Sturgis and Apes????
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 198
Likes: 1
From: Fontana, Ca.
Sturgis and Apes????
Hello all. I am making the trek to Sturgis this year (2008) from Southern California. I have some friends that have gone and have given some good advice but I want to have the best possible experience. I am riding from the Inland Empire area of Southern California thru Nevada, Utah, Wyoming then South Dakota in late July. I think I have some friends that "say" they are going but either way, no matter I'm going solo or with friends. I think I'm going to pitch a tent and ship some camping supplies to one fo the campgrounds (undecided which one). I want to experience a little of everything I think. I guess the most important thing for me is the riding so I think I may go out the week before the actual rally and ride Badlands, Rushmore, Deadwood, etc. What I am looking for is some advice. Any advice or anyone from So Cal area that is planning on going. I have a 2005 RK Custom with 20" apes and I have read the posts and also have read Sturgis City Ordinance against bikes with bars "above shoulder height". WTF?????? Does this mean I have to change my bars that I am comfortable with or if I don't am I looking for issues with every PO I see? Is this a state law or just a city ordinance? any help would be great. JMO but shouldn't the PD concentrate on other issues??? Seems kinda lame. Again JMO. BTW I am a Firefighter/Paramedic and usually get along pretty well with LE. If I do get a ticket is it a daily ticket for $20.00????
Thanks! Any helpwould be great!
Thanks! Any helpwould be great!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,721
From: Western South Dakota
RE: Sturgis and Apes????
I think that you pretty much answered your own question, but then again you can always take the chance and get pulled over, of which is also your choice. It's a world of choices my friend. What happens if you choose not to wear a helmet, of which I think is a also a stupid law in CA. Does that mean that you have to wear one, or take the chance and get pulled over at every block?
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach,Wa.
RE: Sturgis and Apes????
I would get on the SD website and shoot someone an email and ask that's what I'm doing about the concealed weapons permit and the reciprical with my state....? here's a link... http://www.state.sd.us/governor/
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
RE: Sturgis and Apes????
Don't know if it is city or state, but do know you have very little chance of riding through Sturgis even one time without getting a ticket if your apes are over shoulder height. I've seen it happen every time I've been there, it also gives them an excuse to pull you over and check for DUI. Also, if you go to the bars at night and leave around closing time there is a good chance of being pulled over for a DUI test. I always do my partying at the camp ground, or where ever I'm staying...once a beer gets opened the keys are put away for the night. I've been to Sturgis most every year since '96 and the LEOs are getting less tolerent every year.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,046
Likes: 1
From: Canada
RE: Sturgis and Apes????
My buddy's been nailed sa few times o he just changes his ride before he goes down, and yes they are sticky on apes. As for places to stay, better book one soon. I booked in at the www.hogheavencampgrounds.com and registered online. Decent place 1 mile off the strip with their own bars, bands, food, hot showers and more. You can always take da bus or walk to town if you're goin to party, and the place has a good party going at the grounds as well. Friends of mine stay there year after year and say it's great.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 198
Likes: 1
From: Fontana, Ca.
RE: Sturgis and Apes????
I'm not into getting hammered and riding my bike. Don't get me wrong I'll have a beer an hour or so but I won't get all furked up and ride. Will pulling my bars down to my shoulders help. I guess I should of mentioned I am 6'0. They are definetely above my shoulders but not by much.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
RE: Sturgis and Apes????
What I've heard is that the bars have to be below shoulder height....I think at shoulder height might still get you a ticket. As with many other things it would likely be at the discretion of the LEO if it was close. These types of tickets are real money makers for the area, so I wouldn't expect much leaway.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Northern Colorado
RE: Sturgis and Apes????
Yes, apes above your shoulders will get you stopped. Most of the group I go to Sturgis with are LEO's. One of the LEO's got stopped for his apes. Trooper that stopped him told him to lower his bars or he was going to get a ticket. Trooper knew he was a LEO and didn't cut him any slack.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,523
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
RE: Sturgis and Apes????
Goingsolo from california to sturgis, you are a brave man...I would like to go to sturgis have never had the chance to do so it is in my list of things to do...good luck with the ape bars issue..