Harley-Davidson Asks Why Bike Share When You Can Motorcycle Own?

For less than seven bucks a day*, Americans can own a new Dark Custom Harley-Davidson Roadster motorcycle. To bring $7-a-day to life, Harley-Davidson created its first-ever free motorcycle-share pop up so consumers could test ride a new motorcycle and feel the difference the Roadster’s air-cooled 1200cc V-Twin engine makes.

For less than seven bucks a day*, Americans can own a new Dark Custom Harley-Davidson Roadstermotorcycle. To bring $7-a-day to life, Harley-Davidson created its first-ever free motorcycle-share pop up so everyone (at least through Friday) can test ride a new motorcycle and feel the difference of the nimble Roadster’s air-cooled 1200cc V-Twin engine in urban environments.

“We borrowed the popular bicycle share concept for a few days to showcase how folks can afford to own this new racing-inspired motorcycle,” said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson U.S. Marketing Director. “This will give riders an opportunity to experience an all-new and more exhilarating way to get around the city. A trip across town on two-wheels will never be the same.”

Temporary Harley-Davidson motorcycle-sharing stations featuring the Roadster will pop-up in select U.S. cities, including Portland, Los Angeles and Harley-Davidson’s hometown of Milwaukee, just as the new motorcycle hits local dealerships.

“This whole effort is designed to show just how attainable owning a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle can be. So, if folks can’t make it down to one of our pop-ups, they can head to a local Harley-Davidson dealer and see for themselves how owning a new Roadster or one of eight other new Harley-Davidson motorcycles can cost less than $7 a day,” Bernacchi added. “It’s easier now than ever to own a Harley-Davidson with the new Roadster, or look into the Street 500 starting at $99 a month**.”

Harley-Davidson motorcycle-share location and hours:

Milwaukee: May 18-20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Harley-Davidson Museum
Third Ward District – Broadway between Chicago and Menomonee

Portland: May 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

PDX Speedshop, 1313 NW Kearney Street, Portland OR

Los Angeles: May 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Glendale Harley-Davidson, 3717 San Fernando Road, Glendale CA

Ideal for city streets, the latest Dark Custom model provides modern performance with a combination of new wheels and tires mated to premium suspension components and an air-cooled 1200cc V-Twin engine that delivers a strong pulse of mid-range torque so riders can turn it loose at the green light.

The new Roadster model joins the Dark Custom lineup with a minimalist, fastback design inspired by classic models and current trends in garage-built custom bikes. At home in urban environments and on twisting roads, Roadster makes a bold visual statement and features a minimalist retro design with a profile reminiscent of vintage racing motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s. The Roadster is featured in Harley-Davidson’s current Live Your Legend marketing campaign: https://youtu.be/9MdVZ6poN7E.

“Since its introduction in 1957, the Harley-Davidson Sportster has proved capable of constant reinvention, and the Roadster writes a new chapter in that story,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Director of Styling. “We’ve watched our customers take the Sportster in so many different directions. The Roadster is a mash-up of styling genres, but the intent was to build a rider’s motorcycle, a Sportster that boasts premium suspension components and a balanced, athletic stance that connects the rider to the road.”

To test ride a Roadster or any of the 2016 motorcycles, visit a Harley-Davidson authorized dealership or schedule a test ride online at H-D.com.

*Riders must have a valid motorcycle license and proper riding gear in order to participate in the motorcycle-share program.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.