I just added some new links (in the description) to Harley parts that I put on my bike. Some of the newest parts are in dealer exclusives unfortunately, but as more parts become available I will update in the description. There is also a generic Harley link to everything on the site. I also added the Cardo link and discount. The goal is to get more and more good companies on board and get yall discounts when I can. Thank you all for being apart of the community and big thanks to the Shot Squad.
Sturgis has a way different vibe than the rallies you have been to. It’s about the local riding. Expect to average 150-200+ miles a day. Walk Main Street and Lazelle one time, and then spend the rest of your time away from Sturgis itself. Nemo, Rochford, Deadwood, Lead, Hill City, Keystone, Montana, Wyoming. Head out a different direction every day and find your favorite spots. If you like music, there are 20+ bands playing somewhere every day, and 90% are free. Food and drink is pretty reasonable everywhere, except downtown Sturgis.
I worked in the motorcycle industry for many years, i remember when i first started working in the early 80s, guys would come back from Sturgis bragging about “surviving” ..i guess it was a lot different before the Harley craze took off.
Sturgis is the worst they entire area is overpriced..The whole area around sturgis is trying to make an entire years revenue off of 1 month. But if you are worried about price maybe you shouldn't go to sturgis.
Downtown Sturgis grocery store is the place to eat, there is a deli and very reasonable priced. We have eaten lunch and dinner there for sometimes less than 1/2 what you pay the venders for food.
Best advice I've seen waa posted at the entrance to the Wetzel rally in Ohio. A Club owned rally ground. IT SAID " IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE YOUR ALCOHOL THIS IS A BAD PLACE TO FIND OUT " 😊 It travels very well.
When you do get to Sturgis the riding is the thing, at least to my friends and I. Yes the venues are great to visit, the bars, the concerts, and all but don't spend so much time walking you lose time for the rides. Spearfish Canyon, Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, Custer Loop, and so many more. A nice ride to get the feel of how big and empty a lot of the area is is to ride to Belle Fouche then to Alzada Montana, then south to Devil's Tower. Just watch your gas! You let it get below a half tank you might not make it back unless you carry some extra with you! I love Sturgis
I have been to a number of major bike rallies over the years. I am never attending another. Far too crowded. Far too expensive. Not even remotely worth the effort. Yes there are some decent deals to be had if you know what you are looking for. But again not even close to the effort required. I love riding with myself. I'm never early. I'm never late. I'm never lost. Guess the years have made me cynical but that's how i see it. Great video and keep up the content!
Laconia just started yesterday. I'm 20 years old and I've lived in NH my whole life. I've never been to a rally and I'm debating on taking the long 30 min journey to laconia. Any tips man?
FWIW, if you go to the medicine dept at most stores they have pop and freeze packages for injuries. They don’t take up much space and really help cool things down. I carry an insulated DeWalt lunch bag, which carry’s 4 bottles of water, these really help keeping things cool.
Awesome video, I learned to buy water only in the Harley store $ 1.00 bottles vs 3-5 dollars at the booths. In my years going to Daytona, I’ve never had an issue with biker clubs. I do not bother them and they do not bother me.
Been to Sturgis once long ago went on my Triumph. Other that only a toy run. To me the importance aspect of that was the "run" itself as to how fast who could make it to the bar first. Since that pretty much have kept to my self.
After going to 100s of runs and rallies over 30 years. I just go for the riding, I steer clear of "Tent city" Sturgis has some of the best riding. Met a ton of great folks there.
Second and last time I went to Sturgis ( from Montana ) witin one day two people within a tent away in my campsite had been seriously injured in crashes. 1987. I did find a good used remote mount oil filter/cooler. Sportster liked it.
The last rally I went to was 2019. It was Laconia. Had fun but the older I get the less I like crowds. One thing about rallies is if you want a part installed you usually don't have to wait long. The dealer may be booked up for a few weeks so rallies may be a better option.
As far as the in town Sturgis it's alot like Daytona as prices go. Sturgis is all over the area in large mile radius, it's just not in town. Be ready to ride, I ride at least 150 to 200 miles a day while I am there. Plenty of stuff to do. Enjoy if you make it.
Growing up in Orlando I have been to Daytona Bike week / Biketober fest tons! I recommend going the first weekend to scope out what you want, and then the last weekend or last few days to work your deal! The vendors don't want to lug all that stuff back! Also Sturgis is a completely different feel, best riding ever! I recommend going to most events at least once.
Interesting video 👍 I've been going to rallies in the UK and Europe for years, I went to a few when I lived in the USA. I've found the big rallies are getting very corporate and expensive so I just go to smaller rallies now. (Sturgis is something every biker should visit at least once, it's a huge piece of biking history.)
