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NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DAY

People waving at motorcycles in a parade
People waving at motorcycles in a parade
April 21, 2025

National Motorcycle Day offers a valuable opportunity to celebrate the rich culture and passionate community surrounding motorcycles. On July 11th, 2025, motorcycle enthusiasts and the wider community are encouraged to embrace the freedom and camaraderie that motorcycling represents and to celebrate this special day.

You've probably heard of National Pizza Day or even National Donut Day. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “why are there so many motorcycles out today?", they are likely celebrating National Motorcycle Day.

Celebrated on the second Friday of July every year since 2016, motorcycle enthusiasts and motorcyclists everywhere spend the day honoring those who ride and highlighting the motorcycle industry's positive impact on their local communities nationwide.

From local rallies to biker events and more, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this exciting holiday.

Here's everything you need to know about how to celebrate National Motorcycle Day.

WHEN IS NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DAY?

This year, National Motorcycle Day will be celebrated on July 11, 2025, and as noted above, is celebrated on the second Friday of July each year.

Future dates include:

  • July 10, 2026 (10th Anniversary)

  • July 9, 2027

  • July 14, 2028

WHO FOUNDED NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DAY?

After 50 years of watching the positive contributions riders provide to their local communities, Sentry Insurance felt it was important to highlight this philanthropy and contribution.

As a result, the second Friday in July was chosen as the day to celebrate all the good in motorcycle culture.

The state of Wisconsin provided a citation in 2016 awarding the first ‘official’ Day for motorcyclists. This recognition underscored the growing importance and acceptance of motorcycle culture within the broader society.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DAY?

The primary aim of National Motorcycle Day is to celebrate the joy and freedom that motorcycling provides to countless individuals. It is a day for bikers to come together, share their experiences, and express their passion for riding.

Furthermore, the day serves as a platform to emphasize the importance of motorcycle safety. By promoting safe riding practices and raising awareness about the presence of motorcycles on the road, organizers hope to contribute to a safer environment for all road users.

The observance also acknowledges the significant economic and social contributions of the motorcycle industry, including manufacturers, dealers, and related businesses.

HOW CAN I OBSERVE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DAY?

There are numerous ways for individuals and communities to observe National Motorcycle Day in 2025. The most popular way for motorcycle enthusiasts to participate is by simply going for a ride. This could be a solo cruise to enjoy the open road or a group ride with fellow bikers to foster camaraderie. Many local motorcycle clubs and organizations often plan special rides and events specifically for this day, providing opportunities for enthusiasts to connect and celebrate together.

Beyond riding, National Motorcycle Day encourages giving back to the community. Participating in or organizing a local charity ride is a meaningful way to observe the day while supporting a worthy cause. Volunteering time at a local non-profit or helping a neighbor in need are other ways to embody the spirit of the day.

Engaging online also plays a significant role in the celebration. Using the hashtag #NationalMotorcycleDay across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) allows individuals to share their experiences, connect with other riders, and participate in the broader online community celebrating the day. Sharing photos and stories of rides and community involvement helps to amplify the positive message of National Motorcycle Day.

For those looking to support the motorcycle industry, visiting a local motorcycle dealer on National Motorcycle Day is another way to participate. This provides an opportunity to appreciate the latest models, connect with industry professionals, and show support for the businesses that cater to the motorcycle community.

Finally, it is important for all riders to remember safety. Before heading out for a ride, ensuring that their motorcycle is in good working condition and that they have adequate motorcycle insurance is crucial. This commitment to safety allows everyone to enjoy the day responsibly.

NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DAY vs. NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE DAY: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

It is important to distinguish between National Motorcycle Day, celebrated in July, and National Motorcycle Ride Day, which occurs on the second Saturday of October. While both days celebrate motorcycling, they have different origins and primary focuses.

Feature

National Motorcycle Day (July)

National Motorcycle Ride Day (October)

Date in 2025

Friday, July 11th

Saturday, October 11th

Founding Year

2015

2015

Founder

Motorcycle Insurance Company

Chad Geer (Dunlop Tire N.A.)

Primary Focus

Community, Industry Impact

Riding, Pneumatic Tire History

Key Hashtag

#NationalMotorcycleDay

#NationalMotorcycleRideDay

National Motorcycle Day, as previously discussed, is observed annually on the second Friday of July and was founded in 2015 by a motorcycle insurance company to honor riders and highlight the positive impact of the motorcycle industry on communities.

National Motorcycle Ride Day, on the other hand, is celebrated on the second Saturday of October and was founded in 2015 by Chad Geer of Dunlop Tire N.A. This day specifically encourages all motorcyclists to get out and ride, celebrating the exhilaration of riding and honoring the invention of the pneumatic tire by John B. Dunlop in October 1887.

The timing in October also coincides with the end of the traditional riding season in many areas, offering one last opportunity to enjoy the open road before colder weather sets in. The associated hashtag is #NationalMotorcycleRideDay.

Learn more about National Motorcycle Ride Day

BEYOND JULY: OTHER KEY DATES FOR MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS

While National Motorcycle Day on July 11th is a key date, motorcycle enthusiasts have other significant days to look forward to throughout the year.

Holiday

Date in 2025

Focus

National Motorcycle Ride Day

October 11th (Saturday)

Enjoying a ride, honoring pneumatic tire history

National Ride To Work Day

June 16th (Monday)

Promoting motorcycling as practical transportation

International Female Ride Day

May 3rd (Saturday)

Celebrating women riders

World Motorcycling Day

June 21st (Saturday)

Celebrating motorcycling on the summer solstice

National Motorcycle Awareness Day

November 12th (Wednesday)

Educating drivers to be vigilant towards motorcyclists

National Ride To Work Day (NRWD)

Andy Goldfine, the founder of a biking safety apparel brand, started the informal National Ride to Work Day (NRWD) in 2000. Every year on the third Monday of June, you can participate in the National Ride to Work Day (NRWD).

The Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus and press sources reported that as of the early 2010s, NRWD was the largest motorcycle event, reaching upwards of one million participants.

The event is observed worldwide, including in Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Slovenia, Israel, Turkey, Ecuador, Argentina, and the Philippines.

International Female Ride Day (IFRD)

Celebrated on the first Saturday of May since 2007, International Female Ride Day® (IFRD), has participants from over 120 nations.

World Motorcycling Day

Celebrated on the longest day of daylight in the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice, there's no better day to celebrate as a motorcycle rider than June 21st each year.

WHAT SHOULD BE ON MY PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST?

First and foremost, don't forget your motorcycle insurance policy.

Next, review your motorcycle’s owner’s manual for specifics on the ideal tire pressure, suspension requirements, etc.

Last, but not least, use this printable T-CLOCS Inspection Checklist for a soup-to-nuts review of what to check for before hitting the open road.

HAPPY NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DAY!

In the spirit of National Motorcycle Day, we want to encourage you to take a ride and appreciate these iconic machines—and, of course, its makers.

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