Trends to watch out for at the Atlantic Beach Bike Week in Myrtle Beach area
The Atlantic Beach Bike Week officially starts this weekend in Myrtle Beach, with thousands of bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts coming into town.
Atlantic Beach Bike Week, also known as Black Bike Week, will begin on May 23 and last until May 26. Many bikers have already arrived in the Myrtle Beach area and are already celebrating.
The Sun News spoke to DJ Hairston, the Black Shepards Motorcycle Club president in Baltimore, Maryland, about recent trends he has seen in the biker community. Hairston said he’s been coming to the Atlantic Beach Bike Week every year since 2002 and took over the Black Shepards in 2019.
Sport bikes swapped for cruisers
In the past, Atlantic Beach Bike Week attendees preferred to ride sport bikes. Popular sport bike brands include Yamaha and Suzuki.
However, Hairston said he’s been seeing more people ride cruisers.
“Cruisers and baggers are the big thing, and have been for a while,” Hairston said.
These are larger motorcycles that offer more stability than a sport bike. As the name suggests, it’s easier to cruise on roads. Sport bikes are smaller and allow riders to drive fast and with agility.
Bikers looking to customize their rides
Hairston said he has seen more young riders adding personalized features to their motorcycles. One of the most popular is adding a big wheel.
Depending on the wheel, the diameter can range from 26 inches to 34 inches. The big wheel goes on the front of the motorcycle and is a popular feature at Atlantic Beach Bike Week and the Myrtle Beach Bike Rally.
Custom lights and sound systems are other popular modifications. At the rally, there will be vendors offering products and installations.
Where to see the motorcycles
Bikers will be concentrated in a few key areas across the Myrtle Beach area. Hairston said to look for custom motorcycles at the Myrtle Beach Mall, specifically near the Hooters.
Atlantic Beach will have festivities all weekend, and people also tend to ride along North Ocean Boulevard in downtown Myrtle Beach.
This story was originally published May 21, 2025 at 9:03 AM.
