Sturgis is a long way from home if ya have a break down. A U-Haul truck could be an alternative way to get your ride back home.

Unless you blow the sucker up, you should be able to get it fixed in a day. Buddy blew out his starter, took it to the HD dealer (which is a destination in itself during Sturgis) had to leave it overnight, but got it back next afternoon. They must bring in 30 or 40 mechanics for the event.

If you go a week early or a week late its 1/2 the cost and twice the fun.

Except that you miss the Sturgis rally. 😁

Which part did I miss?
All the vendors are there, the crowd is there, mostly but a hotel room is available too at a reasonable price.
I have done it all ways and I approve of this message.

Been going every year since 2003, I have noticed it has changed recently, seems somewhat more corporate to some degree. Hotels in continue to screw you anyway the can. No city plays more games with hotel room prices than Rapid/Sturgis area. I did just check online and there are plenty of openings this year in most hotels. Over the last few years, except for the 75th, attendance has seemed to decline a bit, my impression from all the hotel openings is that this year will be somewhat of a slower year. One change I have noticed is that everything seems tamer recently, especially in Sturgis itself. Lots of police presence and a zero-tolerance policy for almost everything. The campgrounds are still a free for all though. Don't mill Devils tower and Topless Tuesday, both are always a blast. As you know Full Throttle is gone, and in my opinion, the new one is just not the same. I really miss the original one. Drive safe, have a blast.

I assuming you are coming in from the south. 1-90 from Sioux Falls has some interesting stops, Mitchell, Chamberlin, Murdo, and the Badlands, so if those interest you then your decision is easy. However, the road itself is just a busy 4 lane interstate with lots of trucks and bikers.