Unexpected Timing at Myrtle Beach Bike Week
We happened to be in town for the 87th annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2026, and the timing could not have worked out better. We were taking a beach break on our way to Fort Benning, Georgia, for our grandson’s graduation from Infantry School. That made this stop feel like part motorcycle trip, part family milestone, and part unexpected rally report from one of the East Coast’s best-known motorcycle events.
Early Turnout and Mid-Week Rally Traffic
I was a little surprised during the first few days of Bike Week because traffic felt lighter than expected. There were fewer motorcycles on the road and not as many bikes parked around the hotels and rental houses as I’m used to seeing. By mid-week, though, things looked much closer to normal. The roads filled in, parking lots started looking familiar again, and the event finally had that classic Myrtle Beach Bike Week energy.
Where Riders Came From
One of my favorite rally pastimes is checking license plates to see where riders are coming from. You never really know who rode all the way in and who trailered a bike to the coast, but it is still a fun snapshot of how far people will travel for a major motorcycle rally. That is one of the reasons Myrtle Beach motorcycle trips and motorcycle rally travel continue to be such a strong part of the riding culture.
This year I spotted bikes from South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada.
Custom Bikes and the Big Wheel Trend
The big wheel trend is still going strong. We saw dozens of custom motorcycles with front wheels well over 25 inches, and one looked to be at least 32 inches tall. Standing next to it really put the scale in perspective. If custom baggers, stretched bikes, and oversized front wheels are your thing, Myrtle Beach Bike Week still delivers plenty to look at.
Vendor Row Highlights at the Rally
Most of the vendor action seemed centered around the Beaver Bar and Suck Bang Blow, with Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson coverage coming in third for us as a place to browse bikes and merchandise. In years past, lighting vendors seemed to dominate the vendor rows, but this year audio companies clearly had the edge. Debbie was especially impressed with one setup, so there is a very real chance our own motorcycle may be getting a sound system upgrade before long.
Motorcycle Exhaust Upgrades That Stood Out
Another highlight for me was getting to see a Dr. Jekill and Mr. Hyde exhaust system in person. This setup can go from nearly stock-quiet to wide open with the push of a button, which makes it one of the more interesting motorcycle exhaust options I have seen lately. I have been thinking about replacing my stock exhaust, and after seeing this one up close, that company moved right to the top of my list.
Final Thoughts on Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2026
By the time we rolled out of Myrtle Beach, things looked close to normal again in terms of turnout, and we had a good time checking out the bikes, vendors, and people. For riders who enjoy coastal runs, rally culture, and motorcycle people-watching, this event is still worth the stop. If Myrtle Beach is on your future ride plans, you might also enjoy our motorcycle ride to the beach, motorcycle touring vacation to Myrtle Beach, or our broader motorcycle bucket list for more ride inspiration.
Oh, and we are considering going to fall bike week this year. If Myrtle Beach Bike Week is not on your motorcycle travel bucket list, you should add it soon.
If you have made it this far and would like to see more rally’s we have attended check out this link.
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