MILWAUKEE (June 13, 2013) — Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Motor Co. has named Goodyear-Dunlop as the official tire sponsor of its year-long 110th anniversary celebration, which culminates in the coming weeks with events in Rome, Italy, and Harley's headquarters in Milwaukee.
Harley-Davidson already has staged a dozen events since last August at venues in nine countries on six continents.
Dunlop-brand motorcycle tires—which, like Harley motorcyles are built in the U.S.—have had an OE presence with Harley-Davidson since 1984, the company said.
The Harley 110th anniversary coincides with the 125th anniversary of the development of the first viable pneumatic tire by Scottish veterinarian John Boyd Dunlop.
Harley-Davidson's anniversary is a year-long, global celebration that seeks to connect millions of Harley fans "united by a common bond and shared passion for freedom, self-expression and epic adventure," the motorcycle maker said.
The anniversary will culminate in two main celebration events, in Rome, Italy, this weekend and in Milwaukee during Labor Day weekend.
Harley riders will have the chance to speak with Dunlop staff during the various global events about tire selection and performance.
"Harley-Davidson riders are passionate about their motorcycles and appreciate the impact of riding on quality tires like Dunlop," said John Farris Jr., director – global brand alliances and business development for Harley.
"Our 110th anniversary is a unique opportunity to showcase the respected tradition that connects Harley-Davidson motorcycles and Dunlop tires, which includes Dunlop's long- time support for Harley-Davidson racing programs."
Mike Buckley, vice president of sales, marketing, research and development for the Dunlop brand, said, "Dunlop places great importance and value on the history it shares with Harley-Davidson, and this sponsorship opportunity offers a fantastic platform to demonstrate the strength of this relationship.
"This opportunity to celebrate our 125th anniversary concurrently with Harley-Davidson affords Dunlop the chance to reinforce the importance of tire care and maintenance with Harley-Davidson riders, while we also share information about how to select the proper tire and get the most out of Dunlop tires on Harley-Davidson motorcycles during these gatherings."
In addition to working working together on staffing the various global events, Dunlop and Harley will use social media to convey motorcycle tire care tips and make riders aware of a tire rebate offer, good through June 15.
Harley-Davidson has created a dedicated website and invites fans to share videos, images and experiences on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #HD110.