Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

08/31/2026

🏍️ Meet the Class of 2001! (Part 2) 🏍️

⭐ Eddie Miller & Family
For more than 40 years, Eddie and his family helped build the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club into the close-knit motorcycle community we know today. Their hard work and commitment left a legacy that continues to inspire riders.

⭐ Penny Walker
A pioneering advocate for motorcyclists’ rights, Penny fought tirelessly for rider freedoms through her work with the AMA and Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Her dedication earned her posthumous induction into the MRF Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame in 2018.

⭐ Tom Rudd
From mechanic and drag racer to industry pioneer, Tom founded Drag Specialties and later co-founded Kuryakyn Corporation. His innovative approach to motorcycle parts, accessories, and marketing helped shape the industry for generations.

⭐ Woody Carson
Woody devoted his life to restoring and preserving antique motorcycles and sharing their history with others. His craftsmanship and passion earned him induction into multiple motorcycle halls of fame, including the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

⭐ Genevieve Schmitt
As a pioneering motorcycle journalist and editor of Woman Rider magazine, Genevieve helped give women riders a stronger voice and greater representation in motorcycling. Her journalism and advocacy continue to inspire women to embrace the freedom and community of riding.

⭐ Indian Jeff McGeary
A legendary rider, collector, and restorer, Jeff owned more than 100 classic motorcycles and rebuilt over 300 antique machines. Even after an accident left him paralyzed, his courage, humor, and passion for motorcycling continued to inspire everyone around him.

⭐ Rey Sotelo
Rey played a pivotal role in reviving the legendary Indian Motorcycle brand and bringing the new Indian Chief to life. His vision and dedication earned him the first J.C. “Pappy” Hoel Outstanding Achievement Award and cemented his place in motorcycle history.

Help us celebrate the Class of 2001! Who remembers these legends or their contributions to the motorcycle community?

08/31/2026

🏍️ Meet the Class of 2001! (Part 1) 🏍️

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate the incredible individuals who make up the Class of 2001. From political leaders and motorcyclists’ rights advocates to industry pioneers, custom builders, and longtime members of the riding community, each inductee has made a lasting impact on motorcycling.

Meet Part 1 of this remarkable class:

🏆 Bill Janklow — A visionary South Dakota leader who helped transform the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally into a world renowned event and left a lasting legacy on tourism and the Black Hills.

🏆 Ben Nighthorse Campbell — A dedicated champion of motorcyclists’ rights who played a key role in repealing the federal helmet law and protecting riders’ freedoms.

🏆 Jim Putnam — A longtime legislator and advocate who fought tirelessly for motorcyclists’ rights and freedom of choice in South Dakota and across the nation.

🏆 Jim Betlach — A passionate ambassador for motorcycling with more than 50 years in the motorcycle industry and a lifetime dedicated to the riding community.

🏆 Dave Perewitz — A legendary custom motorcycle builder whose “Art in Motion” creations have blended artistry, innovation, and craftsmanship to inspire riders and builders around the world.

🏆 Frank Ernst — A quiet but powerful advocate who worked behind the scenes for decades to protect motorcyclists’ rights and freedoms nationwide.

🏆 Neil Hultman — A lifelong rider, Jackpine Gypsies member, and motorcycle historian whose 54 years of dedication helped preserve the legacy and camaraderie of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

These seven individuals each have a unique story, but together they represent the passion, dedication, and spirit that define the motorcycling community. ❤️🏍️

Stay tuned for Part 2 as we continue celebrating the Class of 2001!

08/28/2026

Friday Photo Dump! 🎉

Throwing it back to the 2026 Hall of Fame Breakfast! What a wonderful morning celebrating an incredible group of honorees, their accomplishments, and the impact they’ve made. 🏆✨

Here are a few snapshots from a memorable morning!
📸 by .photography

08/27/2026

August 27th always brings a bittersweetness, the anniversary of the day we lost one of the most tenacious, bright, and inspiring souls, one we admired deeply and remain so proud of.

Jessi Combs, born and raised in the backyard of the Black Hills, carried the spirit of South Dakota with her wherever she went. The “Go For It Girl” broke barriers in motorsports, inspired women to pursue their passions and careers in the trades, and became the Fastest Woman on Earth at 522.73 mph.

Her life was lived boldly, fearlessly, and with purpose. Though her final run took her from us in 2019, her legacy continues to inspire.

If you haven't gotten your seats for The Fastest Woman on Earth, a documentary celebrating this incredible bright light, don't miss it. Tomorrow at the Homestake Opera House.

