Harley-davidson® Takes Ride To Bangkok Hot Rod Show 2026

ZETIZENS.ID – Harley-Davidson celebrated the spirit of freedom and community by bringing its recently launched ‘RIDE’ brand platform directly to its audience in Asia.

The brand created an immersive experience for riders and fans at the 6th Annual Bangkok Hot Rod Custom Show from May 16 to 17, 2026, demonstrating its renewed commitment to the core of the riding experience.

Embodying the event’s “The SiXnature” theme, the immersive experience featured a curated display of unique customer-owned bikes alongside the Model Year 2026 lineup and the new race-inspired Factory Racing apparel collection.

Fans also attended an exclusive session with renowned, award-winning custom motorcycle builder and artist Gary Royal, who shared how riders could use the RIDE platform as inspiration to create their own signature style.

Embodying the Rider’s Signature: The “Custom Kings Display”

The centerpiece of the experience was the “Custom Kings Display,” a powerful tribute to the creativity and passion for individualization that defines the Harley-Davidson community.

The showcase celebrated local riding culture by featuring two remarkable motorcycles, each built and owned by local a customer:
A Road Glide™ Limited, customized by Nirundon Simasarit: The “Godzilla” Harley-Davidson Road Glide™ Limited is a high-performance stealth traveller that transforms a luxury touring motorcycle into an aggressive yet refined performance machine inspired by King of the Baggers racing culture.

Finished in Iron Horse Metallic and black tones, the bike blends stealth-inspired aesthetics with raw engineering details, creating a look that is both powerful and sophisticated.

Performance upgrades such as the custom 2-into-1 stainless exhaust with heat-tinted welds, lightweight sporty stance, and the Milwaukee-Eight™ 117 VVT engine emphasize agility and power while maintaining long-distance touring comfort. The blacked-out styling, red accents, custom wheels, and iconic Sharknose fairing add a bold urban dark custom character, while the tailored seat and color-matched Tour-Pak preserve first-class touring comfort. More than just a touring bike, this Road Glide™ reflects the spirit of modern bagger performance — inspired by the racetrack, built for the open road.

A Sportster™ S, customized by Nitikorn Kuansanguan (“Joe”): It was created with the vision of becoming one of the most unique Sportster™ S customs of its time.

The bike combines detailed craftsmanship, high performance, and custom-made components to showcase the capability of Thailand’s custom motorcycle scene on an international level. Key highlights include a custom CNC swingarm, 18” x 9” rear wheel with a 250 tire, and a redesigned front setup with dual disc brakes and a custom 19” wheel — making it one of the first builds of its kind for the Sportster™ S at that time.

Finished with a custom paint scheme and refined details throughout, the bike reflects the owner’s personality: refined, distinctive, and born to lead.
 
Together, these motorcycles reinforce a core brand truth: a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle is more than a machine–it is a canvas for self-expression.

A Global Icon of Custom Culture Joins Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson also welcomed renowned custom builder Gary Royal, founder of Beware Choppers USA, to its booth. Known for his mastery of American Chopper culture and with prestigious accolades from the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show, Gary shared his expert insights on the customer bikes and connect with the local builder community.

“The passion for authentic customization I see here in Thailand is world-class,” said Gary Royal. “My work is rooted in American Chopper culture, where Harley-Davidson has always been the original canvas. Seeing these local builders pour their own signature style into a Road Glide® or a Street Bob® proves that the spirit of creating a truly personal ride is universal. It’s an honor to be here, sharing that heritage and seeing how the next generation is making it their own.”

Featuring the latest in Performance and Style: Model Year 2026 Lineup and Factory Racing Collection

Alongside the inspiring custom builds, Harley-Davidson showcased the cutting edge of its factory performance and style. Attendees got an up-close look at the Model Year 2026 lineup, discovering the latest innovations that serve as the ultimate foundation for any rider’s dream build.

The new Factory Racing Collection, inspired by Harley-Davidson’s storied racing legacy, was also available for sale, offering fans a limited-edition apparel line that captures the spirit of the track.

Fueling the Future of Custom
 
The momentum generated in Bangkok is just the beginning. Harley-Davidson is set to continue fueling the region’s passion for personalization with the upcoming Custom Kings activation – stay tuned for more detail.  Designed to elevate the builder community, this next chapter will double down on the craftsmanship and individuality that drive motorcycle culture.

From showcasing rolling works of art to the Model Year 2026 innovations, Harley-Davidson’s experience at the 2026 Bangkok Hot Rod Custom Show highlighted the personal narratives forged in metal and celebrated the unifying force behind every journey: the RIDE. (Zee)