10 Unique Motorcycle Events Around The World Worth Attending

A new year is around the corner, and motorcyclists are planning their ventures to new destinations next year and obviously waiting for the latest 2024 models to be launched. But that’s not all. Motorcycling is a culture; it’s a passion that we share, and it crosses geographical boundaries. And that’s why we are eagerly waiting for the major motorcycle events around the world, which serve as the confluence of this passion. The dates are already announced, and it’s time to set your itinerary.

The roar of engines and adrenaline fills the air as over a million motorcycle enthusiasts converge on epic locations around the world for the biggest annual bike events. From European classics like Ducati to American favorites, these rallies and races promise non-stop excitement, a celebration of motorcycle culture, and plenty of opportunities to gawk at seriously impressive two-wheeled machines.

These events are not only about racing. Racing is only part of that, but the ultimate motto is to connect with that passion, celebrate the motorcycling lifestyle, share the excitement, and form a sense of togetherness. In this article, we have talked about some major motorcycle events around the world that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.

Looking at the data from manufacturers and event websites, we have put together this list of motorcycle events around the world. The events are arranged as per their schedule, from the beginning of 2024 to the year’s end.

10 Dakar Rally

January 2024

The Dakar Rally is not just a race; it’s a performance standard. If you check the enduro, motocross, or rally bike categories of almost every major manufacturer, you will find they are stressing about how their bikes performed in Dakar. Because the name itself is a benchmark of quality. The 2024 rally, which will be the 46th edition, will be hosted by Saudi Arabia, and this rally is going to be more challenging than ever.

Event Highlights

(Sourced from Dakar website)

Starting at Alula, the competitors will cover 7891 kilometers (around 4903 miles) to reach the finishing point at Yanbu. The latest challenge introduced is the 48-hour chrono stage, in which riders will have to stay in eight scattered bivouacs depending only on their own devices without the help of their respective teams. The next part of the race up to the finish line will be riddled with navigational challenges to test the precision of the riders and the stamina of their machines. Adrenaline going over the roof is guaranteed; definitely worth attending.

Major Attractions

• The total rally distance has increased by more than 2500 kilometers to 2023 Dakar.
• The newly introduced 48-hour chrono stage is the ultimate test of riders’ endurance and skill.

9 Daytona Beach Bike Week

March 2024

Daytona has something to offer for every type of automobile lover. For four-wheel lovers, it’s Nascar, and for two-wheel aficionados, it’s beach bike week. Started just one year after Sturgis, the bike week of 2024 will be the event’s 83rd anniversary.

Event Highlights

(Sourced from Daytona Beach Bike Week website)

The 2024 bike week itinerary is already being announced, and this includes seven rides, including the Main Street ride, the historic US Highway 1 ride, and a magnificent 30-mile ride, named ‘the loop’, through the oak forest and marshlands. However, Daytona Bike Week is special for Harley lovers because you can take demo rides on one of the manufacturer’s newest bikes. Besides, there will be bike shows, interactive bike displays, and many more exclusive events from Harley’s end.

Major Attractions

• Vendors selling riding gear, accessories, and motorcycle parts, including rare vintage motorcycle parts and accessories.
• Camping with food and bands playing each night.
• Performance of the Pszenny Project blues

8 Isle of Man TT

May 2024

Public roads riddled with stone walls, houses, curbs, and thousands of fans dangerously up close – this is where legends are born – this is the Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy). Without a doubt, this is the world’s greatest, most daring, and downright crazy motorcycle extravaganza! Riders who compete in this race are not regulars; they fear nothing and scale a 37-mile course with numerous heart-stopping bends at over 200 mph.

Event Highlights

(Sourced from Isle of Man TT website)

Started in 1907, this event has seen more than 250 competitor deaths to date, higher than any other race in the world. This says that this race is only for the best road racers with nerves made of steel. The entire event is formed of two parts: qualifying sessions and race days. Qualifying sessions usually take place during the evening, so you will have the whole day to explore the beautiful island country of the Isle of Man.

Major Attractions

• Patrick Hoff, who secured third place in this season’s International Road Racing Championships (IRRC) Superbike series, is making his debut at the Isle of Man TT 2024.
• For the 2024 event, Honda is joining hands with 23-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness and 3-time winner Dean Harrison.

7 Laconia Motorcycle Week

June 8th to June 16th, 2024

Laconia Motorcycle Week is as prestigious as Sturgis or Daytona, but what makes Laconia special is the fact that it is the oldest national motorcycle rally, started in 1916 (the Federation of American Motorcyclists made it official in 1917).

Event Highlights

(Sourced from Laconia website)

2024 will be the 101st anniversary of this rally. Started as Gypsy Tours, the motive behind this rally is “to provide a good time for the riders and their wives, sisters, and sweethearts” and “to create a more favorable public opinion of the motorcycle and motorcycle riders.” The usual scheduled events of this nine-day-long rally include races, shows, and hill climb competitions.

Major Attractions

• Gypsy rides will be there.
• Live music events.

