HARLEY-DAVIDSON CELEBRATED ITS ANNIVERSARY IN BUDAPEST
The Motor Company celebrated its first 120 years at an international festival with bikes, lots of music and entertainment in Hungary's capital
Over 100,000 participants from more than 50 countries attended the event over the four days of the festival
More than 50 bands - including several international acts - rocked five stages over four evenings in front of a huge audience
VIPs included Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO of Harley-Davidson, and Karen and Bill Davidson, great-granddaughter and great-grandson of William A. Davidson, one of the company's four founders
More than 7,000 motorcycles paraded through downtown Budapest to the applause of numerous spectators
BUDAPEST (June 28, 2023) - For four days, Budapest's Puskás Aréna Park around Hungary's largest football stadium was under the banner of Harley-Davidson, as the US brand's European 120th Anniversary Festival took place here from June 22nd to 25th. Visitors were offered a lot of fun and action, such as a large exhibition of the new Harley-Davidson models and several classic Milwaukee bikes, including some of the Motor Company's most important creations. As part of this expo, the new CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide models, which had been presented just two weeks before the start of the event, were also seen for the first time in Europe.
More than 70 Harley-Davidson bikes were tested on the streets of the Hungarian capital and the surrounding area. The special options included two-hour Pan America on- and off-road rides, where guests were able to see for themselves the qualities of the adventure touring bike.
Harley-Davidson riders and fans flocked to Budapest from all over the world: the hosts were able to welcome visitors from the USA, Australia, South Africa and Singapore.They were rewarded, among other things, with free tours of up to 300 kilometers long, led by experienced regional road captains and taking in some of the most scenic spots in northern Hungary.
One of the highlights was of course the musical offering: over 50 bands rocked five stages, including international acts such as Airbourne and Wolfmother from Australia, Larkin Poe from the USA, The Picture Books from Germany, the British rock band The Darkness and Glenn Hughes, who The stage program ended on Sunday evening with classic deep purple rock. Successful headliners such as EDDA Művek and Pokolgép provided the original Hungarian sound.
Among the VIPs in attendance was Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, who, together with Karen and Bill Davidson, the great-grandchildren of company co-founder William A. Davidson, led the raffle in which a British visitor won a strictly limited Heritage Classic Anniversary won.
Countless custom bikes could be seen at the various locations on the event site and on Friday the most creative conversions from eight countries competed in the ride-in custom bike show supported by Metzeler. More than 80 machines that had been brought to Budapest specifically for the competition took part.
Marco Sonnino from Italy won the “Best of Show” prize. Another highlight was the parade, in which more than 7,000 motorcycles did a lap through the city on Saturday to the applause of numerous spectators.
Harley-Davidson also announced the venue for the 30th edition of the HOG Rally next year. The event, which welcomes all bikers and motorcycle fans with free admission, will take place from June 6th to 9th, 2024 in Senigallia, Italy. Less than two hours from Bologna, the town impresses with its Renaissance architecture, breathtaking coastline, rolling hills and winding roads in the surrounding area - perfect for planning a tour in 2024.
Kolja Rebstock, Regional Vice President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), sums up: “This was an incredible festival. It underlined the enormous appeal of Harley-Davidson and perfectly embodied the Harley lifestyle: We're about much more than just motorcycles.
On behalf of Harley-Davidson EMEA, I would like to thank the event organizers, Sportmarketing Agency Kft., the city of Budapest and of course the people of Hungary for supporting our synthesis of bikes, music and entertainment and warmly support fans from all over the world have received.
Our next major European event will be in Faak, Austria, where we will welcome all bikers from September 5th to 10th to celebrate the 25th anniversary of European Bike Week.”
Text & image credit: Harley-Davidson
More 120th Harley-Davidson Budapest image galleries
120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary in Budapest 2023
Interim report from the 120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Budapest
I wouldn't have expected that, Thursday was really crazy, it's over 35 degrees here and so many Harley bikers from all over Europe came to Budapest that you don't even know what phase is anymore.
My TOP highlights are the new CVO models, the opinions on them are quite different, I am surprised at how many of you are excited about the new screen. There are some not so nice anomalies, the case lid holder seems wobbly, the suspension adjustment is placed completely wrong and the switches on the handlebars are illuminated, but far too cluttered. The handlebars are mounted, but they are much too movable. I'm not sure if everything is adjusted correctly because the two machines were flown in rather quickly.
