Harley riders on tour

BRAND LEADER: A series of events mark iconic bike’s 110th anniversary

KUALA LUMPUR:  MORE than 200 Harley-Davidson bikers from around the globe will be participating in a five-day ride from here to Terengganu and Penang, from today to Saturday .

The event — Asia Harley Days (AHD) — is the first of its kind to be held in Malaysia, marks the 110 anniversary of the iconic Harley-Davidson brand as part of its global celebration. Earlier, there was an exhibition at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre showcasing motorcycles and exclusive merchandise.

Fans who visited the exhibition got to check out custom bikes, Harley-Davidson merchandise, and performances from local and international bands.

AHD event organiser Tan Sri Syed Yusof Syed Nasir, who is also an avid biker, said he hoped to see many international and local riders participating in the bike parade.

“We are very pleased with the participation of all the riders in the event. We hope that they will enjoy the scenery as they venture out on their bikes to explore the country during the five-day trip,” he said.

Syed Yusof said AHD will compliment other events in the tourism calendar.

“We believe that AHD will place Malaysia on the world map with other cities,” he said.

Harley-Davidson Museum vice-president Bill Davidson, who is also the great-grandson of founder William Davidson, said the epic celebration is for the riders and fans of the brand.

“The celebration is to interact and experience the unyielding passion for personal freedom and the spirit of independence. We invite everyone to join in the good times, in ways and places that our founders could not imagine,” he said.

Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau chief executive officer Zulkefli Sharif said that it was exciting that Harley-Davidson Motor Company had chosen Malaysia as its preferred destination to celebrate their anniversary.

“We are confident that AHD will leverage on our tourism attractions and raise the county’s profile as a destination for major international events.

“The support is in line with the strategic marketing approach under the Entry Point Project (EPP) to attract more tourists here. This year, we looking at 26 million tourists arrival,” he said.

Zulkefli said that the Tourism Ministry had embarked on a strategic campaign to attract visitors to the country.

“We have already implemented our marketing strategy. We are looking to attract 28 million tourists for Visit Malaysia Year 2014,” he said.

Zulkefli also said in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014 the Tourism Ministry will help expedite the entry of bikers into the country. “We are expecting more than 500 bikers who will be coming into the country from Thailand and Singapore for the AHD 2014. We will be working together with the Immigration Department to ensure smooth travel for the bikers,” he said.

Zulkefli Sharif and Bill Davidson at the launch of Asia Harley Days. Pic by Rosela Ismail

Harley riders on tour