6 World Ducati Week

July 2024

July is sweltering hot in Italy, and it is going to be hotter because of the three-day World Ducati Week is going to happen in Misano, Italy. This event is like a hive call for all Ducatisti around the world to gather and celebrate their passion for riding and the brand. In 2018, this event set a record when around 100,000 Ducatisti from various countries participated in this event.

Event Highlights

(Sourced from Ducati)

As mentioned by Ducati, the upcoming celebration days are curated with several exciting activities, including exhibitions, on- and off-track sessions, and meetings with legendary Ducati riders. However, if it is not possible for you to reach this main event, you can still be a part of it. Just reach your official local Ducati dealer and inquire about the events they are planning for the mentioned dates. Register yourself and join the celebration along with all Ducati owners around the world.

Major Attractions

• Demo/simulation ride of the latest Ducati models.
• Meet the legendary Ducati riders.

5 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

August 2024

When Pappy Hoel, an Indian dealer, started the Sturgis Rally in 1938, he probably didn’t imagine that a time would come when this rally would shine as the largest motorcycle rally in the world. Every year in August, the population of Sturgis, a small city in South Dakota, swells by 10X because, as per the estimate last year, around 500,000 people attended this event.

Event Highlights

(Sourced from Sturgis website)

This event is a magnificent carousel of rallies, bike shows, contests, food, and music, and everything is bound together with the ultimate passion for motorcycles and riding. The city of Sturgis itself is a tasty treat for motorcyclists because of its scenic mountain roads, lush green forest trails, and lively town with the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, where you can learn things about the rally. The 2024 rally will be the 84th anniversary of Sturgis, and the dates have already been announced, so it’s time to set your itinerary.

Major Attractions

• Performance by Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Travis Tritt.
• Charity rides, races, and bike shows.

4 Bikes, Blues, and BBQ

September 2024

The Bikes, Blue, and BBQ event is the answer to those who think that all motorcyclists are noisy, risky, irresponsible, and even associated with gangs. Started in 2000 with only 300 riders, this rally is aimed at supporting the underprivileged people of the northwest Arkansas community. Registered as a non-profit motorcycle rally, this event runs on a number of values.

Event Highlights

(Sourced from Bikes Blues and BBQ website)

It’s a family-friendly event that is inclusive of all people and condemns racism, sexism, intolerance, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, or hate speech. The event’s call for humanity and inclusivity won the hearts of millions, and last year, around 400,000 people from all fifty states of America and other countries attended this event. So far, Bikes Blues and BBQ has donated around $3 million to local charities to benefit underserved people, including women and children.

Major Attractions

• Demo rides on the latest Harley-Davidson models.

3 Intermot

October 2024

Intermot is the world’s second-largest motorcycle show after the EICMA. Unlike EICMA, this event takes place every two years and is one of the biggest trade fairs for motorcycles and accessories. It also showcases the latest trends in electric mobility. Motorcycles will obviously be there, but if you are also interested in a cool new riding jacket, a stylish riding boot, or superb saddlebags for your motorcycle, don’t worry; Intermot has you covered. You can get everything for you and your bike at Intermot.

Event Highlights

(Sourced from Intermot website)

This event presents the opportunity for both retailers and end users to see the latest innovations in the motorcycle and allied industries. As is common for almost all events, Intermot also offers a buffet of outdoor activities such as stunt shows, drag racing, and demo races. During the last Intermot in 2022, a total of 500 exhibitors from 30 countries attended this event, along with 100,000 visitors from 75 countries.

Major Attractions

• New model launches from major manufacturers.
• Exhibition of the latest technologies in industry.

2 EICMA

November 2024

Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori. Yes, this is the full form of EICMA in Italian. This simply means the International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition. Organized by ANCMA, this is the most important trade fair for the entire two-wheeler industry.

Event Highlights

(Sourced from EICMA’s website)

Started in 1914, this is the most visited motorcycle event in the world, including by exhibitors, visitors, and the press. This is the reason every motorcycle manufacturer, major or new, wants to launch their latest models at this event to leverage its marketing potential. Apart from new models, you will get to see the latest technological innovations in the industry and also competitive events in the outdoor MotoLive area.

Major Attractions

• Launch of new models by major manufacturers.
• Showcasing the latest technological innovations.

1 BMW GS Trophy

The 2024 schedule is not announced yet.

“This time for Africa.” Shakira’s football World Cup anthem perfectly fits the 2024 BMW GS Trophy because, after sixteen years, the event is returning to the country where it was started. The venue for the 2024 event has been announced, and twenty-two national teams are going to show their skills in the magnificent landscapes of Namibia.

Event Highlights

(Sourced from BMW)

Out of twenty-two national teams, six will be total women’s teams, and all these teams will be selected through fifteen national and one international qualifying rounds, The international qualifying round is the latest inclusion, which will allow enthusiasts of any country to participate in the rally upon qualifying by being a part of an international team. These 22 teams will compete against each other in terms of riding skills, teamwork, and overall presentation of skill.

Major Attractions

• The beautiful landscape of Namibia and the thrilling competition between GS machines.