H-D LEGENDS

In this edition we meet Vietnamese Harley^® motorcycle rider Huynh Thi Thanh Thao, whose epic adventures have taken her thousands of kilometres across Asia

I first discovered Harley-Davidson when…
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been captivated by the thrill of speed. I’ve always loved motorcycles and started riding larger displacement bikes in 2018. At a motorcycle gathering in 2019, I had the chance to sit on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle and was immediately drawn to its imposing presence and thunderous engine sound. Few women in Vietnam had the courage to take on a Harley® motorcycle. As someone who loves challenges and pushing boundaries, I decided to start my journey with Harley-Davidson in 2020.

I love my Harley because…
Of all the bikes I’ve ridden, my Harley-Davidson gives me the most intense riding experience. With my strong personality, riding a Harley feels like expressing myself with every shift and twist of the throttle. I love the deep, powerful engine sound and exhaust note that’s so characteristic of the models. It excites me and keeps me eager to hit the road.

I love riding in my region because…
I love the feeling of freedom when riding my motorbike on the beautiful roads of Vietnam. The diverse scenery, from the mountains and passes of the north-east to the winding roads of the central coast, make each trip a unique experience. In addition, the biker community in Vietnam is also great – always ready to support each other on the road.

My favourite riding destinations are…
The four great passes of Vietnam: Mã Pí Lèng (Hà Giang province), Ô Quy Hồ (Lai Chau), Pha Din (Son La) and Khau Phạ (Yen Bai). I also enjoy the coastal route from Phan Thiet to Nha Trang. These places not only have beautiful scenery, but also offer interesting challenges when riding.

My most challenging ride was…
In November 2022, I chose a Road Glide™ for a multi-country trip from Vietnam through Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Riding more than 4,000km and conquering 1,864 bends in Mae Hong Son was a challenging and unforgettable experience for me.

This journey helped me to broaden my horizons, meet many people with the same passion and explore different cultures. The moments of riding across countries or watching the sunset on unfamiliar roads are truly unforgettable. When I set foot in a different country, I always try to immerse myself in the local culture, enjoy the cuisine and connect with local bikers.

I always want to challenge myself and break my limits; my biggest inspirations come from the stories of previous bikers, and I want to write my own story.

If you would like to submit your own story or photographs, please click here.