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MILWAUKEE – A long-term hookup is in the works between Harley-Davidson and the City of Sturgis, S.D.
With the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally celebrating 75 years in 2015, Harley-Davidson and the city are finalizing an agreement that will make Harley-Davidson the rally’s “official motorcycle” for the next 75 years.
Plans are in the works for a permanent plaza to be built on Main Street in Sturgis that will include a stage for concerts and other events. The plaza will integrate bricks taken from Harley-Davidson’s headquarters in Milwaukee, WI where the hookup was announced today.
“For decades, Harley-Davidson has been the motorcycle of choice for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally fans and a great partner to the City of Sturgis,” said Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen. “Today it gives me great pleasure to solidify its importance by making it the official motorcycle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.”
To unveil the deal, a brick was removed from the front entrance of the headquarters building using a 2015 Harley-Davidson Street 750 motorcycle. The building previously housed the company’s factory and dates back more than 100 years.
“Harley-Davidson riders have attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for decades. This new agreement will help fuel many more years of freedom, independence and rebellion for this iconic gathering,” said Matt Levatich, president and chief operating officer at Harley-Davidson.
“Riding is a passion passed down through generations, so it’s important we celebrate the legacy and history of Harley-Davidson in Sturgis, while helping creating new memories.”
This year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is set for Aug. 3-9.
Bill Davidson, great-grandson of company co-founder William A. Davidson; Christian Walters, Managing Director, United States at Harley-Davidson Motor Company; and Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company celebrate after removing a brick from the historic Milwaukee headquarters using a 2015 Harley-Davidson Street® 750 motorcycle.
Photo at top: Bill Davidson, great-grandson of company co-founder William A. Davidson, and Jeff Wick, Social Media Project Manager at Harley-Davidson share a high five after removing a brick from the historic Milwaukee headquarters using a 2015 Harley-Davidson Street® 750 motorcycle.
– By Bud Wilkinson