Apart from the negative comments about the feeling of value, most people were enthusiastic. You just have to see it live, I like the Road Glide a lot better than the front of the Street Glide, this T, on which the design is based in the form of an eagle's wing, didn't really reach me. The Road Glide is completely different, I think it's a success.
More on that later!
The area is really big, you really have to walk through everything, the Demorides excursions are well booked despite the heat. In the afternoon the area got really crowded.
Mega bands at the start!
Danko Jones and Airborne rocked everything!
Danko Jones made it clear on stage that there are no VIPs among us bikers, we are all the same on the bike! Great guy, I've never seen him live before and at Airborne the hut burned down, I really don't know how many Harley bikers were there, it went all the way to the back, into the last corner.
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Date HOG Rally 2024 – June 6th to 9th, 2024 in Senigallia Italy!
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In any case, the trip was worth it and there is really something going on here!
I also have a few photos for you, not everyone found time to be there, you can also find lots of news and pictures on my Facebook page! Simply search under Halrsite and leave a follow there.
The 120th Harley-Davidson Festival starts in Budapest on Thursday
It starts on Thursday, with the opening at 11:00 a.m. with Karen and Bill Davidson. I was already on site today and took a look at what was going on. It's about 34 degrees and the time is running! You can feel the excitement because tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. the gates will open for you and everything should be perfect.
I met one of the main organizers of the event right in the morning, it is Attila Dobai, he is the Harley-Davidson dealer from Budapest and from the Harley event at Ballaton. His son actually does the real work, Attila tends to look after guys like me and showed me everything interesting on the site, I think it's also important that I'm up to date with what's going on, you've got something out of it too.
From the left is Attila Dobai, on the right is me.
You have to notice this again and again, the people in Budapest are very hospitable and many even know a little German. You don't run a red light here, that's really noticeable. It's my first time in Budapest and I'm already really liking it.
One thing is now save, the new CVO Street and CVO Road Glide models have arrived, I could see the CVO Road Glide in the special Whiskey Neat / Raven Metallic paint finish as I was driving past. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take any photos, but that's coming. But one thing is already clear, in the original it looks completely different, at first glance I actually liked the CVO Road Glide, let's see when I'm actually standing in front of it.
In Budapest you see the Harley-Davidson flags and banners everywhere, you are obviously welcome here. The city is also very motorcyclist friendly. Motorcycles are allowed to drive in the bus lane and if there is a traffic light system for buses, this also applies to motorcyclists. A completely new feeling is that the drivers make room on their own when you want to meander through the middle. We don't know that much in Germany.
The 120th Anniversary event area and the EXPO
The event area is really big, Harley-Davidson really took off here, the stage and the highlight is actually the EXPO hall, where the custom bike show will also be located.
I've never seen anything like this from the company, there are already really nice Harleys here, a really awesome Pan America conversion from England can be found here, which was Harley-Davidson Sykes , from Bridges in the south of England. You just have to look at the implementation of the project, the guys can do something and are generally always very good at the conversions. I've already driven a really nice Sportster conversion in Spain.
My friend Aykut (AT-American Cycles), who you should know from countless bike shows, or from DMAX with his own show, or the episode at Orange County Choppers in northern New York where he built the GTO bike for the show. He will be putting two of his custom bikes in the show.
Harley-Davidson has of course introduced all of its new models here, the Bagger Race Bikes are also here and many models from Harley-Davidson's 120-year history. But as already mentioned, most of the pictures come afterwards.
At KESSTECH, which has its base on the outside area, there are conversions of a Road Glide ST in carbon look and the highlight is a new Breakout 2023, which they have built in their own way in a 120th anniversary design.
The 120th Anniversary T-Shirts
I've already discovered a few event T-shirts that you can buy on the event site starting tomorrow. There is another Harley-Davidson Fashion Store , they have a 120th Anniversary Dealer Shirt that also says Budapest on it, which of course fits and would be a little tip on the side if it could be a little more.
I can already say that it's a great city worth seeing, with very nice people, and the tour here has already been worth it for me.
Harley-Davidson has announced the route of the 120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Parade, which will pass through the heart of Budapest on Saturday.
