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The Evolution of Harley Riders in Pakistan
Explore Harley Davidson culture in Pakistan, its challenges, brotherhood, and unique rider experiences.
by MT Team | Published Nov 1st, 2024
Harley Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle brand, has long been synonymous with a dream bike status for many. As Zaman Umer, a passionate Harley rider and a key figure n the Islamabad Harley Owners Group (HOG), explains, " Harley Davidson is the kind of bike that, even if you don’t know its model, you instinctively recognize it as the motorcycle you aspire to own. It's like the Ferrari of motorcycles for many." Growing up watching Hollywood movies and being exposed to American culture, many young men in Pakistan, including Zaman, found themselves captivated by the allure of these motorcycles.
The Unique Harley Experience in Pakistan The pricing puts a brand-new Harley far beyond the reach of most enthusiasts. Many riders end up purchasing pre-owned bikes that are several years old but still come with hefty price tags. "By the time you can afford a Harley here, you're often in your 40s," Zaman explains. While many riders still feel the thrill of owning one, the rebellious 'badass' image often fades as responsibilities take precedence. Nevertheless, the love for the bike remains strong.
Zaman Umer in full gear
Maintenance Challenges One of the biggest hurdles for Harley enthusiasts in Pakistan is the absence of an official Harley Davidson dealership. "To have a dealership, there's a requirement to sell a certain number of new motorcycles every year, which is not feasible here due to the high costs," Zaman notes. This lack of dealership means there are no official Harley mechanics or service centers in the country. To fill the gap, fellow riders have taken the initiative to create their own Harley stores. In Karachi, two riders founded “The Harley District”, a shop that serves as a gathering point for Harley riders to hang out, catch up, and get their bikes serviced.
"We've got the best places in the world, and we want to show people that, yes, we've got Harleys here too."
"The primary market for Harleys in Pakistan is in Karachi, where there are more than 500 bikes. Other cities, like Lahore and Islamabad, have smaller numbers, with around 100 to 150 bikes each," Zaman explains. The Harley Owners Group Harley riders in Pakistan have built a strong community. Zaman, along with two other riders, started the “Harley Owners Group” (HOG) chapter in Islamabad. "When I moved back to Islamabad, I found out there was no HOG chapter here. So, with the help of a few friends, we created one," he shares. The group has grown steadily and now includes over 80 riders in the capital. Harley Owners Group exists worldwide, promoting a brotherhood among Harley riders, and Pakistan is no exception. "We've got Harley chapters in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, as well as smaller ones in places like Gujranwala," Zaman adds.
The group organizes frequent city rides, and there are annual national rides, such as the 2021 Khunjerab ride, where over 50 Harley riders join. For HOG, it’s not just about the motorcycle—it's about the passion, the community, and the joy of the open road. "To start with, it's for very selfish reasons because we just love riding," Zaman admits. But for him, it’s also about promoting Pakistan’s softer image and showcasing the country’s raw beauty, especially in the northern regions. Zaman regularly organizes rides to places like Hunza and Skardu, and even hosts international friends on trips to show them the stunning landscapes Pakistan has to offer. As Zaman puts it, "We've got the best places in the world, and we want to show people that, yes, we've got Harleys here too."
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