Harry's Motors

A Legacy on Two Wheels: The Targaris Family and the History of Harry’s Motors

In the bustling streets of Denver in 1927, a small motorcycle dealership opened its doors, marking the beginning of what would become a legendary presence in the region's motorcycling community. Harry’s Motors, founded by Harry Targaris, was more than just a shop—it was the birthplace of a family legacy, a hub for enthusiasts, and a driving force behind the growth of motorcycling in Colorado. Over nearly a century, three generations of the Targaris family have built and sustained Harry’s Motors, nurturing its reputation for excellence and deepening its impact on the motorcycle world.

Harry Targaris was a pioneer, a visionary who saw motorcycles as more than machines—they were a way of life. When he launched his dealership, Harry’s Motors initially sold the Super X, a popular American brand known for its durability. In 1932, Harry expanded his business by adding Indian Motorcycles, a decision that would shape the shop’s history for decades to come. But selling motorcycles was just the start. Harry had a passion for promoting the sport, which led him to help establish Motorcyclist magazine and found the Denver Motorcycle Club. His efforts helped bring motorcycling into the mainstream, making it accessible and exciting for enthusiasts across the state.

Harry’s impact went beyond the shop floor. He led the Denver Motorcycle Club on spirited group rides, including a hare and hounds chase in 1932. Tragically, it was during one of these rides that Harry was involved in an accident that claimed his life. Though he passed away doing what he loved, his vision didn’t die with him. His brother, Mike Targaris, stepped in to keep Harry’s Motors thriving.

Mike Targaris proved to be as dynamic a figure as Harry. A natural salesman and promoter, Mike took the shop to new heights, solidifying its place in the local community and expanding its influence. Under Mike’s leadership, the Denver Police and State Patrol began using Indian motorcycles—an endorsement that strengthened the shop’s reputation for quality and reliability. Mike’s commitment to the sport extended far beyond sales. He organized and promoted hill climbs, TT, and half-mile races, while also playing a major role in local Gypsy Tours and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) events.

In memory of his brother, Mike founded Harry’s Roamers Motorcycle Club, one of the oldest continuously operating motorcycle clubs in the United States. The club’s traditions are legendary, none more so than the annual New Year’s Day ride up Pikes Peak. Every January 1st at 5 a.m., Harry’s Roamers set off on a treacherous ascent to the summit, braving the freezing winds and deep snowdrifts in a testament to their passion and grit.

After Mike’s death in 1948, Harry’s son, Jim Targaris, took the reins. Like his uncle, Jim was a force in the motorcycling community, guiding the shop through challenging times. When Indian Motorcycle ceased production in 1953, Harry’s Motors adapted, expanding its offerings to include BSA, Zundapp, BMW, Norton, Ducati, and Moto Guzzi. This diversification kept the business strong, ensuring that it continued to serve a broad array of riders, from road racers to collectors of classic and antique motorcycles.

Jim’s influence extended far beyond the shop. A close friend of J.C. “Pappy” Hoel, founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Jim was deeply involved in the Rally’s racing programs. He sponsored racers and staff members, worked as a flagman and announcer, and served on the AMA Competition Committee until its dissolution. His dedication earned him AMA Life Membership #205, a mark of honor that recognized his contributions to the sport.

Jim’s son, Jimmy Targaris, began working in the shop at the tender age of 11, learning the ropes from his father. By the time Jim passed away in 1978, Jimmy was ready to take over the family business. With his own son, Gregory, by his side, Jimmy continued the family tradition, making his mark in racing and the wider motorcycling community. An accomplished racer himself, Jimmy has won numerous half-mile, enduro, and scramble races, cementing his status as a respected figure on the track. Like his father and uncle before him, Jimmy is a life member of the AMA.

Today, the fourth generation of the Targaris family is carrying the torch. Gregory Targaris, Jimmy’s son, has made a name for himself in road racing and motocross, earning accolades across Wyoming and Colorado. But his true talent lies in the meticulous restoration of vintage and antique motorcycles. Whether rebuilding a classic Indian or tuning up a Ducati, Gregory’s work pays homage to the family’s deep roots in the motorcycle world.

Through all the changes and challenges, Harry’s Motors has remained committed to one core principle: excellence. From mechanical repairs to building trophy-winning show bikes, the shop’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship is second to none. With a history stretching back nearly a century, Harry’s Motors is more than just a dealership—it’s a testament to the passion, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the Targaris family.

As long as there are motorcycles on the road, the Targaris legacy will live on. Fueled by the same enthusiasm that drove Harry to open his shop in 1927, the family continues to shape the sport, preserve its history, and inspire new generations of riders. The story of Harry’s Motors isn’t just a story of a business—it’s a story of family, community, and a lifelong love affair with the open road.