Karen and Bill Davidson are expected to lead the parade. On Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. the lineup will be on Dózsa György út, in the Puskás Arena area.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. and leads past the Parliament, the Chain Bridge and many other sights through the middle of the beautiful city of Budapest.
120th Parade Budapest Harley-Davidson
If you want to take part in the parade in the line-up area, you will need the rally package with your entry ticket.
You can order the rally package here, you just have to pay attention to one thing that I haven't been able to clarify yet. In the German translation, a t-shirt is included in the package, which is not the case in the English translation. External link to the rally package
Here you will find a short version of some of the most important information. The article is continually updated. Last updated: 15 June 23
Venue of the 120th Harley-Davidson Anniverary Festival
The event takes place at the Puskás Arena. Address: Budapest, Dózsa György út 5, 1146 Hungary
The opening
The 120th Harley-Davidson Festival 2023 will officially open on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Karen and Bill Davidson are expected in Budapest, but when and where you can meet them in person is not yet known.
The Harley-Davidsonparadein Budapest
The Harley-Davidson parade will take place on Saturday and runs through the middle of Budapest. The time window is currently from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. I suspect that the line-up will be from 10:00 a.m. Where the lineup will be and when the exact start of the parade will be is not yet known and will be updated later. Registration takes place on site, in the area of the custom bike show area.
The custom bike show
Registration for the custom bike show starts on Friday at 10:00 a.m. The jury will evaluate the custom bikes at 2:00 p.m. and the custom bike show will end at around 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you have a very special custom bike, then you are invited to take part in the official Harley-Davidson Ride-in Custom Bike Show, supported by Metzeler. Don't miss this opportunity!
Each participant will receive free gifts, according to Harley-Davidson, and winners will be rewarded with trophies and prizes from Harley-Davidson and Metzeler.
Harley-Davidson test drives
The demo rides take place daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Puskás Arena Park area.
At the start of the event, the link will be activated where all vehicles that are available for test drives on site are listed. You can then reserve your desired Harley online.
A highlight are guided Pan America test drives. Harley-Davidson has brought some Pan America models to Budapest on which you can ride an approximately 20 kilometer long off-road test route; the tours are offered for beginners and advanced riders. Of course you can also test the Pan America on the road.
Harley-Davidson EXPO
The EXPO tent is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The new 2023 models are on display here. The very rare CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary Edition will also be on display here. The new CVO Street Glide and Road Glide models will also be on display in Budapest, although possibly only from Friday and in a separate area.
Would you like to spend a day exploring Budapest and everything the beautiful city has to offer?
Then take a look at the Budapest Card offer, for example you can get a lot for just €33 per person.
The hop-on/hop-off buses are cheaper with the card, but not free because they are not public transport.
Info from the provider:
Why is it worth buying the Budapest Card? Free public transport, free entry to 20 museums, free entry to Lukács Baths, free city tours, cave tours, free entry to several visitor centers: the BUDAPEST CARD offers all this and much more! In addition, city card holders can expect up to 50% discounts at restaurants, sights, extraordinary programs and souvenir shops.
The card should be issued after May 1st, 2023 and before May 1st, 2024.
The BUDAPEST CARD for 24 hours offers discounts for one person. The card is valid for one person and cannot be transferred. With the card you can use BKK Zrt.'s means of transport. use freely and without restriction within the administrative boundaries of Budapest.
Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide 2023
CVO premieres at the 120th HD Anniversary Festival in Budapest!
There is up-to-date information about the new CVO models and demo rides with the current model range are also offered in Budapest. At the start of the event it will be possible to reserve the Harley-Davidson you want online. At the beginning of next week, you can also register online for the guided tours!
Pan America Special! Together with driving instructor Ralle, we will test the Pan America on a 20 kilometer off-road course and take away valuable tips from the professional. The tour is free and there is a Pan America Adventure Bike available for you to test out.
Harley-Davidson will have the new CVO Street and CVO Road Glide models flown to Budapest in 2023. It is not certain whether they will lead the parade, but according to plans they will be presented separately on the festival grounds and for the first time in Europe! At least that's the plan if everything works out.
This information will certainly trigger one or two CVO fans a little. When the next opportunity to see them live might arise is currently unknown. A little further down is an overview of the hotels still available for the 120th HD Anniversary in Budapest.
The new CVO models are in great demand!
