You remember that during Daytona Bike Week, Harley-Davidson abandoned its traditional corporate presence (new bikes, parts and clothing line) at the Ocean Convention Center and moved to Beach Street. Under new management and refocusing its objectives, Harley-Davidson saved money and at the same time moved closer to its customers. Visiting the new Beach street location I wrote at the time that I enjoyed very much seeing Harley “in the street” with employees and bikers mixing together like it is supposed to be during a motorcycle rally.
And now, satisfied with its experience in Daytona, Harley-Davidson is doing the same move this Summer, moving its corporate presence from the usual location at the Rapid City Rushmore Plaza Civic Center to Sturgis. The company is considering a site near the Sturgis Community Center, but nothing is decided yet.
Since no sales are made on the Harley-Davidson Corporate Display, the question now is to find out if the local dealer – Black Hills Harley-Davidson – usually set up at the Rushmore Plaza to sell its products will also follow the corporate display in Sturgis. Anyway, Harley-davidson deciding to bring the company to its customers instead of the opposite is an encouraging sign. Harley-Davidson used to spend an average of $100,000 per show for location, employees, lodging. Much less now, and for sure meeting with more bikers on the streets than inside a cold Convention Center located far way from the main rally activities.
Sounds like a good move to me. Assuming they’ll have the bikes for customers to test ride nearby, it will sure save me a few trips to Rapid.
I bet you will find them at 4th and Lazell where American IronHorse used to setup.
Great move, only downside for me will be no media room, but I’m happy to trade that for the convenience of having Harley closer. Harley should consider setting up at the Broken Spoke Campground, it would offer potential customers an awesome location for test rides.
Very exciting that the Motor Company is moving back to Sturgis! A positive step that will place them at the heart of the event and more importantly, make them easily accessible to the Harley faithful.
Looks like everyone has a positive attitude towards this and you can add me to the list.
Doc there are still a few reasons to ride to rapid LOl
Steve No Media Room, they haven’t for a year now. I will miss it too But will to give that up and there are other ways for us to see who we need to.
I do like the idea about the Broken Spoke!
And of course Pepper has her finger on the pulse of what is going on in the area.
Good to hear from al of you
I think this is a wonderful move on Harley’s part. No need to ride to Rapid City to see the new bikes just once over the week. Now can see the new bikes every day in Sturgis. Would also like to see the Harley setup at Broken Spoke Campground for demo ride purposes. Can also bypass Black Hills HD quick oil change tent behind the dealership whom would not change my engine oil last year because I have an S&S motor!! Assholes!!
This is a good move for HD …… Sturgis could use the positive impact that HD will have there.
Over & Out,
Jeff
i hope everyone is not referring to the county-line broken spoke.
why ruin the limpnicke lot atmoshpere with all the factory attitude and kuryakn bolt-on parts littering the road?
The move to Sturgis on behalf of the Motor Company is testament to Harley wanting to have a more active role in and with the overall event. Although not quantified, there is a line of thinking that rally goers staying east of Sturgis in the Rapid City area do not venture west past Sturgis and rally goers who stay west of Sturgis in Spearfish and the Northern Hills do not venture east past Sturgis. With that being said, Sturgis has been identified as the cross-over point to touch 100 percent of rally consumers. Welcome home Harley and it is our hope that you will work closely with event organizers and properties to help make the Sturgis Rally better for our mutual customers. Best of luck on your 2010 Sturgis Campain.
I think this is a wonderful move on Harley’s part. No need to ride to Rapid City to see the new bikes just once over the week. Now can see the new bikes every day in Sturgis. Would also like to see the Harley setup at Broken Spoke Campground for demo ride purposes. Can also bypass Black Hills HD quick oil change tent behind the dealership whom would not change my engine oil last year because I have an S&S motor!! Assholes!!