Today, we remember Jessi, not only for how fast she went, but for how fiercely she lived. 🖤🏁

08/27/2026

🏍️ The Motorcycle Hidden Behind a Wall for Decades

Imagine discovering a mysterious motorcycle sealed inside a bricked up wall in a Chicago suburb.

That’s exactly what happened when the 1916 Traub motorcycle was pulled from its dark, secret hiding place.

And the mystery only deepened.

The Traub is the only example ever discovered, and despite decades of research, no one has been able to fully explain where it came from, who built it, or why it was hidden away.

What is known is just as fascinating. This isn’t simply an old motorcycle, it’s a completely unique piece of American motorcycle history, with engineering and design features that make it unlike anything else known from its era.

Every attempt to uncover the Traub’s true identity seems to lead to another dead end.

Today, the motorcycle is owned by collector Dale Walksler, who has gathered what facts can be established about this extraordinary machine.

After more than a century, the 1916 Traub remains one of the great mysteries of motorcycle history.

08/26/2026

Bike Spotlight: 1913 Henderson
Step back in time with this incredible 1913 Henderson!

Founded in 1911 by brothers William and Tom Henderson, Henderson Motorcycles quickly earned a reputation for building some of the fastest and most powerful motorcycles of their era. Their signature four-cylinder engines made Hendersons especially popular with sporting riders and police officers.

In 1917, Henderson was purchased by Schwinn, which was also producing Excelsior motorcycles. The Henderson and Excelsior brands were built side by side until 1931, when Schwinn owner Ignaz Schwinn discontinued both marques during the Great Depression.

The Henderson name would eventually see a brief revival in the 1990s with Excelsior-Henderson, but the original Henderson motorcycles remain a fascinating piece of American motorcycle history.

A 1913 Henderson is more than a motorcycle, it’s a glimpse into the early days of American motorcycling.

On loan by Andrea LaBarbara

08/25/2026

It’s not every day that someone walks in and points themselves out in a photo we have on display! 😄

Racer #87, stopped by and pointed out that he’s in this photo taken in 1994 at the TT Races here in South Dakota! 🏁

If you recognize yourself in a photo displayed in the museum, let us know! We’d love to get a photo of you with it and hear your story! 📸

08/24/2026

2008 Hall of Famer and close friend to the museum, Charlie St. Clair passed away this weekend.

Charlie St. Clair was more than a champion of motorcycling, he was a champion of the people and the community that make this lifestyle so special.

For decades, Charlie lived the spirit of the open road. From his first ride to Sturgis in 1976, through his years of leadership with Laconia Motorcycle Week, he dedicated his life to bringing riders together, standing up for motorcyclists, and making sure everyone had a place in this community.

His impact reached far beyond rallies and motorcycle events. Charlie was a storyteller, a friend, a mentor, an advocate, and a true ambassador for the brotherhood of riders. He had a way of making people feel welcome, whether they had been riding for 50 years or were just discovering the freedom of two wheels.

Here in Sturgis, Charlie became part of the fabric of the rally itself. His unmistakable riding gear, his stories, his friendships, and his unwavering love for this place became familiar to generations of riders.

Charlie leaves behind a legacy measured not only in the rallies he helped build, but in the countless friendships, memories, and miles shared because of him.

The motorcycle community has lost one of its great voices, but the road he helped pave will carry his memory for generations to come.

Rest easy, Charlie. May the road rise to meet you, the wind always be at your back, and may there be an open road waiting for you on the other side.

Ride free, my friend. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten. 🏍️❤️🙏

08/22/2026

Our hearts are heartbroken and with Charlie's family in their profound loss.

It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that Charlie passed away on August 22nd after suffering catastrophic injuries from his August 4th accident. Despite every effort, his injuries were too severe, and he ultimately passed away from heart failure.
We are sincerely thankful to the entire team at Cleveland’s MetroHealth 5 West and to Nurse Brittany on 5 East. We are eternally grateful for the kindness, compassion, and care they showed Charlie.

Charlie is incredibly fortunate to have so many friends and family. To everyone who called, prayed, sent messages/cards, and surrounded Charlie with so much love and positive energy, we cannot thank you enough for being there for him and for us.

Once we have more information regarding services and how we will celebrate Charlie’s remarkable life, we will share those details.

Thank you for loving Charlie. ❤️

08/21/2026

We had our own “Leave It All Behind” moment after Rally this year! 🤘🏍️

Now we’re excited to see what was left behind at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip! 👀

Here’s what we found:
🧑‍🦱 A wig
🥊 Brass knuckles
🧽 A workshop rag

You never know what you’re going to find after Rally! 😂