Cook#39;s Corner, in Orange County, Calif., has long been a haven for motorcyclists. But the legendary Trabuco Canyon roadhouse was more jammed than usual Wednesday. Scores of bikers had gathered to get a glimpse of two new motorcycles unveiled by Harley-Davidson Motor Co. for the 2012 model year: a laid-back Sportster called the Seventy-Two and a Softail Slim retro bobber.

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - Plans to extend the Harley Davidson spring rally caused confusion and controversy between the event organizers, the Horry County council and bikers. People in the service industry said the constant back and forth about bike rallies is bad for the Grand Strand tourism industry. 

Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson dealership apologized Wednesday for any confusion among bikers that has surfaced over new rally dates it announced Friday, and said it had asked Horry County leaders last month for input on ways to lessen the rally’s impact on county resources.

The local Harley-Davidson dealer has moved the dates of its official spring rally in Myrtle Beach into late May including Memorial Day weekend, sparking confusion among bikers, businesses and rally promoters over when the rally will take place.

As many as 500 bikers from across the world are expected for the 12th Harley-Davidson Owners Group Middle East and North Africa Rally, being held in Qatar from March 22 to 24, it was announced yesterday.