Although sales are generally a bit slow at the moment due to the Habeck effect, orders from Harley-Davidson dealers are coming in so well that the Road Glide CVO models for this season have already been sold. So if you bought it sight unseen, there's hardly anything else you can do if you want to do your laps on the new CVO this summer.
Some CVO Street Glide models are still available
There are only a few CVO Street Glide models left for this season, but this depends on the dealer's quota as to whether he can still get one.
It's crazy how quickly it can happen, even though the machines aren't even in the store yet and Harley-Davidson not only has the TOP versions, but also the price, at over 45,495 euros in Germany, which is quite an announcement although many had expected an even higher starting price. Even the surcharge of 7,140 euros for the Whiskey Neat / Raven Metallic special paint job on the CVO Road Glide didn't deter anyone. Anyone who wants to get one of these now won't be able to ride it until next season at the earliest; there are only a few of the CVO Street Glide left this year.
Excursions can be reserved online
I received a lot of questions about the trips, and I was able to clarify some of them.
My tip would be, if you are a larger group, you might do the tours independently.
Harley-Davidson will offer ten different tours in the Budapest area. The requirements for the driver are different in each case, the longest day tour offers a tour length of approx. 351 kilometers, so you should have some driving routine with you. Approximately 170 kilometers is the shortest tour into the beautiful surroundings of Budapest.
The tours are led by experienced guides, some of whom also include German-speaking employees from Harley-Davidson. Next week there will be an online link where you can register as a participant for the tours.
Pan America Adventure Tours
There are two selected pacours for Pan America Adventure tours. These special trips are led by the Harley-Davidson driving instructor Ralle (Herbert Wiese) from Germany. Ralle is a complete professional and has chosen two routes, one for beginners and one for advanced riders, which are offered several times and can also be booked online.
Harley-Davidson has brought its own Pan America fleet, so if you would like to drive through the terrain in a Pan America, that is easily possible.
BALATON HIGHLANDS TOUR
Tour length: 351 km
Main attractions:
Balaton wine region
Tihany
Füle Statue Park
Bence-Berg viewpoint
Lake Balaton
Lake Velence
BALATON HIGHLANDS TOUR
This tour goes in the southwest direction of Budapest. It is expected to start early and continue throughout the day. Exact times will come as they become available. Further information can be found on the website .
EGER TOUR
TOUR LENGTH: 281 km
KEY ATTRACTIONS:
Old town of Eger
Eger Castle
Palace of Gödöllő
Sirok Castle
Tura Castle
Valley of the Beautiful Woman
At 281 kilometers, this is also not one of the smaller tours. Here, too, you should of course drive up with a full tank before you set off; the big tourers could definitely manage this stage with one tank of gas, just by the way.
At 229 kilometers, a relaxed tour that offers a beautiful view of the plain from the castle. A visit to the bear house, where you can see wolves and lynxes.
This tour goes directly to the Danube-Ipoly National Park and Dobogókő. There is a great view of the Danube Bend and, on clear days, you can even see distant mountains such as the Mátra or the High Tatras. Another stop is the “Budapest Vineyard” in the Etyek wine region. The Korda Film Park, which has hosted many world stars - from Harrison Ford to Matt Damon - is also part of it.
A tour length of 161 kilometers is manageable. However, the description says something like 207 kilometers, but I think that's still manageable. Here, too, there is a great view over the plain and the journey goes through the Danube-Ipoly National Park.
This tour goes to the south of Budapest and is over 300 kilometers long. Kiskunság is the second national park in Hungary that this tour will take you through. We return via the geographical center of Hungary, which is close to the Danube-Ipoly National Park.
Ralle is a Harley-Davidson driving instructor and has scouted out two ideal Pan America Enduro routes in the Budapest area. The first tour is intended for beginners or bikers who don't have the off-road routine.
Pan America motorcycles are available.
Harley-Davidson took some Pan Americas to Budapest, if you don't have your own, you can ride with one from Harley-Davidson. It's fun, you're welcome to take part.
This tour is more for the experienced among us. If you want to be here, you should have some practice riding enduro. You don't have to be a professional, but you should have some off-road experience.
On this tour it is possible to take a Pan America from the Harley-Davidson fleet.
The 120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Festival in Budapest: expectations, recommendations and sights for Harley riders
The 120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Festival in Budapest is approaching and promises to be a spectacular event for Harley enthusiasts from all over Europe. In this report I will provide an overview of what visitors can expect from this exciting festival, what important information and tips they should keep in mind, and what sights in Budapest are particularly interesting for motorcyclists.
