Second Zagreb H-D Rally 2018 — historical retrospective

Return to the Second Meeting of Harley Enthusiasts — historical retrospective

A look back at the second gathering of Harley enthusiasts that confirmed Zagreb as a place for motorcycle passion and togetherness.

In May 2018, Zagreb thundered again under a wave of Harleys — this time with the experience of the first meeting behind it and a visible desire to grow. The Second Zagreb H‑D Rally 2018 showed that the event had become more than a one‑day party: it became the hub of Zagreb’s biker communities, a space for sharing stories, and a place where Harley‑Davidson culture and city life find a common rhythm. That second rally solidified the foundations for what we now know as Harley Week Zagreb.

The morning began with a cascade of engines: low bass, screeching tires and conversations over helmets. According to participants’ recollections, about 300 riders took part in the procession; the route ran through key city points such as Trg bana Jelačića — Ilica — Bundek; the most noted models were the Sportster, Softail and Touring — all reported by participants. Those numbers and locations circulated in stories and photos, creating an event chronicle many carried with them.

The atmosphere was intense and layered: the sound of engines shaped the city’s rhythm, the smell of petrol and leather permeated the air, and visual elements — shiny chrome, dark leather jackets and colorful fuel tanks — created an image that lingered. The crowd responded with ovations and smiles; passersby stopped to capture the moment and applaud the riders. That blend of spectacle and intimacy made the second rally special and distinct from the first.

“The second rally had more confidence; it felt like the city was embracing this event,” said a participant from another column.

“We kept building a tradition; every detail was an invitation for people to connect,” said one of the organizers.

“I stood at the window and cried with pride when they passed — it was a show worthy of Zagreb,” recalled a local resident.

“It was a celebration of the diversity of the Harley scene; from old models to new, everyone was welcome,” added a mechanic from a motorcycle workshop.

Remembering the second rally speaks of growth and affirmation: an event that began as an enthusiasts’ meetup grew into a significant cultural moment. The Zagreb H‑D Rally proved that the Harley‑Davidson community can confidently occupy urban spaces, attracting visitors and enlivening the local scene. Those rides left traces in photographs and in relationships — friendships that still shape plans for larger events today.

If you want to feel the charge and legacy of that second meeting, come to Harley Week Zagreb, May 28–31, 2026. Join the parade, return to the spirit of the rally and make new memories with Zagreb’s biker community. Register and don’t miss the chance to be part of the 2026 Harley event and to experience why Harley Week Zagreb has become an unmissable part of the city calendar.