New subscriber - Thank you for your time. All of your videos are not just entertaining, but more importantly, they're informative, and that is priceless, God bless you and protect you always.
In Daytona and Sturgis, If you do happen to drink a little too much and decide to leave your bike somewhere over night, it will get towed and they do not treat them nicely. That’s a big one.
Been to many of the rallies, Daytona was not fun, rides are third class, Sturgis one day in town and around the shops outside of town, place is a riders paradise, and from there you have easy access to lots of great riding in other states, best however to hit the black hills early before all the party people wake up, start at 8 the drunks don't come out of hiding till 11 or 12, plus the kids who think they are hot rodders showing off. from there hit Yellowstone and the great rides in Montana then drop down into Idaho, and Utah. Take the side roads stay off the freeways as much as you can. do it every year.
I went to Sturgis for the first time last year. And I plan on doing it almost every year going forward. The riding is some of the absolute best in the country, something kind of rare for rally locations. Don’t get me wrong, the ocean shore riding is okay, but nothing can really compare to mountain riding. At Sturgis, plan on spending a day at the vendor locations, be it downtown or the Rally at Exit 55. Installation on new are free or really cheap. Slip ons and air cleaners are normally free. Full system might cost like a hundred bucks. Same with stereos. There’s a ton of cheap eats around.
I've always enjoyed going to rallies. Now that I'm closing in on 60 i don't spend much time there. I like to roll in for a day and then move on. I will say all the time I've spent at rallies i have never seen a single fight. Expect some loud obnoxious drunks now and then. As a whole it's been a lot of fun. As far as clubs go. They're just like you and I. They are there to have fun. Don't go up to them with a holier than thou attitude or they might just help you out with that. Otherwise you will have no problem whatsoever. I think now it's starting to get a little to commercialized though. Still fun but way to expensive
@@HDFXSB645 You are going to have a blast!For me deadwood is the Centerpoint to all of the good riding, although Custer National Park is over by Keystone. Spearfish Canyon is right by Deadwood. The town of Deadwood it self has so many things to do, so much history from Wild Bill to the Bullock Hotel the Tin Lizzy and so much more. From shops to gambling it never ends. The nightlife is amazing. Deadwood is just a stones throw away from the actual Sturgis rally and Main Street. Definitely do as many of the rides as you can fit in and of course Mount Rushmore.
Good video, much appreciated. I'm still a brand newb and I'm probably going to my first couple small, local rallies here in the next couple weeks. I generally like to be alone, but I like to get out and socialize from time to time, see some stuff, do the things.... and since I'm new to this, I didn't want to end up going "to stupid places with stupid people doing stupid things." Hopefully I like 'em and it'll make me want to experience some of the bigger rallies.
Algorithm has decided, correctly, that I should watch some of your videos. Your opinions and experiences are excellent and you say many many things that are unpopular and 1000% correct.. everything from time of day, unlicensed death and accident rates, group riding, lack of practice and alcohol involved in riding. I will encourage people to watch your stuff and the gun, patriot thing I can deal with. Motorcycle industry and riders are stuck in a very similar mess to gun industry and gun users. Access. Ducks Unlimited and a few others are spending time, money and political capital for hunting rights and habitat preservation. In motorcycling many areas that were open to motorcycles are being restricted or done away with completely. Open spaces for all groups drastically reduce everyday.. can't be addressed monthly or yearly, a trail you ride on maybe in jeopardy of disappearing forever. And if bicycle racing and events are an indicator..off road is what people want and access has to be a priority for riders and manufacturers.
I go to Laconia every year since its only about a 90 minute ride for me. I've been going for nearly 30 years. I did Sturgis in 2023 for the first time. Loved it. Laconia and Sturgis are more about the riding for me. The roads and scenery are amazing. I've never been to Daytona, but for some reason it doesn't appeal to me. Seems more like a drinking and partying rally.. and I'm not much into that scene. I may try Americade this year.
For the past two years, I've written to Daytona Bike Week with my HOG Chapter (around 15 bikes). Daytona has almost no interesting rides. It's all about the Speedway, Destination Daytona, and Main Street to a degree. Getting upgrades for the bike is a great thing. I had Love Jugs for cooling (Speedway) and some LED lights (Destination Daytona) added to my Road Glide. Several others had high-end sound systems installed. One evening, we tallied up the amount of money that we dropped between us all, and it was a pretty staggering amount (especially for a us N. Alabama boys (and gals)). As you said, this is what Daytona is really about. Main Street is about the bars and bikini washes and seeing and being seen, but it seems to be dying out (local businesses are trying to shutdown Daytona Bike Week, like they did Spring Break). Sturgis is about the rides. Sure going into Sturgis for a day is cool, but the riding is fantastic! I think that my biggest tip is to be aware of the added traffic, and pay attention to the cagers, even more than normal, in Daytona especially.
