Ready For The Rally: Essentials For Your Ride To Sturgis

From the moment they throw a leg over the saddle of a Hog for the first time there's one goal just about every Harley ride envisions, cruising into downtown Sturgis, South Dakota, to attend the mother of all motorcycle rallies, the legendary Sturgis Rally. From the thousands of bikes lined up and down Main Street to the amazing sweeping curves and majestic surroundings of the Black Hills, attending the Sturgis Rally is an event that stays with you for the rest of your life. Where else can you party with hundreds of thousands of like-minded individuals, make new friends, and meet up with lost acquaintances, all while enjoying some of the most awe-inspiring highways, bi-ways, back roads and historical landmarks in the country?

While the Sturgis Rally is the ultimate biker event, the old saying, "it's not about the destination, it about the journey" holds true. Often times many riders will have just as much fun and create just as many lasting memories (if not more) on their ride to the Rally. The key to getting the most enjoyment of your Sturgis experience is being prepared.

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Packing the right motorcycle gear can mean the difference between an awesome trip and one full of regrets. In the video above you'll find some Sturgis essentials that will help give you an idea of things to pack in preparation for your trip to the motorcycle mecca. Actually, from the sissy bar bag to the Frogg Toggs motorcycle rain gear, all these items can come in extremely handy for any long distance motorcycle adventure, so you may want to take notes.

What's that? You don't own a Harley but still want to see what the hype is all about? Don't fret, if you roll into Sturgis on two or even three wheels Harley fans will welcome you with open arms no matter if you're on an adventure-ready Suzuki V-Strom or a chromed-out, extended swingarm Gixxer. And for those that like the idea of cruising around with a tank bag but a magnetic bag won't work or fit with your bike's gas tank here's a video on how to install a strap-mount tank bag.


Smart phones have become an important tool for motorcycle riders, aiding with everything from last minute hotel reservations and providing real-time weather updates to ensuring you don't miss the exit for the local Waffle House. If you find that your phone battery is always dying when you seem to need it most, rigging your bike up with an onboard power supply can really save you in a pinch. The video below shows how quickly and easily you can install a Bikemaster Power Adapter to ensure your phone will always be at the ready.

Oh, and if you're going to install a Power Adapter for your phone, you might as well have a safe a secure place to mount your phone so you can easily see it and operate it (not while riding of course). This video will show you how to mount a Kuryakyn Tech Connect Device Holder to motorcycle handlebars.

Don't have a sissy bar to secure your motorcycle luggage to? This video will walk you through the process of fitting a set of throw over style saddlebags onto your motorcycle.


If you like the idea of having some kind of throttle device on your bike to help save your wrist from fatigue during a long ride, but want more relief than just the palm operated Cruise Assist, Kuryakyn' s Premiere Affordable Throttle Assist might just be what you need-best of all it will fit a wide array of motorcycles and is extremely easy to install. Check it out below.

Do you have a list of essential items you always pack with you when prepping for a long distance motorcycle ride? Comment below, we'd love to hear your suggestions.