BikerNet issues pre‑rally weekly update dated July 23, 2026

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• Harley-Davidson’s showcase at the Sturgis Rally
• Outlaw Square, Pappy Hoel and community rides
• Military and First Responders Appreciation Day — August 11
• Biker Belles and women’s programming
• Easyriders: editorial direction, events and an open invitation
• Fundraising and auctions during rally week
• New products and gear on display
• Local updates and workshop notes

Harley-Davidson plans a major presence at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and Easyriders is ramping up events, product spotlights and fundraising during the week of August 7–16. Between demo rides, charity runs and a private Easyriders gathering in Deadwood, the rally will spotlight new models, community programs and custom-bike culture.

Harley-Davidson’s showcase at the Sturgis Rally

Harley-Davidson will formally open the Sturgis Rally with the public unveiling of the new Deadwood motorcycle, a model Harley says draws inspiration from the post‑war era and the long history of the Sturgis event. The company will also run multiple demo ride sites, custom displays and organized group rides through the Black Hills region during rally week.

Visitors can test a range of 2026 Harley motorcycles and the second generation of Harley-Davidson trikes, now equipped with a revised chassis and new rear suspension aimed at improving comfort for both rider and passenger. Several demo bikes will be fitted with Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories—options include Screamin’ Eagle performance kits, Öhlins suspension components and premium audio from Rockford Fosgate.

The Sturgis Community Center on Lazelle Street will serve as Harley’s headquarters through the rally. There, the Fit Shop will offer customized demo setups—Seat and windshield options for Street Glide and Road Glide models, as well as Touring and Cruiser bikes fitted with Reach® and Tallboy® handlebars—along with fit guidance from company experts.

Demo ride locations and hours (all sites list availability in August):

• Sturgis Community Center, 1401 Lazelle St. — Aug. 7–14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Hill City, 1880 Train 222 Railroad Ave. — Aug. 5–14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Deadwood Welcome Center, 501 Main St. — Aug. 6–14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Pappy Hoel Campground, 19942 SD‑79, Vale — Aug. 7–14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Black Hills Harley‑Davidson, 2820 Harley Drive, Rapid City — Aug. 5–14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Outlaw Square, Pappy Hoel and community rides

Harley-Davidson will host a rider rest area at Outlaw Square in Deadwood, with live music on the Michelin Stage across five days. Outlaw Square is also the finish point for the Medicine Wheel Charity Ride on August 9 and the Buffalo Chip Legends Ride on August 10.

Nearby demo rides will be available at the Deadwood Welcome Center. At Pappy Hoel Campground—Harley Owners Group’s (H.O.G.) official campground—Harley will run a Membership Hangout and an H‑D Garage offering small services and member perks, plus mileage verification for the Let’s Ride Challenge® and access to the H.O.G. center.

Military and First Responders Appreciation Day — August 11

On Aug. 11 Harley-Davidson and the City of Sturgis will mark Military and First Responders Appreciation Day. A group ride originating from Ellsworth Air Force Base will end at the Sturgis Community Center, where Rally Point on Harley‑Davidson Way will host the main program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Activities include a free pancake breakfast for active and veteran military members and first responders provided by Motorcycle Missions (9 a.m.–12 p.m.), VIP speakers, a planned B‑1 bomber flyover and special recognition for local veterans. Harley-Davidson will provide cold water at the ride landing and offer an H‑D branded military shirt and challenge coin while supplies last. Tim Duffy, the 2026 Sturgis Grand Marshall, is scheduled to appear with his 9/11 motorcycle.

Biker Belles and women’s programming

Harley-Davidson is sponsoring women‑focused programming at the Buffalo Chip on Aug. 11. The Sturgis Biker Belles Women’s Day includes the Biker Belles Morning Ride—a guided route through the Black Hills—panel discussions, special events and a women’s bike show. The ride departs from The Lodge in Deadwood and requires pre‑registration.

Easyriders: editorial direction, events and an open invitation

Inside Easyriders, editor Bandit says the magazine will continue to emphasize themes of freedom, innovation and riding culture while covering a broad range of custom motorcycles, racing and mentorship programs aimed at introducing young people to bikes and to print. He writes that the brand plans to support racing efforts, attend Bonneville, and promote mentoring initiatives led by experienced builders and riders.

Bandit also announced an Easyriders gathering in Sturgis on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The invitation-only evening will be held at Bandit’s 5‑Ball Emporium, 1008 Main Street, Sturgis, SD 57785, and will spill into the Two Chins Turbo Trike building next door. The event promises Easyriders art displays, archive material, custom bikes and a new Danial James tribute painting reveal.

The program will include a meet‑and‑greet with the Easyriders staff, opportunities to connect with subscribers, complimentary appetizers and drinks, a raffle featuring a Danial James collector’s print and swag, and surprise gifts for the first 50 guests. RSVPs are required by July 29; contact Penny Osiecki at penny@easyriders.com to request an invitation.

Fundraising and auctions during rally week

Organizers say the Hamster Banquet auction—built with roughly 100 hours of hand craftsmanship—will help raise funds for the local children’s hospital and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Lee Wimmer notes that significant donations, including at least one custom chopper, are expected and that Harley representatives will attend.

Separately, Friends of NRA will continue its grassroots fundraising efforts during rally-related events. The organization emphasizes youth education, firearm safety, competitive shooting and hunter education, noting that proceeds from its events support a wide range of local and national programs.

New products and gear on display

The show will also spotlight aftermarket parts and rider gear. Burly Brand plans to exhibit new crash bars made for Harley‑Davidson M8 Softail and Touring models. Constructed from high‑quality steel with replaceable Delrin sliders, the bars are designed to function as highway bars with precision knurling for foot stability and long‑ride comfort.

TC Bros. is promoting a DIY sissy bar kit aimed at builders who prefer to avoid shipping and jigs. The kit includes a pre‑bent 1018 cold‑rolled steel bar, axle plate mounting tabs, two 3/8″‑16 threaded bungs, two mounting bolts and leather washers. Short dimensions are listed as 15 inches tall with a 1/2‑inch outside diameter; a sissy bar pad is available to fit tall bars. The company notes the kit is made in the USA.

On the apparel front, Easyriders will offer a classic five‑panel, high‑crown embroidered ballcap designed for daily wear and sun protection. The editor notes he wears a ballcap often while living in Sturgis, where weather can be unpredictable.

Local updates and workshop notes

Bandit reports progress on several shop projects: a newly finished seat for the Billy bike built by Freak Show Customs in Sturgis, plans to repair the Captain America bike’s rusted seat pan with a one‑piece unit, and preparations for a Bonneville run that may involve transporting a bike with the Departure crew. He also mentioned work on chopper registration pouches developed with Adam Croft to store registration and insurance cards.

The Easyriders Weekly News staff credited in the report includes The Redhead, Wayfarer, LA Laura, Viscous Vickie, Danial James, Freak Show Team, Sturgis Prospect Kendra, Paul Davis, Agent Zebra and Berry Wardlaw. Bandit encouraged anyone attending the rally to be careful and enjoy the week safely.