customizer Area. Around 40 custom creations were registered across six categories, with trophies awarded for Best in Category, Best in Show and People’s Choice. Best in Show was won by Mirko Perugini from Italy, who took home a custom painted Harley-Davidson tank trophy and a set of Metzeler tyres. 10,000 riders took to the roads around Villach and Ossiacher See at the parade on Saturday, cheered on by crowds of local people. And on the Saturday night, lucky participant, Karin Serraino, won a brand-new Pan America 1250 Special. There was also a pair of tickets won to attend the Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Festival in Budapest, Hungary from June 22-25, 2023.
European Bike Week will return to Faak am See from September 5-10, 2023.
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About Harley-Davidson®
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.