What can visitors expect at the 120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Festival?
The festival offers a wealth of activities and events for Harley-Davidson fans of all ages. Highlights include:
Live music and concerts: Enjoy first-class live performances by well-known bands and artists that create an exciting atmosphere.
Motorcycle Exhibits: Admire a variety of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including classic models, custom bikes and the company's latest innovations - sometimes we even get to see something completely new!
Rides and Parade: Take part in organized rides and parade where you can explore Budapest and its picturesque surroundings on your Harley-Davidson.
Dealer area: Discover an extensive range of motorcycle accessories, clothing, souvenirs and much more in the stands of the local dealers.
Tickets: Make sure to purchase tickets for the festival in advance as they may be limited or there could be a very long wait. Official website of the festival, to purchase tickets.
Accommodation: Plan your accommodation well in advance as hotels near the festival site can fill up quickly. Alternatively, you can look for accommodation in downtown Budapest and use public transport to get to the festival.
Parking options: There are special parking spaces for motorcycles near the festival site.
Important sights for motorcyclists in Budapest:
The Chain Bridge: Budapest's oldest bridge offers breathtaking views of the Danube and connects the Buda and Pest districts.
The Buda Castle District: Discover the historical side of Budapest and visit the impressive Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Fountain.
The Danube Promenade: Enjoy a relaxing ride along the Danube and admire the impressive skyline of Budapest.
Heroes' Square: This important square is decorated with statues of Hungarian heroes and offers an impressive backdrop for souvenir photos.
The Citadel: Located on Gellért Hill, the Citadel offers breathtaking panoramic views of Budapest and is a popular destination for motorcyclists.
Conclusion:
The 120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Festival in Budapest promises to be an unforgettable experience for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. With a variety of activities, an impressive bike show and the opportunity to discover Budapest on a Harley-Davidson, the festival will undoubtedly delight.
First tour tips for the 120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Festival in Budapest 2023
Tips for planning a trip to Budapest at a glance
What goes into good tour planning!
If you're going to the Deep East, good tour planning can't hurt. Hungary is not one of the typical travel destinations for the Harley-Davidson community, which is why I took the trouble to address a few topics that may be important for bikers. I often just drive off and let it happen to me, but there are countries where there can be small stumbling blocks that you wouldn't immediately think of and that make life difficult when things don't go well.
What you should pay particular attention to on the motorcycle tour to Budapest for the 120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary can be found in this article.
Preparation for the Harley-Davidson tour to Budapest
Travel documents: Make sure you have a valid passport or ID card and that your driving license is valid for riding a motorcycle abroad, sometimes your route will go through different countries.
Insurance: Check whether your motorcycle insurance is valid in other Eastern European countries and whether you should take out additional insurance if necessary. I will go into this separately later because this is one of the most important points that you should consider.
Pan America 1250 Special with Sun Downer seat for long tours. If you're not used to long rides, you should think about the saddle!
Vignette! What you need to pay attention to!
Do I even need a vignette for my motorcycle in Hungary?
Yes, you need them and you should get them too! The authorities in Hungary constantly check toll roads using the latest technology. They scan the license plates, I'm not sure if they can actually scan motorcycles properly, but all that stress isn't worth it.
For around €18.90 you can drive the whole month. If you drive without a vignette and get caught, they may send you a fine notice to Germany. In general, fines for motorcyclists caught without a valid vignette in Hungary can range from HUF 15,000 (approx. EUR 42) to HUF 200,000 (approx. EUR 560). In addition, it is better to avoid a conflict with the Hungarian police, like everywhere else abroad.
Where can I buy the vignette?
You can still get the sticker sticker at the gas stations. The easiest way is to order them via the website https://digitale-vignette-online.hu/de . The site is in German and is very simple; in addition to your credit card, you can also pay with Paypal.
Umlauts on license plates: Our umlauts do not exist in Hungary. When entering the license plate, you should proceed as follows, for example, as with the license plate for Plön: “PLÖ” = “PLO”, i.e. without the umlaut. Anyone who transcribes the umlaut with UE has done it wrong, and that causes problems.
