Indian Motorcycle Builds US Momentum Under Mike Kennedy — Harley-Davidson Hosts Historic Arabian Nights in Saudi Arabia
Indian gains ground with hands-on leadership visits, new manufacturing focus, and Scout Sixty rentals — as over 300 Gulf riders celebrate the Kingdom’s first culturally immersive Harley Nights.
Raine Devries | 30 April 2026
The motorcycle world is firing on all cylinders right now. Indian Motorcycle is building serious momentum under Mike Kennedy’s leadership, while Harley-Davidson delivers unforgettable cultural experiences in the Middle East.
Indian Motorcycle: Hands-On Leadership and Rider Accessibility
Mike Kennedy, leading Indian Motorcycle Company as it operates independently, recently visited every U.S. facility. He connected directly with teams, shared business updates, and aligned everyone on branding, product development, dealer support, and domestic manufacturing priorities.
A key stop was the new “engine” room at Spirit Lake, Iowa, where powertrain manufacturing and assembly will ramp up later this year. On the rider side, EagleRider has added new Scout Sixty models to its rental fleet at select locations — making it easier than ever for enthusiasts to experience Indian’s classic cruiser character without a full purchase.
Harley-Davidson Arabian Nights Lights Up Dhahran
Last Saturday, April 25th, Harley-Davidson Dhahran hosted the first-ever Harley-Davidson Arabian Nights in the Kingdom.
Instead of standard live music, the team created a rich cultural fusion with a live Oud and Violin duo performing beautiful Arabian melodies. The evening was filled with traditional incense, Saudi coffee and tea, and delicious local food — a perfect blend honoring Saudi heritage while embracing Harley-Davidson’s spirit of freedom, community, and adventure.
More than 300 passionate riders rolled in from across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. The energy and camaraderie made it a historic milestone for the brand in the region.
Congratulations to General Manager Claude Abry and the entire Dhahran team, plus all partners who helped bring this special night to life.
Why These Stories Matter for Riders Everywhere
From renewed American manufacturing focus and easier access at Indian to culturally respectful celebrations at Harley-Davidson, the two-wheel community continues to thrive on passion, innovation, and respect for local traditions.
~Keep the shiny side up!
I wonder if it’s arrogance or stupidity keeping Harley from even attempting to reconnect with what use to be the most loyal and enthusiastic fan base in history.
Good on Indian for recognizing the opportunity.