I live in Arizona and we just had bike week and it has changed since last year. I would avoid the whole west world experience and head to cave creek , plenty of vendors, bikes and cool people.
It came as a surprise to me. They are much bigger than anything I have been to in the UK. And the combination of dealers, stalls and events is unusual. I have been to motorcycle shows in an exhibition hall, autojumbles (a car boot sale of old parts for classic British bikes) and bike nights with no stalls but hundreds of bikes, often set up to raise funds for charity. And, of course, guns are kept in locked cases in country houses for grouse shooting or not at all. Our police often give priority to bikes over cars when managing traffic at a bike event.
Maybe fedex should set up a customer booth and truck to ship purchases to riders home. Walk up, show events item receipt hand it over to box up and ship home. They would get a lot of business if they don’t already.
The thing to remember about sturges is it's Dangerous in the hills lot of people die every year. The roads going through the black hills are beautiful, but very dangtrish. Be careful when you ride them.
From all you've said and from other videos I' ve watched I don't need to be within 500 miles of any of these "rallies." I'd much rather hit the open road.
I’ve done Laconia 20 plus years, Sturgis last 5, Daytona a bunch and now hitting Arizona in few weeks. For me it’s one day at the shit show (dealers or T-shirt alley to people watch. Sturgis best riding so far but just moved to AZ and riding here is amazing and will overtake Sturgis by far in my opinion. Daytona for me wasn’t as fun as the others but from NH in March doesn’t get any better to get away from snow. Again my opinion.
Rienharts sound slappy to me kromewerks 4.5" have the best sound after having heard m9st brands also if you want obnoxious loud pipes and don't want to hear your radio if you got one tab neighbor haters
Rally used to be fun. Now they are fundraiser for the municipalities. Pay ripoff prices for everything. Roadside extortion coming and going. Nothing but drunks and posers bragging about how much money they spent on their bike. Lots of bikes stolen. Total ripoff unless you are a vlooger who writes off all expenses on their taxes. $10 for a bottle of water? Totally insane! Old party's were great. People still remember me from the rodeo from 30 yrs ago. Rev your motorcycle at a stoplight and get a $350 ticket, welcome to Daytona . No thanks. Poser party for poser riders. Pathetic 😢
@@hanskorschinowski1113 Every body goes one time and then never again. I went to find a finned primary cover for my Triumph Tr-6 with a hard tail and magneto. I did find my part and I found a HD old touring seat with the pogo stick attached in a garbage 🗑️ can . I put it in my buddy's van and I still have it today. Daytona, Octoberfest, Sturgis,Laconia they can go to hell.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 speak your mind LOL, I agree except for the riding around the black hills and other western states, been to Tennessee and North Carolina for rides where okay, but Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, some Arizona, Oregon and even the commie state of California the rides and people in small towns are the places to go you can add Colorado the western part to that list, stay away from large cities unless you carry a self defense weapon.
Dude, this is the first video I have seen from you. You are really green to bike rallies. I have far too much to say to write it out here. Go to several more rallies like Laconia (the world's first rally), Sturgis, and some other rallies. You will get a totally different view.
Great video. I know several people who have been to these rallies and say that it's a great time. I have a 2005 Softail Deuce with only 9300 miles on it that I bought three years ago and have never ridden it because - I don't know how. LOL. I know, I'm an idiot, but maybe one day. Thanks for uploading this; it was very enjoyable.
Normally a few people are killed in bike wrecks at Daytona. I have seen a few minor wrecks by drunks. Say one guy messed up bad on I95. A truck ran him over. This was just outside Jax. I guess he was on his way home like I was. I hope he was okay. Anyone going to Daytona will have a sore clutch hand by the end of a day. So much stopping, shifting etc...A lot of drunks.
Abate of Iowa freedom rally by algona, Iowa is a small rally compared to ones you mentioned. It's the only one I'm a dedicated goer. Check it out for our 40th anniversary this July 3rd-6th!!
I was at AZ Bike Week this past weekend. Loved Cave Creek. However the tee shirt vendors F’ed up big time. They hardly had anything. Huge disappointment……..
Every year the small towns out about 100 mi. and all the way to every large meet have speed traps and every cop they have out the write you up, best money makers these small towns have, you are usually long ways from home, they know you're not going to come back and fight it, you will get a lot of B.S. tickets. One of the worst things are the riders WHO CAN'T RIDE !
