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HOG Singapore feature Last updated 16 Aug 2003 Back to D'Singapore Scene
The Straits Times OCT 30 1999 It's like a family and we love our Harleys by Tony Watts HARLEY-DAVIDSONS are so popular that HOG or the Harley Owners Group now boasts nearly half a million members worldwide. The Singapore chapter, the only registered motorcycling group here, has 210 members currently. The HOG members cringe at the mention of the word "gang", and other than their choice of motorcycle, have little in common with outlaw biker gangs elsewhere. HOG's objectives, other than fostering an interest in the motorcycles, are centred on charity work such as tomorrow's run from the Harley-Davidson dealership in Alexandra Road to the Ramakrishna Mission Boys' Home. HOG organises a charity event to coincide with all the festivals, from Chinese New Year to Christmas, with 95 riders involved in last year's Christmas toy-run. What is it about the American motorcycle that arouses such interest? "It's the lifestyle, it's the brotherhood, it's like a family," says Ms Jan Peck, 30. The diminutive assistant sales manager rides a Fat Boy, her second Harley-Davidson, and also acts as HOG secretary. Evidently, the "brotherhood" is strong enough to include females. Mr Katheravan R, 31, who is HOG's assistant director, says: "You just meet so many people on a Harley. I could be washing the bike and people just stop and say, 'Hey, nice bike!' If I was riding any other machine, I'd just be another guy washing a bike." For all the extrinsic pleasures owning a Harley can bring, however, some owners love their bikes for the value they have in themselves. "They're a work of art, an absolute work of art," enthuses Mr Tony Goldman, 56, a company managing director. Mr Goldman, who is director of HOG's Singapore Chapter, has already ridden his five-week-old Road King Classic more than 6,000 km, but says he would keep his in his living room if he could. It seems he gives his machine too much work for that, though. Then again, the Harley mystique is more than just about motorcycles. "No other bike brand
has the clothing," says self-employed Muhammad
Yusman, 37. "Or, in the bedroom, you can have the
Harley flag, the Harley toys, the Harley bed-kit, the
Harley towels, you can have It is not only merchandising the 1997 1200 Sportster owner is interested in, though. "You can personalise them," he says of customising the bike to suit your needs. "No two Harleys are the same." Riding personalised Harleys or not, the HOG members have an affinity with half a million HOG members and many other Harley riders worldwide. Never mind that their bikes are different, HOG members worldwide share one thing -- they love their Harleys.
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