Meet Armando Magri

A young Armando first learned to ride a motorcycle from a young woman name Jeanne Bouton in 1926. He later wrote “I took to it like a duck to water.” That same year, Armando purchased his first motorcycle, a 1921 Harley-Davidson® model JD.

During the low point of the Great Depression, Armando was in need of work. He paired a 1917 sidecar frame to his 1927 Harley-Davidson® motorcycle and started his own delivery business, Magri’s Quick Delivery Service. He promised any parcel, anywhere in the city for 10 cents.

Armando rode as much as possible for pleasure, and he was also a passionate competitor. His first campaign was in the Chico Motorcycle Club endurance run in 1934. These runs were grueling tests of rider and machine in difficult terrain.

After a tumble and broken handlebar, Armando managed to finish fourth. He would go on to compete in races, hill climbs and other events for decades.

He also met the Harley-Davidson® dealer, Frank Murray and eventually was hired as a mechanic in 1937. The remainder of Armando’s working life would be spent in a Harley-Davidson® dealership. He is shown in this later photo as Parts Manager.

In 1950, Frank Murray retired after serving 33 years as a dealer. Armando purchased the business and in 1973, built an entirely new dealership on Arden Way. There is still a H-D® dealership there today. In this photo, Armando and Lu are celebrating the Arden Way opening.

Armando Magri announced his retirement in 1983. In his autobiography, he wrote “We never had an unsuccessful year.” He continued to compete in endurance runs, traveled, caught a world-record fish and stayed in close contact with his friends in Milwaukee.

From his antique motorcycle collection, Armando donated his 1921 Harley-Davidson® Sport Twin to the H-D Archives in 2000. He passed away in 2001 with his family at his side, and his funeral was attended by hundreds of riders.