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The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally returns August 7–16, and Harley-Davidson is mounting a major presence across the Black Hills. The company will debut a new model publicly, stage multiple demo-ride sites, and host a slate of rides and community events — while Easyriders lines up its own gatherings and on-the-ground updates for rally goers.
Harley-Davidson brings the Deadwood motorcycle and a full schedule
Harley-Davidson will officially kick off the 86th Sturgis Rally with the public debut of the Deadwood motorcycle, a model the company says draws inspiration in part from the rally’s post‑war history. The brand also plans demo rides, curated custom displays, organized group rides through the Black Hills and a range of live entertainment and merchandise activations.
For rally week, Harley is making the Sturgis Community Center on Lazelle Street a central hub. Attendees can test new 2026 Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the second-generation Trike models, which feature a revised chassis and updated rear suspension aimed at improved comfort for riders and passengers.
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Harley will also showcase Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories on demo bikes, including options such as Screamin’ Eagle Performance Stage Kits, Öhlins suspension components and Rockford‑Fosgate powered audio. The brand’s Fit Shop will offer customization options on Street Glide and Road Glide demos and provide staff to help riders dial in fit and ergonomics.
Demo ride locations and times
- Sturgis Community Center, 1401 Lazelle St., Sturgis — 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., Deadwood — 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.
Community programs and special days
Harley-Davidson and the City of Sturgis will observe a Military and First Responders Appreciation Day on August 11. The day begins with a group ride departing Ellsworth Air Force Base and ending at the Community Center. Rally Point — located on Harley-Davidson Way between Main and Lazelle streets — will host programming from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including a free pancake breakfast for active and veteran military members and first responders (9 a.m.–12 p.m.) provided by Motorcycle Missions.
The schedule also includes 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 will offer an exclusive H‑D branded military shirt and challenge coin while supplies last. Tim Duffy, the 2026 Sturgis Grand Marshal, is scheduled to appear with his 9/11 motorcycle.
Easyriders on the ground: an invitation and rally updates
Easyriders is hosting an invitation‑only gathering on Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Bandit’s 5‑Ball Emporium, 1008 Main Street, Sturgis. The evening will showcase Easyriders history and art, including a new Danial James tribute painting, and will feature custom bikes from the publication’s archives. The publisher asks guests to RSVP by July 29 to Penny Osiecki at penny@easyriders.com.
The Easyriders team also shared a series of behind‑the‑scenes updates: a freshly finished seat for the “Billy” bike from Freak Show Customs, ongoing work on a one‑piece seat pan for the Rodeo Parade Captain America bike, and preparations for Bonneville salt‑flat efforts. The staff credited for compiling the weekly news includes The Redhead, Wayfarer, LA Laura, Viscous Vickie, Danial James, the Freak Show Team, Sturgis Prospect Kendra, Paul Davis, Agent Zebra and Berry Wardlaw.
Publisher Bandit offered a view of the magazine’s editorial direction, describing a focus on themes such as freedom, American culture, innovation, performance and mentoring. He emphasized coverage that spans custom bikes of many styles, racing — including Bonneville — and programs that connect experienced mentors with younger riders.
Charity auction, community fundraising and product notes
The annual Hamster Banquet auction is slated to support the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and a children’s hospital. Organizers say the feature piece represents nearly 100 hours of hand craftsmanship and that major donors will be present. Lee Wimmer provided a brief note endorsing the auction as a key fundraiser.
Friends of NRA — the organization’s grassroots fundraising arm — was also highlighted. Since 1992, the program has grossed more than $1.2 billion in support of youth education, firearm safety, competitive shooting and hunter education. Friends of NRA events typically combine auctions, raffles and exclusive merchandise to raise money for local, state and national shooting‑sports programs.
On the product front, several aftermarket items were spotlighted in Easyriders’ roundup:
- TC Bros. DIY Sissy Bar Kit — CNC‑bent 1018 cold‑rolled steel pre‑bent bar with mounting tabs, threaded bungs and hardware; short version measures 15″ tall with a 1/2″ OD.
- Burly Brand crash bars — Steel crash bars with replaceable Delrin sliders for Harley‑Davidson M8 Softail and Touring models, designed to double as highway bars with knurled footrests.
- Classic Easyriders ballcaps — Five‑panel, high‑crown embroidered caps offered as part of the brand’s apparel lineup.
Rally reminders and safety
With multiple activations across Sturgis and the surrounding towns, organizers encourage riders to plan ahead for demo ride hours and event locations. Easyriders’ team urged attendees to enjoy the rally but to ride responsibly so everyone returns home safe.
