A special bond

There’s no rivalry between Slovenian siblings Nina and Martin Hauptman as they take to the road on their Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles to have adventures together

Anyone with a sibling probably remembers an annoying brother or sister and exhausted parents berating them for fighting. Thankfully, a few years, plus maturity, can make all the difference when it comes to wanting to spend time together – peacefully! Brother and sister Nina and Martin Hauptman from Slovenia may be the exception as they admit they’ve always got on well, and their relationship is only blossoming thanks to their shared love of Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles.

Nina, who is four years younger than Martin, rides a 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster^® Iron 883^™, which she bought seven years ago when she got fed up with riding pillion and wanted to “feel the wind in her hair.” Although it has been more than 20 years since she got her licence, she felt the time wasn’t right to own her own bike, especially with two young daughters, but that changed when she turned 40. At first, her long-term partner Nejc, who isn’t a biker, wasn’t happy about it, but now he fully supports her. “He knows I need this kind of therapy. This is my freedom; time for myself,” says Nina. “Although I like to ride alone, it’s not the same as riding with my brother. He always leads the way, which I find great; he’s a seasoned biker and rides smartly and calmly. He can handle just about anything that comes his way and warns me if there’s something on the road. He basically takes care of me. And, of course, Nejc appreciates this too.”

Martin’s passion for motorcycles began early after watching the iconic movie Easy Rider and reading various motorcycle magazines; that’s how he got into the Harley-Davidson brand, tattoos and biker lifestyle. His parents gave him a Tomos ATX bike when he turned 16, and he bought his first Harley-Davidson motorcycle in 1998. It was a brand new Laser Red Softail^® Springer and he still regrets selling it, although he’s very satisfied with his current Road Glide^®, which is perfect for long hauls. Martin’s partner, Tina, occasionally rides pillion with him, but their nine-year-old son is currently more interested in football!

Martin and Nina’s dad, a mechanic and motorcyclist, influenced the siblings’ love of the open road, while also instilling the importance of getting on with each other. “Our parents have raised us to try to help each other and work things out. Even if we disagree on something, we maybe have a heated conversation, but that’s it. I don’t remember us ever holding a grudge,” says Nina. “We share typical siblings’ love. I’ve challenged him often and got what I deserved, but he has always been very protective over of me,” she smiles.

As well as helping her maintain her bike, Nina is also grateful for the time she gets to spend with Martin on trips. “I’m practically a beginner and haven’t covered many miles yet,” she says. “But I’m proud of every one of them. And when I sit on my Sportster I get butterflies in my belly – like when you’re in love.”

Last year, the pair rode through Tuscany, Italy, which included an essential stop at the 30th European H.O.G.^® Rally in Senigallia. They covered 1,250 miles (2,000km) in seven days – Nina’s longest ride so far.

One of her fondest memories is riding with Martin on the Croatian Adriatic Coast to the magnificent city of Dubrovnik. “As long as I can see the sea while riding, everything’s fine. And the weather must be hot. It doesn’t matter if the road is nice, I lose all enthusiasm if I’m cold,” she admits.

The siblings have attended numerous H.O.G. events together and have ridden to Prague, Budapest, Senigallia, and Portorož. And of course and they never miss European Bike Week in Faaker See, Austria, since it’s just across the northern Slovenian border, as well as Italian Bike Week in Lignano Sabbiadoro because as well as being close, it features Nina’s two favourite things: sea and sun!

They usually camp on their road trips because as sociable creatures, it means they get to meet interesting people and share stories. “There’s always something going on, and nothing beats a cold beer in good company after a strenuous ride,” says Martin.

Nina adds: “We meet a lot of new people on our trips and they’re always surprised when they find out we’re siblings. They wonder how we get on with each other and don’t argue!”

When they’re not on the road together, Martin and Nina enjoy hanging out with fellow members of H.O.G. Lipa Chapter Slovenija. Nina, who received a Life Membership from her partner Nejc one Christmas, says they’re simply the best. “I should attend meetings more often, but bikers never judge you, and if you need them they’re always there to help.”

Martin feels the same way. “I like hanging out with people who share the same interest as me; I get lots of advice and useful information, and the rallies and events are always well organised. Nina and I will definitely ride to the 2025 European H.O.G. Rally in Medulin, Croatia, in June. We just can’t wait for it!”