Hello there, Thanks for all your informative tubes. I would like to know your personal evaluation of your RG as I am looking at a 2024 model and I just want your opinion on that. Thank You
The roads around Sturgis are open outside of rally week, if riding without being surrounded by drunken idiot show-offs and weak-minded bullies is your thing. For this older Scottish rider, the speed-limits are a bit low mind, after being used to riding quickly on two-lane roads that are half the width of one over here. Just don’t drink and ride.
I never understood blipping the throttle and other things . Do you think you’re the only one out of 300k plus people to do it ? It gets old and played out quick . Let’s attract negative attention by acting like a teenager with their first car
Blipping the throttle is an old HD trick from flatheads to twin cams quick snap or blip makes tranny gears slide easier. Some habits are hard to break, I find myself doing this on my M8 lowrider st, but probably don’t need to.
I have been to Sturgis once, saw a lot of cool bikes, but unfortunately way too many modern computer bikes. People buy these things, and think they are the hottest riders out there, because the spent a ton of money. I also do Arizona Bike Week every year, because I live in Arizona. Again, I see mostly modern stuff, which I have no interest in seeing. My Harley is a 1989 FXRS Low Rider, mostly stock except for the exhaust, backrest, and saddlebags. I have added some extra chrome. There is nothing digital on it, and there is no flat black on it. And that kind of trash seems to be mostly what you see at motorcycle rallies. They've gone from motorcycle rallies to flat black computer rallies. A lot of riders are still wearing their pirate costumes. If only they knew how silly they look dressed like that riding "modern" computer bikes, mostly baggers. I'll be 65 in a few days, I'm going to quit messing with motorcycle events. I like real motorcycles, not computers on wheels.
@9:05: what this fine God Fearing Man is trying to say is, don't be taken advantage or sucked in to buying something that a beautiful , luscious girls with very pronounced curves in your face giggling while they try to sell you a product. Keep it together.
I just added some new links (in the description) to Harley parts that I put on my bike. Some of the newest parts are in dealer exclusives unfortunately, but as more parts become available I will update in the description. There is also a generic Harley link to everything on the site. I also added the Cardo link and discount. The goal is to get more and more good companies on board and get yall discounts when I can. Thank you all for being apart of the community and big thanks to the Shot Squad.
I'm more than a bit antisocial. Maybe a local group ride but a rally... Nope. I ride to get away from people, feel the wind, and find my peace.
Amen, The solitude of the road and the symphony of the engine and the wind really allows the mind to float free.
Bingo. Same here.
Me too.
Same here. However, since I ride a 1994 Electra Glide classic, I ride alone to also get away from the George Orwell hi-tech oversurveilled world.
I can drink beer at home.i Wana ride.
Sturgis has a way different vibe than the rallies you have been to. It’s about the local riding. Expect to average 150-200+ miles a day. Walk Main Street and Lazelle one time, and then spend the rest of your time away from Sturgis itself. Nemo, Rochford, Deadwood, Lead, Hill City, Keystone, Montana, Wyoming. Head out a different direction every day and find your favorite spots. If you like music, there are 20+ bands playing somewhere every day, and 90% are free. Food and drink is pretty reasonable everywhere, except downtown Sturgis.
You are spot on.
Totally agree it's the best I stay at Hog Heaven we trailer so we can bring larger tents and gear. Enjoy their amenities.
I worked in the motorcycle industry for many years, i remember when i first started working in the early 80s, guys would come back from Sturgis bragging about “surviving” ..i guess it was a lot different before the Harley craze took off.
Sturgis is the worst they entire area is overpriced..The whole area around sturgis is trying to make an entire years revenue off of 1 month. But if you are worried about price maybe you shouldn't go to sturgis.
Downtown Sturgis grocery store is the place to eat, there is a deli and very reasonable priced. We have eaten lunch and dinner there for sometimes less than 1/2 what you pay the venders for food.
Best advice I've seen waa posted at the entrance to the Wetzel rally in Ohio. A Club owned rally ground.
IT SAID " IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE YOUR ALCOHOL THIS IS A BAD PLACE TO FIND OUT " 😊
It travels very well.
I live in Sturgis
I Bartend during the Rally. Very fun experience
When you do get to Sturgis the riding is the thing, at least to my friends and I. Yes the venues are great to visit, the bars, the concerts, and all but don't spend so much time walking you lose time for the rides. Spearfish Canyon, Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, Custer Loop, and so many more. A nice ride to get the feel of how big and empty a lot of the area is is to ride to Belle Fouche then to Alzada Montana, then south to Devil's Tower. Just watch your gas! You let it get below a half tank you might not make it back unless you carry some extra with you! I love Sturgis
I have been to a number of major bike rallies over the years. I am never attending another. Far too crowded. Far too expensive. Not even remotely worth the effort. Yes there are some decent deals to be had if you know what you are looking for. But again not even close to the effort required. I love riding with myself. I'm never early. I'm never late. I'm never lost. Guess the years have made me cynical but that's how i see it. Great video and keep up the content!
