Bill Gikling

From the Hills to the Highways: Bill Gikling’s Impact on the Motorcycle World

Nestled in the rugged beauty of the Black Hills, Rapid City, South Dakota has always been a place where passion for motorcycles runs deep. For Bill Gikling, that passion began early and has grown into a legacy that spans decades, revolutionizing the region's motorcycle industry and helping to elevate the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to global prominence.

The Early Days: A Young Rider with Big Dreams

Bill’s love for motorcycles began in his hometown of Rapid City, where he was raised with an affinity for speed, adventure, and the roar of engines. His first foray into the motorcycle world was working for Don Rice of Rice Cycle. It was here that he gained the experience and connections that would shape his future.

From a young age, Bill was deeply involved in the local motorcycle scene. He raced in every type of event imaginable, from hill climbs to flat track races, and quickly became a fixture in the Black Hills motorcycle community. It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, the founder of the Sturgis Rally and a figure synonymous with motorcycling history. The two struck up a friendship that would last a lifetime.

Building a Foundation: Supporting the Local Scene

As Bill’s involvement in the community grew, so did his influence. He was instrumental in establishing the White Plate Flat Trackers Association with Pappy Hoel, an organization created to honor veteran motorcycle racers. Bill also played a key role in helping the fledgling National Motorcycle Museum during its early days in Sturgis, offering his expertise and resources to ensure its success.

By 1977, Bill took a bold step and purchased North West Sports, a Yamaha and Harley-Davidson dealership in Rapid City. This marked the beginning of his transformation from motorcycle enthusiast to industry leader. He recognized an opportunity to connect with the broader biker culture through merchandise and began focusing on selling branded t-shirts and other gear. The move proved to be a masterstroke.

Creating a Brand: The Birth of Black Hills Harley-Davidson

Realizing that his vision needed a stronger identity, Bill rebranded the dealership as Black Hills Harley-Davidson in 1980. With the new name, the business exploded. That year, Bill sold about $40,000 in t-shirts and leathers—impressive for a small dealership. But the real turning point came in 1990, the 50th anniversary of the Sturgis Rally. What began as a local dealership selling a few shirts blossomed into a merchandising powerhouse, with over $1 million in sales that year alone.

Bill’s efforts did not go unnoticed. He established a close relationship with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, which recognized his influence and expertise. By the early 1990s, Bill was elected to the Harley-Davidson Dealer Advisory Board, a prestigious position that enabled him to advocate for increased corporate support of the Sturgis Rally. His guidance and encouragement helped cement Harley-Davidson’s involvement in Sturgis, which in turn, boosted the Rally’s status as one of the most significant motorcycle events in the world.

Expanding Horizons: New Ventures and Family Legacy

In 1997, Bill made a strategic move to separate his Yamaha and Harley-Davidson dealerships into two distinct entities. This separation allowed each business to grow independently, catering to different segments of the motorcycle community. Then, in 2000, after years of success and a desire for new challenges, Bill sold his Harley-Davidson dealerships in Rapid City and Sturgis and purchased Big Sky Harley-Davidson in Great Falls, Montana.

Today, his son continues the family tradition, running the Yamaha dealership that started it all. Meanwhile, Big Sky Harley-Davidson remains under the care of a former employee, ensuring that Bill’s commitment to quality and community carries on.

A Lifetime of Recognition and Contribution

Despite his business success, Bill’s greatest achievements may well be the impact he’s had on the culture and community of motorcycling. In recognition of his efforts to promote the Sturgis Rally and support the local motorcycle industry, Bill was honored with the prestigious J.C. "Pappy" Hoel Outstanding Achievement Award. It’s a fitting tribute to a man whose name has become synonymous with Sturgis and the wider motorcycle world.

Even today, Bill remains an avid rider, participating in motorcycle events around the globe. His wife Sherry is his steadfast companion, and together they enjoy life in Rapid City, surrounded by their four grown children and four grandchildren.

The Road Ahead

Bill Gikling’s journey is a testament to what passion, vision, and hard work can achieve. He’s not just a successful businessman; he’s a pioneer who helped shape one of motorcycling’s greatest traditions. Whether racing in the hills of the Black Hills, building up a Harley-Davidson empire, or changing perceptions on a national stage, Bill has always stayed true to the spirit of adventure that first called him to the open road.

The motorcycles may change, and the rallies may grow bigger, but the legacy of Bill Gikling will always remain—a lasting reminder of what it means to be part of the great American motorcycle story.