Harley-Davidson Named 'Official Motorcycle' of Spartan

Spartan, the world’s largest obstacle course race and endurance brand, announced an exclusive national sponsorship with Harley-Davidson, naming the iconic motor company the “Official Motorcycle” of Spartan U.S. This collaboration brings together two brands built from a common bond of community, adventure and individual transformation, and offers a new element of thrill at Spartan races across the United States as well as at select Harley-Davidson dealerships.

Racers and spectators can expect to see Harley-Davidson featured throughout the obstacle course as well as have the opportunity to learn firsthand the parallels between riding and racing by visiting the Harley-Davidson area within the grounds where they can participate in the Jumpstart rider experience. Through this experience, Spartan’s community of millions will get to feel what it’s like to ride, many for the first time, by sitting on a stationary motorcycle where they’ll get to master the controls while giving the throttle a twist to feel the transformative power of riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. They’ll also be able to enter to win a Spartan race entry and Harley-Davidson Riding Academy pass at select race events.

“The core values of strength and perseverance run deep within both brands and create the foundation for a strong partnership between Harley-Davidson and Spartan,” said Spartan CEO and Founder, Joe De Sena. “I grew up riding and know that much like our events, riding a Harley-Davidson makes you feel alive, it gives you an unbelievable sense of freedom and the same adrenaline rush. We want to continue to provide our community opportunities to pursue their next adventure, and learning to ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle offers just that. There is no other brand we would want Spartans to ride than a Harley-Davidson.”

In addition, select Harley-Davidson dealerships will host exclusive Spartan Workout Tours to help racers get revved up. The Spartan Workout Tour is a 90-minute bodyweight session that challenges the mind while training and sculpting the body. Spartan coaches cater to all levels of fitness, prompting everyone to get involved. Those who attend the Workout Tours and sign up for Harley-Davidson Riding Academy will receive an entry to a 2019/2020 Spartan race of their choosing. For more information on the Workout Tours, visit Spartan.com.

“Racing in Spartan and riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle may start from two different roads, but they lead to the same journey for many,” said Ann Janikowsky, director of marketing, community and experiential, at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Along that journey, racers and riders alike discover what they’re capable of, experience the unbreakable bond of those who help them along the way, and whether iron or body, learn that their machine delivers a sense of personal freedom and thrill unlike any other.”

Link: Harley-Davidson, Spartan

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.