2007 Sturgis rally bike to be made in S.D.

[totalmotorcycle]

2007 Sturgis rally bike to be made in S.D.
Thursday, January 4, 2007 - Madison Daily Leader - The Associated Press - zwire.com



STURGIS (AP) -- The motorcycle that will be raffled off during the 2007 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will be manufactured in South Dakota, rally boosters said.


The Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation Inc. awarded the contract to build the custom motorcycle to Sabers Specialties of Mitchell.

"The bike we're building is going to be a little more of an excessive bike, which is better for the people buying tickets," said Blake Sabers, Sabers Specialties owner. "I am originally from South Dakota, so I am prone to buying South Dakota stuff."

Raffle proceeds will be donated to Sturgis area charities. The 2006 raffle brought in about $16,000.

Sabers said the bike will feature parts from top builders. Most South Dakota manufacturers involved have become well-known in biker circles because they've been featured on the Discovery Channel's "Biker Buildoff" show, he said.

"They've all got good names out there," he said.

Sabers Specialties has only been open for about 1 1/2 years, but Jennifer Gabriel, Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, said she's certain the company will produce a quality motorcycle.

The chamber has sponsored the raffle the last three years, Gabriel said, adding that this is the first time the bike will be built entirely in South Dakota.

"I think it's a wonderful opportunity for South Dakota in general," Gabriel said. "I think it's great."

Sabers agreed. "It's an awesome opportunity. This year I'm real excited. It's going to be a good bike."

The bike is scheduled to be unveiled Jan. 19, when the raffle starts. Then it will go on a tour of motorcycle shows around the nation to get maximum exposure, Gabriel said.

The motorcycle also is to be featured in motorcycle magazine ads for Sabers Specialties and will be pictured on a Web site.