I like what you said, you sound just like me !
@@mikemaatta216 It gets that way after a while
South Park was right about Harley-Davidson owners. We much prefer going to the Isle of Man for the TT races.
Laconia NH. Is a must, not what it used to be but always a good time.
Laconia just started yesterday. I'm 20 years old and I've lived in NH my whole life. I've never been to a rally and I'm debating on taking the long 30 min journey to laconia. Any tips man?
Man you're in for a treat when you go to Sturgis. The riding and sights are amazing.
See you there. I’ll be in a black Harley shirt and blue jeans, ya can’t miss me.
I’ve never so many dropped bikes, duck walking, slow speed wobbles and posers as “bike” rally riders.
don't let them sew your pocket shut when getting a patch.
FWIW, if you go to the medicine dept at most stores they have pop and freeze packages for injuries. They don’t take up much space and really help cool things down.
I carry an insulated DeWalt lunch bag, which carry’s 4 bottles of water, these really help keeping things cool.
Great idea
Awesome video,
I learned to buy water only in the Harley store
$ 1.00 bottles vs 3-5 dollars at the booths.
In my years going to Daytona, I’ve never had an issue with biker clubs. I do not bother them and they do not bother me.
Been to Sturgis once long ago went on my Triumph. Other that only a toy run. To me the importance aspect of that was the "run" itself as to how fast who could make it to the bar first. Since that pretty much have kept to my self.
Daytona is the partying rally… Sturgis is the riding and partying rally for me
I have been to bike rallies everywhere mytle beach is the most fun for me
After going to 100s of runs and rallies over 30 years. I just go for the riding, I steer clear of "Tent city" Sturgis has some of the best riding. Met a ton of great folks there.
Second and last time I went to Sturgis ( from Montana ) witin one day two people within a tent away in my campsite had been seriously injured in crashes. 1987. I did find a good used remote mount oil filter/cooler. Sportster liked it.
The last rally I went to was 2019. It was Laconia. Had fun but the older I get the less I like crowds. One thing about rallies is if you want a part installed you usually don't have to wait long. The dealer may be booked up for a few weeks so rallies may be a better option.
At Sturgis make sure you put both feet fldown
And make sure you have clear shades on at night
As far as the in town Sturgis it's alot like Daytona as prices go. Sturgis is all over the area in large mile radius, it's just not in town. Be ready to ride, I ride at least 150 to 200 miles a day while I am there. Plenty of stuff to do. Enjoy if you make it.
Growing up in Orlando I have been to Daytona Bike week / Biketober fest tons!
I recommend going the first weekend to scope out what you want, and then the last weekend or last few days to work your deal!
The vendors don't want to lug all that stuff back!
Also Sturgis is a completely different feel, best riding ever!
I recommend going to most events at least once.
One big difference you will notice is this. In Daytona the police are out to get you. In Sturgis the police are out to help you.
Interesting video 👍 I've been going to rallies in the UK and Europe for years, I went to a few when I lived in the USA. I've found the big rallies are getting very corporate and expensive so I just go to smaller rallies now. (Sturgis is something every biker should visit at least once, it's a huge piece of biking history.)
New subscriber - Thank you for your time. All of your videos are not just entertaining, but more importantly, they're informative, and that is priceless, God bless you and protect you always.
I live in North Myrtle Beach, and I find that I find better deals online. This year you will find that a lot of venues with not allow colors.
In Daytona and Sturgis, If you do happen to drink a little too much and decide to leave your bike somewhere over night, it will get towed and they do not treat them nicely. That’s a big one.
How can you talk about motorcycle rallies with only 2 venues experience? And not include Laconia, NH? Rookie!
Exactly. Laconia is older than Sturgis. Ride the Kangamanga's, & walk Weirs Beach.
Laconia 1981, was awesome!
Been riding for 22 years but have only been to 1 rally, Myrtle Beach Fall Rally. I hope to make it to Daytona and Sturgis someday.
Sturgis go with someone who has been. I camp at hog heaven they good amenities. Happy crowd.
Daytona is a drinking party riding in Forida is vanilla.
Been to many of the rallies, Daytona was not fun, rides are third class, Sturgis one day in town and around the shops outside of town, place is a riders paradise, and from there you have easy access to lots of great riding in other states, best however to hit the black hills early before all the party people wake up, start at 8 the drunks don't come out of hiding till 11 or 12, plus the kids who think they are hot rodders showing off. from there hit Yellowstone and the great rides in Montana then drop down into Idaho, and Utah. Take the side roads stay off the freeways as much as you can. do it every year.
