Croatian Sunshine
The 31st European H.O.G.® Rally returned to celebrate under blue skies in Medulin from 12-15 June 2025
The European H.O.G.® Rally has a long association with Croatia. The first iteration of the event was hosted there in 2011, with a successful return in 2014. Both took place in the central Croatian coastal town of Biograd, close to Zadar, but for 2025 the decision was taken to move the location much further north to the beautiful resort of Medulin and city of Pula, both situated in the Istrian peninsula, and an easy ride from key European routes through Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Slovakia.
And it certainly proved to be a motorcycle magnet as more than 30,000 visitors rumbled in to create the unique atmosphere that H.O.G. rallies are legendary for.
With the main stage situated right beside Medulin’s iconic windmill, revellers were cooled a little in the evening by a beautiful sea breeze with temperatures reaching between 28-31 degrees Celsius under clear, cloudless skies during the day in Medulin.
Beside the main stage was H-D® Demos, where model year 2025 bikes – including Grand American Touring, Cruiser, Sport and Adventure Touring models – were quickly booked up with very few free spaces left for walk-in bookings throughout each of the three days. And from easy riding to crazy riding in just a few metres, the motodrome was just nextdoor and entertaining visitors until midnight with gravity-defying stunts.
Everyday, before the music started in the plaza in front of the stage, there was also a riding academy, with two expert instructors teaching slow speed riding and tight manoeuvres. The response from those that took part was huge – just an hour’s lesson transformed many people’s understanding of motorcycle control.
Event regulars, such as the H.O.G. Zone, H-D Expo, Official Merchandise, H-D dealerships and a packed shopping village also took advantage of the location to be spread out under cool tree canopies, making the day’s intense sunshine more bearable for visitors who were browsing the rally’s highlights. These included Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde, the variable exhaust specialists; Qbean, leaders in compact and portable motorcycle storage; and Harley Owners Group partners Insta360.
And as the evening set in, the main stage lit up with live music acts like HeaveniX (Thursday), Kris Barras Band (Friday) and Massive Wagons (Saturday). But the party didn’t stop there: the Vida Loca Road Bar, housed in a red double-decker bus at the entrance to the event site, carried on into the early hours, alongside many of the nearby bars and restaurants in Medulin.
One of the most popular attractions outlined the history of the Harley-Davidson® Softail®, with iconic models including a Terminator era 1991 Fat Boy® – a perfect lead into the H-D Expo, whose centrepiece was the recently launched Fat Boy Gray Ghost.
The Custom Bike Show, sponsored by Metzeler – who also had their own stand, including a tyre changing service – took place in the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Pula, one of the best-preserved buildings of its kind in the world. This dramatic venue created a stunning backdrop for a celebration of individuality and creativity, as more than 45 custom builders showcased their incredible machines in a space steeped in history.
Bill Davidson, great-grandson of company co-founder William A. Davidson, was in attendance, adding a personal and historic touch to an already extraordinary occasion.
The overall Best in Show, as well as Radical Custom category winner, was a beautiful bike named “Lucifer” by Damiano Roncaglioni, built and presented by Mirko Perugini of Gallery Motorcycles. The Metzeler People’s Choice was won by Britta Feldwisch from Germany, the self-styled “Pink Lady”, an outrageously pink, glitter-painted Sportster 1200, while Metzeler Judges’ Choice was won by Roberto Pellegrino from Italy, who also won the Sport category.
Another major highlight for members attending was the iconic Harley-Davidson parade, which began in the historic city of Pula and rolled triumphantly down the coast to Medulin. Around 2,500 riders took part, cheered on by thousands of spectators who lined the scenic route.
As well as Bill Davidson, other VIPs included the legendary Dakar Rally rider Joan Pedrero, who added a new dimension to the rally by joining the Pan America™ off-road experience tours, showcasing the power and versatility of the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 (see the rally video).
And as the sun set on a superb 31st European H.O.G. Rally, Harley-Davidson confirmed that the 2026 edition will be returning to Cascais, Portugal, from 18-21 June. This follows the European Spring Rally, taking place from 30 April to 3 May 2026, in the stunning coastal town of Senigallia, Italy. This new event will kick-start the riding season with live music, motorcycle expo, traders, and a celebration of the Harley-Davidson spirit. You can book accommodation at both rallies now using the links below…
2026 Spring Rally Hotel Accommodation
Group bookings email: touroperator@senigalliaincoming.it
or phone +39 071/65343 or +39 345 3965537.
2026 H.O.G. Rally Accommodation
Group bookings email: HOG2026@widetravel.pt
or phone +351 210 436 972 or +351 210 436 970.
Tags:
Read more tales from the Harley Owners Group!
In the pink
Creative imaginations were let loose on a spectrum of Harley models, with the top entries showcased along the marina
You’ve been framed!
A team representing H.O.G. Stories were on location at the European H.O.G. Rally and snapping up the chance to share the site with H.O.G. members