Harley-Davidson revving up for 76th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

(July 19, 2016) MILWAUKEE — With a rockin' beat and a rolling rumble Harley-Davidson is set to take over the 76th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. As the official motorcycle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Harley-Davidson plans to pack more unbridled fun and pure riding experience than ever into this week-long celebration of freedom and the open road. Harley-Davidson will roll into the historic South Dakota Black Hills region with activities planned from Aug. 6-13.

Just a few of the activities making this Sturgis one of the best yet – daily concerts, parties, free demo rides on new 2016 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, H.O.G. member special events, Harley-Davidson sponsored AMA Pro Flat Track Racing, the do-not-miss Wall of Death and a new custom motorcycle show.

"No other motorcycle rally can boast the scenery and miles of great riding to be found in the Black Hills," said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson US marketing director.

"We encourage all motorcyclists to get to Sturgis and ride with us. If you ride to the rally, make Harley-Davidson dealerships a destination along your route. Harley-Davidson is proud to have been part of every Sturgis Rally since 1938, and this year we've put together a schedule of events certain to make some great memories for Harley fans and all the riders who make it to this legendary event."

The Harley-Davidson Rally Point is a permanent year-round space in Sturgis that features a stage for events and concerts and hosts a number of special events during the Sturgis Rally. Conveniently located in the heart of Sturgis, the Rally Point can also serve as a handy location for riders to rendezvous.

   •  Kick-off Party for the 76th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Friday, Aug. 5, at 3 p.m.

    • Mayor's Ride featuring Grand Marshal Ben Bostrom, Monday, Aug. 8. To register, visit the City of Sturgis' website.

    • Harley-Davidson Editor's Choice Bike Show, Tuesday, Aug. 9 - Registration 8 a.m./Awards 4 p.m.

    • First Ever Angel's Ride, Friday, Aug. 12 - The number of women riders is on the rise in America. To register, visit the City of Sturgis' website.

    • MDA Raffle - Grand Prize Bike Drawing, Aug. 13, at 4:15 p.m.

    • Events and live music daily. View full Rally Point activities list.

Freedom, attitude and V-Twin engines invade the Sturgis Community Center as the home-base for the bulk of Harley-Davidson activity. Inside and outside the Community Center, riders will see and experience the newest motorcycle customizations, sales and demonstrations of the latest MotorClothes merchandise, and the largest demo fleet in Sturgis offering free test rides on Harley-Davidson's most powerful line-up of Cruisers ever. All activities are Aug. 6-13 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free Motorcycle Demo Rides: The 2016 motorcycle line-up and demo ride experience includes models such as the new Road Glide Ultra, Forty-Eight, Iron 883 and Roadster and the new S Series – Low Rider S, Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S plus a selection of customized models with H-D Genuine Motor Accessories. Staging for demo rides takes place in the parking lot behind the Community Center. A selection of helmets and jackets are available for demo rides.

Whether twisting throttles toward South Dakota or dreaming of a first visit to Sturgis, Harley-Davidson social media is serving exciting Sturgis action all Rally long. Coverage has already begun and will continue long after the last bike rides into the sunset. Check out 2016 Sturgis Grand Marshal Ben Bostrom as he highlights what it was like to come to Sturgis as a young child and now brings his own kids to enjoy the event, #LiveYourLegend.