I went to Sturgis for the first time last year. And I plan on doing it almost every year going forward. The riding is some of the absolute best in the country, something kind of rare for rally locations. Don’t get me wrong, the ocean shore riding is okay, but nothing can really compare to mountain riding.
At Sturgis, plan on spending a day at the vendor locations, be it downtown or the Rally at Exit 55. Installation on new are free or really cheap. Slip ons and air cleaners are normally free. Full system might cost like a hundred bucks. Same with stereos.
There’s a ton of cheap eats around.
Wait till you do Sturgis, it is truly unique; such great riding ++
I've always enjoyed going to rallies. Now that I'm closing in on 60 i don't spend much time there. I like to roll in for a day and then move on. I will say all the time I've spent at rallies i have never seen a single fight. Expect some loud obnoxious drunks now and then. As a whole it's been a lot of fun. As far as clubs go. They're just like you and I. They are there to have fun. Don't go up to them with a holier than thou attitude or they might just help you out with that. Otherwise you will have no problem whatsoever. I think now it's starting to get a little to commercialized though. Still fun but way to expensive
We like Leesburg, the city has things well-organized and seem to appreciate bikes being in town.
You will have a blast at Sturgis! So awesome I try to go every year. Deadwood baby!
I'm going for my first time this year. What are things to do in Deadwood? I'm putting a list together for places to see and rides to do.
@@HDFXSB645 You are going to have a blast!For me deadwood is the Centerpoint to all of the good riding, although Custer National Park is over by Keystone. Spearfish Canyon is right by Deadwood. The town of Deadwood it self has so many things to do, so much history from Wild Bill to the Bullock Hotel the Tin Lizzy and so much more. From shops to gambling it never ends. The nightlife is amazing. Deadwood is just a stones throw away from the actual Sturgis rally and Main Street. Definitely do as many of the rides as you can fit in and of course Mount Rushmore.
Iron mountain road and Needles Hwy rides are a must. Spearfish Canyon and even a trip to Devils tower is always a great ride too.
@@terryn2616 TRUTH…
Americade Rally in Lake George NY is a great one to go to. It has some of the best scenic rides anywhere.
I have little interest in Daytona. Went to Sturgis and liked it.
It's about respect!
When Interacting with clubs, respect them and they will respect you
14:03 and reapply! My neck got torched between my jacket and helmet when I was in Milwaukee for the 120th.
Good video, much appreciated. I'm still a brand newb and I'm probably going to my first couple small, local rallies here in the next couple weeks. I generally like to be alone, but I like to get out and socialize from time to time, see some stuff, do the things.... and since I'm new to this, I didn't want to end up going "to stupid places with stupid people doing stupid things." Hopefully I like 'em and it'll make me want to experience some of the bigger rallies.
Algorithm has decided, correctly, that I should watch some of your videos. Your opinions and experiences are excellent and you say many many things that are unpopular and 1000% correct.. everything from time of day, unlicensed death and accident rates, group riding, lack of practice and alcohol involved in riding. I will encourage people to watch your stuff and the gun, patriot thing I can deal with. Motorcycle industry and riders are stuck in a very similar mess to gun industry and gun users. Access. Ducks Unlimited and a few others are spending time, money and political capital for hunting rights and habitat preservation. In motorcycling many areas that were open to motorcycles are being restricted or done away with completely. Open spaces for all groups drastically reduce everyday.. can't be addressed monthly or yearly, a trail you ride on maybe in jeopardy of disappearing forever. And if bicycle racing and events are an indicator..off road is what people want and access has to be a priority for riders and manufacturers.
All great information Sir, great video!!!
I go to Laconia every year since its only about a 90 minute ride for me. I've been going for nearly 30 years. I did Sturgis in 2023 for the first time. Loved it. Laconia and Sturgis are more about the riding for me. The roads and scenery are amazing. I've never been to Daytona, but for some reason it doesn't appeal to me. Seems more like a drinking and partying rally.. and I'm not much into that scene. I may try Americade this year.
For the past two years, I've written to Daytona Bike Week with my HOG Chapter (around 15 bikes). Daytona has almost no interesting rides. It's all about the Speedway, Destination Daytona, and Main Street to a degree. Getting upgrades for the bike is a great thing. I had Love Jugs for cooling (Speedway) and some LED lights (Destination Daytona) added to my Road Glide. Several others had high-end sound systems installed. One evening, we tallied up the amount of money that we dropped between us all, and it was a pretty staggering amount (especially for a us N. Alabama boys (and gals)). As you said, this is what Daytona is really about. Main Street is about the bars and bikini washes and seeing and being seen, but it seems to be dying out (local businesses are trying to shutdown Daytona Bike Week, like they did Spring Break). Sturgis is about the rides. Sure going into Sturgis for a day is cool, but the riding is fantastic! I think that my biggest tip is to be aware of the added traffic, and pay attention to the cagers, even more than normal, in Daytona especially.