Pay attention to the correct information: – License plate (Rendszám / Registration number) – Country (Ország / Country) – Validity period (Típus / Type) – Vehicle category (Kategória / Category)
Vignette Hungary – car up to 7 people and up to 3.5 tons 10 days = €21.90 / 1 month = €29.90.
Vignette Hungary – mobile home or van 10 days = €28.90 / 1 month = €44.90.
In which countries do I have to pay tolls for the motorcycle?
If you drive to Budapest, you have to pay tolls for the motorcycle in Austria, Slovenia and Hungary. In the Czech Republic, or if you also want to go to Romania, you don't need a sticker. (as of 06/2023)
The vignette APP is also an option
VIGNETTE APP
You can find this app in the Apple Store or on Google Play
What you need to pay attention to in Hungarian road traffic
Speed limits
In built-up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h unless otherwise stated. Outside towns 90 km/h, anyone traveling by car and trailer is only allowed to travel at 70 km/h. Motorhomes over 3.5 T are also only allowed to drive at 70 km/h on country roads. On motorways the speed limit is 130 km/h, cars with trailers are only 80 km/h, as are motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes. The speed limit is 110 km/h on expressways, cars with trailers are only allowed 80 km/h, this also applies to mobile homes over 3.5 tons.
Do I always have to keep my lights on?
Motorcycles must be driven during the day with their lights on.
High-visibility vest – You might not think about it at first, but in Hungary you have to have a high-visibility vest with you as a motorcyclist. In the event of a breakdown or accident, it must be tightened immediately.
Warning triangle – Especially if you are traveling with a sidecar, you should have a warning triangle with you. There are warning triangles with a small pack size, especially for motorcyclists, which you can easily store where you can get to in an emergency and it's best for everyone to have one with them on their tours.
First-aid kits – First-aid kits are also mandatory for motorcyclists in Hungary, and also in the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Slovakia.
Replacement lamp set - This is mandatory in Croatia, but only recommended in Hungary if it involves conventional light bulbs.
High-visibility vests, warning triangles, first-aid kits, spare lamp set
High-visibility vest – You might not think about it at first, but in Hungary you have to have a high-visibility vest with you as a motorcyclist. In the event of a breakdown or accident, it must be tightened immediately.
Warning triangle – Especially if you are traveling with a sidecar, you should have a warning triangle with you. There are warning triangles with a small pack size, especially for motorcyclists, which you can easily store where you can get to in an emergency and it's best for everyone to have one with them on their tours.
First-aid kits – First-aid kits are also mandatory for motorcyclists in Hungary, and also in the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Slovakia.
Replacement lamp set - This is mandatory in Croatia, but only recommended in Hungary if it involves conventional light bulbs.
Drinking alcohol while driving in Hungary?
Alcohol and motorcycling generally don't mix well, but what if I drank a beer at the event in Hungary, am I still allowed to ride? No, in Hungary and also in the Czech Republic the 0.0 alcohol limit applies.
The fine starts at €370, in the event of danger/accident etc. it depends on the situation. You don't really want this hassle, especially abroad, so 0.0 per mille, or take a taxi. Fines starting at 70 euros are also enforced in the Federal Republic, so you sometimes carry the hassle home with you.
If the last drop of fuel is gone, having a 1 liter reserve on board won't do any harm.
This has actually happened to me twice already, I've now exceeded the low range display on the Harley-Davidson twice because I thought I could still do it. Under normal circumstances this works really well, once there was no turning off the motorway to the gas station and once I misjudged it. This can happen, so there should be room for a 1.25L reserve bottle somewhere when traveling.
Harley-Davidson Road Glide ST 117 – Breakdown due to lack of fuel
3 kilometers before the next gas station, low range is actually less than low range at some point! An emergency liter in your luggage can't do any harm.
Harley-Davidson insurance
Now comes a very important topic! It doesn't matter who you're insured with; before you get started, you should ask your insurance company what you need to consider, or take a close look at your contracts before you drive your Harley-Davidson east.
What is to be considered? Some insurers have an Eastern Europe clause
Basically, it always helps to look at your own contracts. If you still have an old contract, there may be different conditions as to how your motorcycle is insured.
If you stated that your motorcycle is always in a garage at night, then it should also stay in a garage in Budapest. Then you can only hope that the hotel garage in Budapest is not overcrowded. Everything has already happened and these are exactly the problems that no one needs. What do you do if someone drives into your Harley in Budapest? Let's say a Romanian or French biker and he only knows English by hearing it, then you have a problem! A good insurance company takes care of the settlement and pays in advance; it collects the money from the other party in the accident if he is obviously to blame for the accident.
