RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Motorcycle rental businesses are becoming more common in Sturgis and around KOTA Territory ahead of this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Even Rapid City Regional Airport is partnering with EagleRider Rentals & Tours to provide bikes to rally attendees flying into town.
One of the more well-established motorcycle rental companies is Midwest Motorcycle, which has worked the Sturgis rally for the past 24 years. Owner Ed “Heavy” Kastrul said he’s seen many competitors fail over the years after customers crashed their bikes and filed lawsuits. Because of this, he only rents to experienced riders.
”In our rental business, if somebody’s renting a bike, we try to take extreme caution,” Kastrul said. “[We] pay attention to who the renter is, and make sure that they have experience and they can control the bike. And safety is paramount.”
Kastrul also raised concerns about beginner motorcyclists taking their first …