Delhusa Gjon become wildly known in Hungary during the 1971 Dance Song Festival and has remained popular ever since. He is currently in the middle of a national concert tour, and whenever he feels like relaxing, he jumps on the saddle – as comfortable on his Harley-Davidson as he is on horseback. 

How long have you been in love with motorcycles? 

For more than thirty years. I used to do modern pentathlon, water polo, and surfing, and then I got into motorcycles. I liked the feeling of freedom I experienced when I got on it. 

And why Harley-Davidson?

I realised very quickly that enduro and off-road were not for me. I wanted to wander around the world on two wheels and a Harley-Davidson was a perfect choice – it is a very commanding iron monster with a proper masculine sound, vibe and structure. 

Many people name their vehicle because they think it has a soul. Do you also name your motorcycles? 

Each of my motorcycles has had a name depending on what came to my mind at first sight. Then we made my vision a reality with the best professionals available, so they always had a unique look. 

Did you have a favourite?

Several, but the most spectacular one was probably the urethane green Harley named Greenpeace, on which California-based artist, Edit Szigeti painted 102 extinct bird species. It was an attempt to draw attention to the irreversible damage caused by the destruction of our environment.

Have you shown any of your custom bikes to a professional jury yet? 

I have already been awarded by the French and Austrians at Motorcycle beauty contests, while here at home I was a category winner at the Devil's Motor Show. In the latter, for example, we had the skin of a seven-metre python stitched onto the fuel tank and I had the inscription sewn on with metal thread – it was really cool. 

Yet you could still let these masterpieces go? 

It happened many times that somebody begged for the fuel tank or mudguard, but at least it constantly made me implement new ideas. My current 2002 Twin Cam Softail is also special as almost every inch of it was rebuilt – it mostly reflects 1920s America. We have replaced the chrome parts with red copper, lengthened the handlebar, and removed its cables, just to mention a few changes.

What was the most memorable adventure during your time globetrotting? 

Long ago I used to ride with a friend of mine, and our biggest undertaking was the North Cape, we could not get enough warm things on the way! Istanbul, Saint-Tropez or Leningrad (today's St. Petersburg) were also great tours.

Now you do not have to ride far because Harley-Davidson is celebrating its 120th birthday in Budapest on 22-25 June. 

I am planning to visit the festival with my partner, Fanni – luckily, she shares my passion for motorbikes! I am also a horse enthusiast, which is more her thing, as she is a horse trainer. 

As a musician, are you working on anything special this year? 

I have been touring the country all year performing live concerts – on 16th September, I will be performing my greatest hits at the Chain Bridge Festival in the capital.  

Beáta Csanálosi