First tour tips for the 120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Festival in Budapest 2023 84
What do you do if you have a breakdown, for example the tire breaks, how are you going to replace it so quickly, even here there are hardly any tires for the Harley available at the moment? For these two scenarios, your insurer will certainly have a solution. I checked with Harley-Davidson Insurance Services and they told me the following. In any case, you should generally call your insurance advisor so that he can look at the contract to bring you up to date on the situation before you drive east.
Liability is usually not the problem, but in the event of theft it can be a different story. Keyword is, is there an Eastern Europe clause in your contract!? Otherwise you may have limited protection.
and a letter of protection are recommended
When abroad, the law of the country you are currently in always applies. This means, for example, that in the event of an accident, the opposing insurance company may have different standards when it comes to settling claims. There are countless possibilities of what everything could be and you always hope that you don't need it.
But a letter of protection can also be really helpful if things aren't going well. This is not expensive and can be activated as an additional component to your insurance. It covers breakdown assistance, recovery, vehicle and medical repatriation, etc. The scope of insurance depends on the respective insurer.
What used to be a plus is now a premium. Anyone who is an ADAC member should check their status before traveling to Hungary so that there are no unpleasant surprises if the worst comes to the worst. Compare the prices and services with your Harley insurance, as an additional component they are often cheaper.
Store your helmet and jacket safely at the event
The Harleysite partner DEEMEED has a security bag with an alarm system in its range. Anyone who tampers with the smart lock will trigger the approx. 110db loud alarm; the alarm function can be turned off. The bag is secured with a plastic-wrapped steel cable and an inner steel net prevents it from being cut open. Small pack size and the bag is waterproof. DEEMEED bags are available at many authorized Harley-Davidson dealers.
The Hungarian currency
In Hungary the forint is used, although the euro is also accepted, but change is usually forint. The best way to pay is by credit card. According to Google, the exchange rates in Budapest are better than at our banks, which is generally not unusual.
The Czech Republic is also not part of the euro area, but if you pay with a credit card you won't notice. But you should be careful whether you enter euros or your respective national currency and not mix up euros and your currency. This has happened to me before, but I always get a message straight away and was able to complain about the oversight straight away.
No, since 2017 there are no more roaming fees within the EU. Anyone who wants to make calls with their cell phone in Hungary can do so across providers under the same terms and conditions as their normal domestic tariff.
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Budapest
1014 Budapest I. District, úri utca 64-66 / telephone information at +36 1 4883 -500 / email: KO******@Bu **.de / Internet: www.budapest.diplo.de
Of course I assume that we will have a great and safe Harley-Davidson meeting in Budapest. There is a lot of interest in this event and these tips can be helpful for some people who are not very experienced when it comes to motorcycle tours abroad.
All information has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief, not advice.
120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary in Budapest June 22nd – June 25th, 2023
The 120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Party in Budapest will be the largest and most spectacular Harley-Davidson event in Europe in 2023!
HARLEY-DAVIDSON CELEBRATES THE EUROPEAN 120TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL
From the press conference in Budapest: Details on the celebration of the milestone anniversary in June
100 days before the start of the anniversary festival in Budapest, Harley-Davidson held a press conference in the Hungarian capital. In the presence of the city's deputy mayor, the company announced details of its diverse festival program for motorcycle and music fans.
Harley-Davidson is giving away a strictly limited HD Heritage Classic Anniversary among the participants of the event in Budapest!
European Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Festival will take place in the heart of our continent, in Budapest . The event in Hungary's capital is the highlight of the US brand's 120th anniversary European parties and comes less than a month before the major Homecoming anniversary event, scheduled for July 13-16 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The mega party in Budapest will not only celebrate 120 years of motorcycle history, but also take a look into the future - with the latest Harley-Davidson models and the electrically powered machines from the LiveWire brand. They are represented in the exhibition and can also be tested extensively on the streets of the Hungarian capital during the four days of the event.
At the press conference, which took place during a cruise on the Danube, it was also announced that Harley-Davidson would be raffling off one of its strictly limited anniversary bikes - a valuable Heritage Classic Anniversary - among those attending the event.
