These are not my bikes, just examples I found here on the forum. I would ride it for the adventure, but I understand some prefer to trailer. I do not judge them, but I would not do it. The ride is the point really, at least to me. Again, do not let these little things get in the way if this is something you really want to do. You may also want to look into getting a place at one of the campgrounds that provide the tent, bag, lights etc. I believe Buffalo chip and the smaller campground owned by Buffalo Chip offer packages like this. Me? I would tie all the stuff to the bike and go. Life is too short not to do things this fun. I wish I would have realized that before I was in my late 30's, but at least I know it now.

 

If you leave the truck at home, you might just save enough in gas money to stay in hotels and not have to pack so much on your bike?

 

ElkView off exit 32 I-90 just before Sturgis is a good quiet campground. No reservation needed for camping. They have plenty of room. $20/night.

My youngest son and I are leaving Saturday morning at about 6AM and are riding straight through. It will be about 12 hours for us with fuel stops and food.

We will be on I 80 to I 29 then I 90. If you are tharough around then you could tag along.

 

Ride that thing. And as far as packing stuff on a Sportster, keep in mind that not too long ago you couldn't get an engine over 1100. People have been making this trip for 69 years now and in 1940 Harley had the Knucklehead and that was a 1000. Smaller bikes have done it and sporty's do it every year.

Leave the truck at home and you'll probably meet up with some fellow riders on the way. Or you can let them pass you while you're in a cage with a sad bike in the back. Don't rush the trip, like everyone is saying the trip there can be 90% of the fun of this thing.

I'm not speaking from experience here because this years rally is going to be my first. First year of riding, second Harley, first rally. I'll be making the ride from Oklahoma though.

 

[QUOTE=HiPlainsHeritage;5002996]Always amazes me how many guys are gung-ho in January, drop-out in June, or don't make the driveway in August.

Could not have said it better myself. My group of buds have been backing out for the last three months we started with 8-10 going and now we are down to just three of us making the run....and that is fine with me...dont like riding in big groups much.

But back on topic ride the scoot and if you meet people fine and if you dont well thats fine too

 

My first trip to Sturgis was solo. I had some friends who were going, but as I was going thru a divorce at the time, I backed out. Ends up the Ex OL pissed me off so bad, I went into work, told them I was taking off for the next week, went home packed the bike and left.

I had no reservations, and ended up somewhere outside of deadwood where the owner told me if I could find a place to pitch a tent I was welcome to it. I woke up the next morning and my friends from back home were in the spot just down the hill from me.

I met and rode with some great folks, and in fact I spent the week solo, even though my friends were close (all couples). I gotta say it was the most memorable trip I've ever had.

 

I hope you don't do the 26 hour drive straight through in the truck or the MC, remember it's the journey, not the destination.

Also camping is pretty easy to find, a lot of home owners rent out their yards for campers,and that can put you almost in downtown Sturgis, but don't expect to get any sleep if you stay that close. I stayed in Rapid City last time, it's good sometimes to get away from the craziness and all the surrounding towns will be covered up with people and bikes anyway.

Packing is easy, lay out everything you think you need to take, then pack half of it. I have brought clean clothes home before, took way too much stuff. I use Zip Lock Bags, put each days undies, Tshirt and socks in then sit on it to get the air out. They pack real nicely that way, next day put the dirties in the bag and do the same. You can get a weeks worth clothes in a very small area. Tool kit, rain gear (you will get rained on), coat and gloves ( it will get cold somewhere). Then hit the road.

 

Stayed at Chris's camp in spearfish just up the road from sturgis. Look it up on the net. Nice spot. No worries about not meeting people like yourself. They book about 4 tents to a site and everyone gets along great.

Its not as close as the chip, but sometimes its good to escape the madness for a bit. Dont miss riding thru spearfish canyon when you go. Sturgis is a great rally. Better to me than daytona. Theres a whole lotta riding and places to see, or just party yourself silly.
Maybe both.

cheers.

 

That's a bunch of great advise. My riding partner is starting to back out on Sturgis. He's been there 10 times, but this will be my first. I think if he backs out....I'll pack my 09'SG and go by myself!! It's the adventure, not the trip. Will be coming from Sacramento, Ca.

 

GO FOR IT!
Do the trip-but ride out! The riding out there is off the charts! I don't party but I still had an awesome time! I rode back to PA by myself and had a blast! KOA is good to go and some state parks. This year I'm staying out at Wyatts Hide Away outside of Belle Fourche. I'm leaving PA July 29 and will be back August 8 or 9. I would discourage the 26 Hour dash...I rode coast to coast one year did it in 3 and a half days-didn't see much...since then I try and take my time, without being ridiculous slow, getting to my destination. No reason why ya can't roll to SD on your Sportster!
I would reccomned packing your bike for the trip and doing a shake down ride to get a good idea if your set up will work and tweaking as needed.
http://infidel0341.blogspot.com/