Sturgis, South Dakota, is set to celebrate 83 years as the host city for one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in the world in 2023. The celebration is more than just about motorcycles; it’s a transcendental experience celebrating the camaraderie, history and the unexplainable bond that connects bikers and enthusiasts. Like all truly great events, there is a charitable arm to the celebration. In the case of this Harley-Davidson, donated by the City of Sturgis, its sale will benefit the Sturgis Rally Endowment Fund, a part of the Black Hills Community Foundation; Helping with Horsepower, a Mitchell-area nonprofit providing opportunities for purpose, well-being and growth for individuals born or diagnosed with limitations; and the students of the Mitchell Technical College Power Sports Technology Program, who helped build the bike. Building the bike gave Mitchell Tech students the opportunity to work with sponsors and transform it into what Program Director Chris Degen called, “… a performance, almost-race bagger with a touch of elegance.” The students performed a number of enhancements, including relocating the horn to make space for the “MTC” logo. They also fabricated a custom shift linkage with the Sturgis Wing logo, cut Paul Yaffee lights into the lower fillers, modified the front and rear fenders, and modified the dashboard to hold a Sturgis commemorative coin. A number of sponsors assisted in the build, including Harley-Davidson Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City, South Dakota, Dillion Brothers Harley-Davidson in Omaha, Nebraska, and J&L Harley-Davidson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Finished in PPG custom blue and white paint, the paint and bodywork were done by Todd Dozark of Liquid Designs. The bike is fitted with a number of custom elements, including a Klock Werks modified metal dash, flare windshield, fairing vent screen and a modified fender, a Rockford Fosgate stereo upgrade, a Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide Stage 2 Kit, a Vance & Hines 2-into-1 Hi-Output RR stainless exhaust system and a Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight engine Stage IV kit, boosting the engine to 114 CI. The bike is also equipped with Arlen Ness wheels, hubs, rotors and air cleaner, Cheeseman Fabrication brackets to raise the front of the gas tank, and much more. As a thank you for the winning bidder’s donation, the City of Sturgis will include a VIP Package for the 2023 Motorcycle Rally including various items like a five-night hotel stay at the Baymont Inn, concert tickets, passes to the VIP Hospitality Center and much, much more. S226.1 2018 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLTRX CUSTOM ROAD GLIDE