120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Heritage 2023
The festival takes place in Puskás Aréna Park , home of the Hungarian national football team, in and around the stadium and on the wide avenue directly in front of the imposing building. During the four days of the event, Harley-Davidson and its event partners will offer plenty of action and entertainment. This includes live concerts by artists from all over the world: Airbourne, Larkin Poe, Deep Purple legend Glenn Hughes and the internationally known groups Wolfmother and The Darkness will perform, among others. Fans can look forward to more than 50 bands playing across six stages during the festival.
Of course, the Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Festival celebrate all aspects of moto culture. Guests can get active themselves or enjoy a number of spectacular bike, stunt, freestyle motocross and trial shows as well as the hot spectacle in the Globe of Death. Indoor exhibitions will illuminate 120 years of two-wheeled history and Harley-Davidson motorcycles from all eras.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON CELEBRATES THE EUROPEAN 120TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL
Entertainment in the open spaces includes an Adrenaline Park, a Family Park with activities for children of all ages and an open-air cinema where Harley-Davidson can be seen in films from the last 120 years. In addition, you will find more than 80 caterers here who offer food from all over the world and traditional Hungarian cuisine, as well as around 200 traders and a large number of authorized Harley-Davidson dealers who make shopping a pleasure.
Of course, the bikes play a central role, for example in the Harley-Davidson Expo with new models and in the big custom bike show on June 23rd in the Puskás Aréna Park, for which visitors can register their own, individualized machines. The Harley-Davidson Parade on Saturday, June 24th will see over 7,000 participants take to the streets of the Hungarian capital with their motorcycles.
Kolja Rebstock , Regional Vice President EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Managing Director DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) at Harley-Davidson Motor Company , is pleased: “We are expecting around 100,000 visitors to this huge festival, which will take place from the most traditional motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
At 120 years old, Harley-Davidson remains the most iconic of motorcycle brands, and I can only warmly recommend the trip to Budapest - one of the most iconic cities in Europe - in June this year, because Hungary's capital is the top address for Harley on our anniversary days Riders, HOG members, the rest of the motorcycle community as well as music fans and adrenaline junkies from all over Europe. Guys, experience the ride of your life with us and come to Budapest!”
120th Harley-Davidson Festival Budapest 2023
120th Harley-Davidson Festival Budapest 2023
120th Harley-Davidson Festival Budapest 2023
120th Harley-Davidson Festival Budapest 2023
120th Harley-Davidson Festival Budapest 2023
120th Harley-Davidson Festival Budapest 2023
Tickets for the anniversary event are available in advance at www.hd120budapest.hu. Available ticket packages include both one-day and four-day options, and Rally Packs with exclusive merchandise will also be available online April As a thank you for their brand loyalty, HOG members receive a discount on tickets in advance.
The website also offers tips on where to stay, with guests encouraged to reserve accommodation soon. Many hotels are already fully booked for the festival days.
The headliners for the 120th Harley-Davidson Anniversary Party in Budapest
THE DARKNESS WILL HEADLINE THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON 120TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL IN BUDAPEST IN JUNE ALONG WITH WOLFMOTHER
Harley-Davidson announces the headliners for its European birthday party from June 22nd to 25th, 2023 in Budapest
FRANKFURT (March 10, 2023) - The British rock band The Darkness completes the top-class Super Saturday line-up of international rock acts on the main stage of the Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Festival. In the heart of Europe, on the main stage at Budapest's Puskás Aréna Stadium, The Darkness will perform as Saturday's headliner alongside Australian hard rock band Wolfmother. The support is provided by The Picturebooks from Germany.
Headliner HD 120th Anniversary Festival The Darkness
With four evenings of top-notch entertainment, the Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Festival promises to be one of the largest motorcycle and music festivals on the continent. More than 50 bands will perform on six stages. You can also expect countless motorcycles, adrenaline-pumping action, entertainment for the whole family and Harley-Davidson style shopping.
With four-day tickets starting at €52 allowing access to all music acts, the party will be a magnet for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, rock fans and the residents of Hungary's capital.
Advance ticket sales are available at hd120budapest.hu Available ticket packages include both one-day and four-day options, and Rally Packs with exclusive merchandise will also be available online through the end of April.
The website also contains tips on accommodation options, as guests are advised to reserve accommodation as soon as possible. Many hotels are already fully booked for the festival days.
