Posted by Holly Wagner from Dealer News

Heading for downtown Sturgis for the rally this year was a good move for Harley-Davidson.

“We are very happy being here in Sturgis because we believe we are talking to a lot more people who are interested in Harley-Davidson,” Steve Piehl, Harley’s director of customer experience, told the Rapid City Journal .

In Rapid City, Harley had counters at the doors. Not so in Sturgis, so there is no accurate count of visitors to the Motor Co.’s exhibit of new bikes, PG&A and a special section for women riders at Third and Lazelle streets in Sturgis.

The move put H-D in the thick of vendors focusing on PG&A to customize bikes and improve performance.

The shift is following the money, as many cash-strapped riders opt to maintain and improve the bikes they have, or buy used machines, rather than trading up to newer bikes.

People who buy a used bike are looking to make it their own, so they buy something to personalize it,” he says.

Piehl reported about 1,000 demonstration rides per day in Sturgis. Harley had 80 bikes available for demo rides.

Harley-Davidson CEO Keith Wandell and other top executives who trekked to Sturgis came away with a favorable impression of the company’s presence there.

“There’s a real strong feeling that Sturgis is part of the Harley- Davidson experience and that Harley is part of the Sturgis experience,” Piehl says.

The “Mild Hogs” are now down to 2, and one of them, just lost a clutch.  Moments ago I spoke with John Chambers, the brain trust (scary) behind a five week motorcycle trip through the west.  Three of the original five, have had to turn back for various reasons, and Dan, the lone Triumph rider, has lost a clutch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

John said despite a couple of set backs, the trip has been a good one, and the scenery has been absolutely breathtaking.  John also bragged the posse has yet to be rained on.  Highlight’s of the trip include riding through the Napa Valley, and along the Oregon coast.  They are set to arrive in Sturgis on Sunday.

From Triumph

Triumph Upgrades TwinsWith Electronic Fuel InjectionNEWNAN, Georgia – September 8, 2008:  Triumph announced that all new 2009 parallel twin engine platforms will include electronic fuel injection (EFI).  This new technology affects all the Modern Classics: Bonneville, Bonneville T100, Scrambler, and Thruxton. The America and Speedmaster, in the Cruiser range, also receive this upgrade.  Triumph has been able to preserve the classic look of the engine while the technologically advanced internal engine design has been modified to accommodate the EFI update. The fuel injectors have been skillfully hidden by throttle bodies designed to look like carburetors. The fuel injected engine produces a perfect balance of efficiency and performance while maintaining its exceptional fuel economy. The 2009 parallel twin engine maintains its classic look with polished fins and remains true to its heritage. The changeover from carburetors to electronic fuel injection is in direct response to the European emissions legislation.  In 2009 all the Triumph parallel twin powered models in North America receive this update which exceeds Euro 3 as well as EPA and CARB emissions standards. The precise metering of fuel delivers a more environmentally friendly motorcycle.

I think I would like to take advantage of one of the many AMA riding events here’s the schedule 2009 AMA Tour Schedule Released

Although crowd attendance was down slightly I am certain the attendees didn’t care! Sturgis Rally Stats For 2008