I live in Arizona and we just had bike week and it has changed since last year. I would avoid the whole west world experience and head to cave creek , plenty of vendors, bikes and cool people.
Love your content, but wanted to mention that your mic was really low compared to all the other sound in this video.
It came as a surprise to me. They are much bigger than anything I have been to in the UK. And the combination of dealers, stalls and events is unusual. I have been to motorcycle shows in an exhibition hall, autojumbles (a car boot sale of old parts for classic British bikes) and bike nights with no stalls but hundreds of bikes, often set up to raise funds for charity. And, of course, guns are kept in locked cases in country houses for grouse shooting or not at all. Our police often give priority to bikes over cars when managing traffic at a bike event.
Maybe fedex should set up a customer booth and truck to ship purchases to riders home. Walk up, show events item receipt hand it over to box up and ship home. They would get a lot of business if they don’t already.
Tried to use U.S. post office to lighten bike and line was so long couldn't see the place, waited until I got a ways away to ship from a small town.
The thing to remember about sturges is it's Dangerous in the hills lot of people die every year. The roads going through the black hills are beautiful, but very dangtrish. Be careful when you ride them.
From all you've said and from other videos I' ve watched I don't need to be within 500 miles of any of these "rallies." I'd much rather hit the open road.
I freeze water bottles and wrap them in towels. Generally stay ice cold all day
I found that water in sturgis runs one buck to two bucks, cold
We freeze bottles also plus we have a small soft cooler that we put them
I’ve done Laconia 20 plus years, Sturgis last 5, Daytona a bunch and now hitting Arizona in few weeks. For me it’s one day at the shit show (dealers or T-shirt alley to people watch.
Sturgis best riding so far but just moved to AZ and riding here is amazing and will overtake Sturgis by far in my opinion.
Daytona for me wasn’t as fun as the others but from NH in March doesn’t get any better to get away from snow.
Again my opinion.
I don’t drink any longer so me it’s check out new parts coming and the riding.
Rienharts sound slappy to me kromewerks 4.5" have the best sound after having heard m9st brands also if you want obnoxious loud pipes and don't want to hear your radio if you got one tab neighbor haters
Rally used to be fun. Now they are fundraiser for the municipalities. Pay ripoff prices for everything. Roadside extortion coming and going. Nothing but drunks and posers bragging about how much money they spent on their bike. Lots of bikes stolen. Total ripoff unless you are a vlooger who writes off all expenses on their taxes. $10 for a bottle of water? Totally insane! Old party's were great. People still remember me from the rodeo from 30 yrs ago. Rev your motorcycle at a stoplight and get a $350 ticket, welcome to Daytona . No thanks. Poser party for poser riders. Pathetic 😢
Thats why I only went to Daytona once, never again
@@hanskorschinowski1113 Every body goes one time and then never again. I went to find a finned primary cover for my Triumph Tr-6 with a hard tail and magneto. I did find my part and I found a HD old touring seat with the pogo stick attached in a garbage 🗑️ can . I put it in my buddy's van and I still have it today. Daytona, Octoberfest, Sturgis,Laconia they can go to hell.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 speak your mind LOL, I agree except for the riding around the black hills and other western states, been to Tennessee and North Carolina for rides where okay, but Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, some Arizona, Oregon and even the commie state of California the rides and people in small towns are the places to go you can add Colorado the western part to that list, stay away from large cities unless you carry a self defense weapon.
Dude, this is the first video I have seen from you. You are really green to bike rallies. I have far too much to say to write it out here. Go to several more rallies like Laconia (the world's first rally), Sturgis, and some other rallies. You will get a totally different view.
Can't get in to eat anywhere. Can't get in to piss anywhere.
Try some rallies in the South. Bama Bike Fest or Angel City. Or even Mid America in Buckhorn,Mo.
There are Soooo many rallies that Aren’t Daytona etc.
Great video. I know several people who have been to these rallies and say that it's a great time. I have a 2005 Softail Deuce with only 9300 miles on it that I bought three years ago and have never ridden it because - I don't know how. LOL. I know, I'm an idiot, but maybe one day. Thanks for uploading this; it was very enjoyable.
Take a MSF course!
Just what I was going to say! Contact Abate in your state if you need info about safety courses. Just Google Abate.
Normally a few people are killed in bike wrecks at Daytona. I have seen a few minor wrecks by drunks. Say one guy messed up bad on I95. A truck ran him over. This was just outside Jax. I guess he was on his way home like I was. I hope he was okay. Anyone going to Daytona will have a sore clutch hand by the end of a day. So much stopping, shifting etc...A lot of drunks.
