Hometown Heroes: Katie James from Bathurst NSW

Katie James was born into a motorcycling family. Her father is a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and Katie followed his footsteps, eventually finding herself in the daring world of freestyle motocross.

After years representing high-profile FMX and motorcycle brands, Katie’s career took a turn when an accident made her reconsider her love for the sport. With the passion for motorcycles still there, she swapped metal ramps and dirt landings for the tarmac.

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Her first foray into the world of Harley-Davidson was via the LAMS-approved Harley-Davidson Street 500. “At first, it was something that might have been a little intimidating,” Katie told bikesales. “But I thought, let’s just take the plunge. And I’m glad I did, because I love every single Harley I’ve ridden.”

Not only did Harley-Davidson reignite Katie’s passion for motorcycling, it also led her to meet her husband Josh at a Harley shop ride. Josh, an accomplished motorcycle racer, rider and builder himself, shared an equal love for the Milwaukee brand.

The shared passion took the couple around the world and they eventually married in Vegas, with a pair of Harley-Davidson’s front and centre.

Today, the couple resides in Josh’s hometown of Bathurst, where they enjoy riding the country roads, taking in the town’s café and pub scene, and visiting iconic locations like Ben Chifley Dam and the world-famous Mt Panorama race track.

The pair are ambassadors for Harley-Davidson, and as well as completing a number of stunning bike builds, they are also in the business of restoring, importing and selling classic American cars.

When we met Katie and Josh, they were riding a 2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S and a 2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST respectively. The ST model particularly resonates with both riders, evoking memories of the classic FXR models of the 1980s.

For Katie, motorcycling is a passion that brings people together. “Motorbikes bring us all together, and they have taken us all around the world.”

Her love of motorcycles came full circle recently when she helped her mum surprise her dad with a brand-new Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special for his birthday.