Neither the City of Sturgis, nor Harley-Davidson will disclose the specific terms, but reports are the two have finalizing an agreement that will give the Bar and Shield a 75 year sponsorship of the iconic summer rally, effectively ending any chance that a newly revived Indian Motorcycle Company might reclaim its place as the “First Brand of Sturgis.” The rally was started by Indian Dealer Clarence “Pappy” Hoel in 1938 when he served free weenies and sloppy joes in the garage behind the shop. Hoel switched his dealership to other brands after Indian shuttered in the 1950’s, with Yamaha eventually becoming the top selling brand. A spokesman for Harley-Davidson confirmed that as a part of the agreement, the company will build a permanent plaza in downtown Sturgis that will be a year-round venue for special events, concerts and even weddings.
To tie the plaza to Milwaukee, a 2015 Harley motorcycle will be used to pull a brick from the front entrance of the historic headquarters building that once housed the company’s factory. That brick, a brick from the museum, and 73 bricks from the headquarters’ famous motorcycle-only parking area will be delivered to Sturgis on motorcycles.
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14 comments
Good for Harley Davidson, seems right since there the only American Motorcycle company to never go out of Business. My guess is more Harley Davidson Motor Cycles have visited Sturgis S.D. over the years than all other Brands of Motorcycles put together.. I’ve never been to Sturgis and probably never will, but I’ve rode Harley’s since the 70’s and will never change. I’ve seen more friends over the years switch from other Manufactures to Harley Davidson and have never looked back. Again, Way to go Harley Davidson Motor Company, you Made Sturgis what it is today..
Firstly good on someone for investing in Sturgis and keeping traditions alive. Indian started in 1901 and HD in 1903. I find it hilarious when people slang off against the new Indian’s (Polaris). I ride a 2014 Indian Chief Vintage and have nothing against HD. But I have ridden a Road King and I can tell you the Polaris has done the work, created an awesome engine (ThunderStroke 111) which is not the 106 in the Victorys and it is all manufactured in the US. Look at the design videos on YouTube from their engineering team – they went back to the originals and moulded casts from those. brilliant job. So – HD bigots – pull your head out of your ass and take a Chief for a ride. Then post a comment.
When I hear Sturgis I think of Harley’s. In the late summer of 1977, I was a young 18 year old Airman stationed outside of Rapid City, at Ellsworth AFB, a bunch of guys, Honda, Yamaha & Kawasaki Owners we were out on one of our many rides in/around the Black Hills, when we rolled up to a stop light on the outskirts of Sturgis. There was an old school, stereotypical bearded Harley biker stopped already at the light. Being the only “brave” one in the group, I pulled up next to him on my ‘78 Yamaha 750 Special while the rest of the guys pulled up behind. While the biker sat there waiting for the light to change, I bravely looked over at him, said “nice Bike” to which he looked me up and down and said, as the light turned green and he kicked his bike into 1st gear, “hey kid – what’s your bike wanna be when it grows up?” – and took off with that sound that’s only Harley’s.
I must’ve looked stunned as my buddies pulled up next to me, all asking, “what’d he say?” … I almost died laughing telling them!
I kept riding Yamaha’s & Honda’s for many years, but there’s always been something about a Harley. Well it took me til I was in my early 50’s to be able to afford my 1st Harley, and for my “needs” I choose their best, a RoadGlide, and I will never ride anything else again. Yeah, they can cost some $$ – but the experience of owner and cruising ALL over this great country of ours, on a Legend, have been some of the Best experiences of my life! Some say it ain’t about what you ride, but that you ride, and I believe that’s basically true, won’t ever hear me talking bad about another brand, but there really is a family type bond with a Harley, a kinship with a fellow Harley owner, that knowledge of riding a legend from a Company that’s been here 112 years, through lean & tight & not always the best ( thanks AMF ) it’s still a special feeling firing that beauty up!
Ride safe! LUV your ride, don’t hate, go make some memories!!!
When I hear Sturgis I think of Harley’s. In the late summer of 1977, I was a young 18 year old Airman stationed outside of Rapid City, at Ellsworth AFB, a bunch of guys, Honda, Yamaha & Kawasaki Owners we were out on one of our many rides in/around the Black Hills, when we rolled up to a stop light on the outskirts of Sturgis. There was an old school, stereotypical bearded Harley biker stopped already at the light. Being the only “brave” one in the group, I pulled up next to him on my ‘78 Yamaha 750 Special while the rest of the guys pulled up behind. While the biker sat there waiting for the light to change, I bravely looked over at him, said “nice Bike” to which he looked me up and down and said, as the light turned green and he kicked his bike into 1st gear, "hey kid – what’s your bike wanna be when it grows up?" – and took off with that sound that’s only Harley’s.
I must’ve looked stunned as my buddies pulled up next to me, all asking, “what’d he say?” … I almost died laughing telling them!
I kept riding Yamaha’s & Honda’s for many years, but there’s always been something about a Harley. Well it took me til I was in my early 50’s to be able to afford my 1st Harley, and for my “needs” I choose their best, a RoadGlide, and I will never ride anything else again. Yeah, they can cost some $$ – but the experience of owner and cruising ALL over this great country of ours, on a Legend, have been some of the Best experiences of my life! Some say it ain’t about what you ride, but that you ride, and I believe that’s basically true, won’t ever hear me talking bad about another brand, but there really is a family type bond with a Harley, a kinship with a fellow Harley owner, that knowledge of riding a legend from a Company that’s been here 112 years, through lean & tight & not always the best ( thanks AMF ) well, it just can’t be beat! God Bless Harley-Davidson Motorcycles!
I feel Harley is over stepping there bounds here. Great build a place for people to gather year round but do we need to go to the extent of the bricks from the different places. I own a Harley now and it is my second one but let me tell you after the purchase of these two bikes and the way they stand behind there products I will go back to rice any day. Very over rated!!!