Abate of Iowa freedom rally by algona, Iowa is a small rally compared to ones you mentioned. It's the only one I'm a dedicated goer. Check it out for our 40th anniversary this July 3rd-6th!!
Great info Heg.
Agreed
I was at AZ Bike Week this past weekend. Loved Cave Creek. However the tee shirt vendors F’ed up big time. They hardly had anything. Huge disappointment……..
😂 your the only rider on the road! 🎉
Every year the small towns out about 100 mi. and all the way to every large meet have speed traps and every cop they have out the write you up, best money makers these small towns have, you are usually long ways from home, they know you're not going to come back and fight it, you will get a lot of B.S. tickets. One of the worst things are the riders WHO CAN'T RIDE !
You definitely listen to Creed Fisher!!!!
Have to check out lake of the ozarks bike week. Great riding way less people.
I spy a FAL on your wall. My man 😎
Watching on UA-cam is as close as I want to get.
Hello there, Thanks for all your informative tubes. I would like to know your personal evaluation of your RG as I am looking at a 2024 model and I just want your opinion on that. Thank You
Just freeze your bottled water then you have them all day long. Always stays cold all day. In the tour pack
The roads around Sturgis are open outside of rally week, if riding without being surrounded by drunken idiot show-offs and weak-minded bullies is your thing. For this older Scottish rider, the speed-limits are a bit low mind, after being used to riding quickly on two-lane roads that are half the width of one over here. Just don’t drink and ride.
The rally in Mexico is way more fun
Lmao you can have that. With the cartel 🎉😅
Just moved to Southern AZ and it’s on my list. Tough one of safe or not at this point.
Daytona bike week has no were near 500,000
Laconia... 1957/1958... It's never been the same since😂😂😂...
I go to pcb thunder beach
I never understood blipping the throttle and other things . Do you think you’re the only one out of 300k plus people to do it ? It gets old and played out quick . Let’s attract negative attention by acting like a teenager with their first car
Blipping the throttle is an old HD trick from flatheads to twin cams quick snap or blip makes tranny gears slide easier. Some habits are hard to break, I find myself doing this on my M8 lowrider st, but probably don’t need to.
@@waydel1 exactly ; ) rev matching = less wear on clutch too . 02 springer
Sturgis is in the actual world in itself and it spreads out for about 100 miles from that location
no Laconia!?!?
Great video!!
I enjoy all your vids but you need to do something about the sound.
My mom lives in scenic Spearfish. Ima motorhead, but wouldn't wanna navigate half a million hogs.
Well you be having a meet up at Sturgis?
I quit going, I go to local swap meets etc. Got tired of all the booths non- motorcycle related?
There's the laughlin river run last week of April I'm going to head to. But that one has been a turd show since 2004
None of the party happens in common spaces ...goto the private campgrounds
Get a Camelback for water
A lot is 2 words
Not sure why people like to advertise the fact that they are carrying a gun, like with a 2A sticker on their car or bike but okay.
I have been to Sturgis once, saw a lot of cool bikes, but unfortunately way too many modern computer bikes. People buy these things, and think they are the hottest riders out there, because the spent a ton of money. I also do Arizona Bike Week every year, because I live in Arizona. Again, I see mostly modern stuff, which I have no interest in seeing. My Harley is a 1989 FXRS Low Rider, mostly stock except for the exhaust, backrest, and saddlebags. I have added some extra chrome. There is nothing digital on it, and there is no flat black on it. And that kind of trash seems to be mostly what you see at motorcycle rallies. They've gone from motorcycle rallies to flat black computer rallies. A lot of riders are still wearing their pirate costumes. If only they knew how silly they look dressed like that riding "modern" computer bikes, mostly baggers. I'll be 65 in a few days, I'm going to quit messing with motorcycle events. I like real motorcycles, not computers on wheels.
@9:05: what this fine God Fearing Man is trying to say is, don't be taken advantage or sucked in to buying something that a beautiful , luscious girls with very pronounced curves in your face giggling while they try to sell you a product. Keep it together.
I've been to dozens. Why should I give a shit what you say?
There are no rallies anymore just flee markets for bikers
9:19: Human trash.
Arm Yourself.
can anybody hear what this guy is saying? he talks soo softly then when he switches to a motorcycle clip it's louder than him!
If you see one of us 1%er’s do not take pictures, don’t be afraid and don’t ask me no questions.
A lot of talk for someone who's not a talker. I could see not being interviewed but just friendly back and forth has never hurt anyone.
Don't try to talk to a Hells Angel. Thy don't play well with others...😂...Nothing funny about it... I'm not sure about other groups...
Way too long.