Man named after Harley Davidson to ride in big Baildon rally

The Shipley Harley Rally ride-out begins in Baildon tomorrow and a 21-year-old Wrose man is all ready to ride out on his first motorbike.

Brandon Harley Rider with daughter Luna, mum Gem Goodall and grandad Eddy Robinson (Image: Newsquest)

Although his last name is now Robinson, Brandon Harley Rider got his name as his grandad, Eddy Robinson, of Yeadon, loved Harley Davidsons.

“Brandon Harley Rider was my birth name. I’m now a Robinson but I’ve been on Harley rallies since I was a baby."

Brandon’s mum, Gem Goodall, of Baildon, got in touch with the T&A to explain that her son, Brandon Harley Rider, was featured in a story in the Telegraph & Argus in 2003.

Brandon Harley Rider as a baby pictured with his mum, dad and grandad in the T&A in 2003 (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “You published a picture of my son, Brandon Harley Rider, in the centre spread.

“He's 21 now and is actually riding out of Baildon on Sunday with the ride out on his own bike!”

“I recently got my own motorcycle," said Brandon. "I’ve wanted one for a long time so I could get on my own two wheels.

Brandon with his daughter Luna on his motorbike on Baildon Moor (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s nice to have the freedom to go where I want to go - and go out on my own.

“It’s not a Harley. It’s 125cc Honda CBR 125R.

“I’m a learner and I didn’t want to get a Harley straight away.

“But one day I’d love to get a big fat Harley. They’re expensive though – a nice one will set you back £12,000. My Honda cost me £1,800.

Brandon with his daughter Luna on his motorbike on Baildon Moor (Image: Newsquest)

“As soon as I had the money to throw at a motorbike, I got one.

“I’ve been on the back of a Harley a few times.

Brandon spoke fondly of his memories on the Harley rally in Baildon over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

“I always grew up looking forward to this Bank Holiday weekend.

“It starts off in Baildon village and goes from there and it’s always been on the Bank Holiday weekend.

Brandon's love of motorbikes started with his grandad Eddy. This love has been passed down through the family to Brandon's five-year-old daughter Luna.

“She loves watching all the bikes and she loves my new bike.

Brandon said that although his grandad does not have Harleys anymore, he grew up riding with him on his 883 Sportster and his two 1340 Road Kings.

“I keep trying to coach him to get another one again, so we can go out and ride together.

Speaking about the Harley rally in Baildon, Brandon added: “It’s the largest Harley rally in the UK, and it’s primarily Harley Davidsons.

“People come from quite a way to take part but there is a fantastic attendance by people from the local area.”