Harley-Davidson to open first Beirut showroom

Iconic US motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson is set to open its first showroom in Beirut next month with a budget of 2.5 million dollars (1.9 million euros), the company's Lebanon dealer said Monday.

"The first and only showroom in the Levant is scheduled to open in Beirut on September 24, ahead of Lebanon's second annual HOG tour" from October 1 to 3, said Marwan Tarraf, general manager of Bikers Inc., the current Harley Davidson dealership in Lebanon.

The 1,000-square-metre (10,764-square-foot) showroom will also include a six-station service facility with staff trained by Harley Davidson to cater to Lebanon's estimated 800-1000 Harley owners, Tarraf told AFP.

The bikes, which loyal riders affectionately nickname HOGs, an acronym for Harley Owners Group, are expected to sell at between 9,000 and 50,000 dollars in Lebanon after customs and tax.

ny/sma