NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE DAY 2026: A DECADE OF CELEBRATING FREEDOM

National Motorcycle Day falls on Friday, July 10, 2026, marking exactly one decade since the first official celebration in Wisconsin.

The holiday occurs annually on the second Friday of July. Future celebrations include:

• July 9, 2027

• July 14, 2028

• July 13, 2029

This timing perfectly captures peak riding season, when motorcycle enthusiasts across the country can take full advantage of summer weather and longer daylight hours.

The motorcycle story began in 1885 when Gottlieb Daimler created the first motorcycle, naming his invention "The Daimler Reitwagen." His single-cylinder, four-stroke engine mounted on a wooden bicycle frame could reach about 6.8 mph⁶ a far cry from today's powerful Harley-Davidson^® machines.

• 1885 - Gottlieb Daimler invents the first motorcycle

• 1894 - First commercial motorcycle production begins

• 1907 - Organized motorcycle racing emerges

• 1903 - Harley-Davidson Motor Company founded

• 2016 - First official National Motorcycle Day celebrated in Wisconsin

• 2026 - 10th anniversary celebration

A motorcycle insurance company sponsored the creation of National Motorcycle Day after recognizing the positive contributions riders make to their communities nationwide. After observing decades of charitable work, community service, and philanthropy within motorcycle culture, they felt this impact deserved formal recognition.

Wisconsin issued the first official citation in 2016, establishing the second Friday in July as a day to celebrate the positive aspects of motorcycle culture and community.

National Motorcycle Day serves three primary purposes that resonate deeply with Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle riders:

The day honors the joy, independence, and camaraderie that motorcycling brings to millions of riders. It recognizes motorcycles as symbols of personal freedom and adventure.

The observance emphasizes safe riding practices and raises awareness of motorcycle presence on the roads. The focus on motorcycle safety helps create an environment for all road users.

The holiday acknowledges the motorcycle industry's significant impact, from manufacturers and dealers to the billions generated in tourism through rallies and events.

The motorcycle industry is at an inflection point in 2026. U.S. motorcycle sales declined 7.6% in 2025 to 486,468 units¹, and the median rider age has crossed 50, compared to just 32 in 1990². These headwinds make celebrating our community and welcoming new riders more important than ever.

But there's good news too. Female riders are the fastest-growing ownership segment in the U.S³. They're bringing fresh energy and perspectives to our community.

While U.S. sales face headwinds, the global motorcycle market reached $75.46 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $118.90 billion by 2034⁴. This international expansion demonstrates motorcycling's enduring appeal worldwide.

National Motorcycle Day is a time to celebrate the vitality of that culture while strengthening the community bonds that will carry us forward.

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

The most authentic way to celebrate is simply to ride your motorcycle, regardless of make or model. Consider these options:

• Solo Rides: Plan a scenic route to enjoy the open road and personal reflection.

• Group Rides: Join fellow riders for shared experiences and community building. Many local Harley-Davidson^® dealerships and H.O.G.^® chapters organize special rides specifically for National Motorcycle Day.

Motorcycle culture maintains strong traditions of community service and charitable giving. National Motorcycle Day provides an ideal opportunity to give back.

Major Veteran-Focused Organizations

• Hogs for Heroes has gifted 63 Wisconsin veterans with motorcycles since 2016, including 10 in 2025 alone, marking its latest successful pairings.⁵

• Rolling To Remember (formerly Rolling Thunder) continues Memorial Day traditions under AMVETS leadership since 2020, focusing on veteran suicide prevention while maintaining its core mission.

• Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) is a veterans' organization that supports combat veterans from all U.S. Armed Forces branches who ride motorcycles.

• Motorcycle Relief Project provides week-long adventure motorcycle relief rides to veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD and related challenges.

Child Advocacy Organizations
Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) empowers local communities to break cycles of child abuse through motorcycle culture's protective spirit.

Harley-Davidson Supported Charities
The 2026 Let's Ride Challenge^® supports American Legion Riders, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Rolling To Remember, and Motorcycle Missions through organized rides and fundraising events.

Social media plays a crucial role in modern National Motorcycle Day celebrations.

Use #NationalMotorcycleDay across Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to connect with riders nationwide.

Share photos and stories from your rides, charity events, or community involvement to amplify the holiday's positive message.

Don’t forget to tag your local Harley-Davidson^® dealership to show support for businesses that serve the motorcycle community.

Stop by your local Harley-Davidson^® dealership to:

• Appreciate the latest motorcycle models

• Connect with industry professionals

• Show support for businesses serving the motorcycle community

• Learn about upcoming events and rallies

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) provides excellent resources for finding local motorcycle groups and chapters. Participating in organized rides strengthens community bonds and introduces new riders to motorcycle culture.

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.

National Motorcycle Day, as previously discussed, is observed annually on the second Friday of July and was founded in 2016 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

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

Celebrated since 2007 on the first Saturday of May, IFRD now includes participants from over 120 nations, highlighting the global growth of female motorcycle enthusiasts.

Founded by Andy Goldfine in 2000, NRWD now occurs on the second Tuesday of June. The Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus and press sources reported that, as of the early 2010s, NRWD was the largest motorcycle event, with upwards of 1 million participants.

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

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.

Before heading out for your National Motorcycle Day celebration, ensure you're prepared for a safe, enjoyable ride.

Verify your motorcycle insurance policy remains current and review whether your coverage limits align with your riding plans.

Harley-Davidson Insurance offers coverage tailored to motorcycle-specific risks, from group ride liability to theft protection, because we understand what riders actually need.

With National Motorcycle Day kicking off a season of rallies (April–August), ensure your policy doesn't lapse between celebrations. A single day without coverage could mean:

• Legal liability if you're riding uninsured

• Claim denial if an unplanned incident happens during a gap

• Re-insurance difficulty after a lapse

Pro Tip: Set policy renewal reminders and plan multi-event celebrations around your policy period, not against it.

Review your motorcycle's owner's manual for manufacturer-recommended tire pressure, suspension settings, and maintenance intervals.

Use the T-CLOCS Inspection Method:

• Tires and wheels

• Controls and cables

• Lights and electrical

• Oils and fluids

• Chassis and chain

• Stands and steering

This comprehensive pre-ride safety checklist is meant to helps riders identify mechanical issues with their motorcycle before each ride.

• DOT-approved helmet

• Protective eyewear

• Long pants and closed-toe shoes

• Gloves for grip and protection

• Bright or reflective clothing for enhanced visibility

• Summer-weight gear (mesh jacket with padding for airflow without sacrificing protection in heat)

• Sunscreen and UV-protective gear for extended daylight rides

• Rain gear (even in July, unexpected storms are possible)

This July 10th, make your mark on the 10th anniversary of National Motorcycle Day. Whether you take a solo ride through scenic backroads, participate in a charity event, or simply share your motorcycle passion online, you're contributing to a celebration that honors the freedom, community, and adventure that make motorcycle culture extraordinary.

Ready to celebrate? Check your motorcycle insurance coverage, inspect your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, plan your route, and prepare to join thousands of riders nationwide in marking this special milestone.

Get a quote for Harley-Davidson® Insurance today to ensure your coverage protects you for all your National Motorcycle Day adventures and beyond.