Rows of Harley-Davidson motorcycles lined up in Sturgis with hillside sign in the background.

STURGIS 2025 RECAP

Words by H-D Staff

Images by Ben Christensen

The 85th Annual Sturgis Rally was one for the memory bank. We’ve recapped it here for you in case you’ve already forgotten how amazing it was to be on two wheels with your community in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

  • Two bikers pose in front of the Sturgis sign with their Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

    We rolled into Sturgis early on Saturday morning, August 1st, and had to stop for the obligatory sign photo with our content crew, Ben Christensen and Chris Cheney.

  • Smiling woman in orange Harley-Davidson top leans on matching orange touring motorcycle.

    The Pikes Peak Harley Owners Group chapter caught us on a stop along Iron Mountain Highway that same morning. We were lucky enough to spend a few minutes with them.

Motorcycles line a bustling Deadwood street as people stroll past historic brick buildings.

Main Street in Deadwood is a guaranteed good time with plenty to see. If you didn’t make it here for the 85th, we recommend coming back for a steak and a walk down the brick-paved road for a trip back in time to the Old West.

  • Five men pose together at a motorcycle event with a large crowd in the background.

    The Thrashin Supply and 2LaneLife crew are the life of the party wherever they go. Lance Coury Jr. and his father, Lance Sr. were the Grand Marshals of the American Flat Track races on the first night at Jack Pine Gypsies.

  • Motorcycle racer in full gear leans into a turn on a dirt track at night.

    That evening, both Jesse Janisch and Briar Bauman pulled off wins in their categories on H-D motorcycles. See Jesse ripping his Pan America around the track above.

  • Motorcyclists ride through a winding forest road surrounded by lush green trees.

    A quick rip through Spearfish Canyon is the only medicine you need after a night at the Chip.

  • Man in orange Harley-Davidson shirt smiles while standing by a stream in a green mountain valley.

    Our buddy Heath says, “Come on in, the water’s fine.” It was cold, Heath.

Group of women bikers pose together at a motorcycle event with custom bikes in the background.

The women of Axel’s Hideout, pictured above, rode their motorcycles in from faraway places to display them at the Buffalo Chip.

  • Motorcyclist rides through a scenic rock tunnel with other riders in the background.

    The best day-long loop from Sturgis includes Needles Highway through Iron Mountain, where you’ll find plenty of tunnels like this one to blow your mind…

  • Motorcyclists navigate a sharp curve on a scenic forested mountain road.

    ... And too many hairpin turns to count!

  • Motorcyclist in plaid shirt rides through narrow rock passage, viewed from above.

    Imagine riding through a stone tunnel and looking up through the break in the ceiling to see an angel... Oh, never mind that’s just our photographer making you look awesome.

  • Woman in sunglasses stands beside a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle amid large rock formations.

    Tiffany Rene had to take a pit stop to check out these craggy rock formations after riding through them on her beautiful 2025 Road Glide.

  • Two bikers relax in camp chairs beside tents and a motorcycle at a rally campsite.

    Is there anything better than motocamping with your friends? We don’t think so.

  • Motorcycles parked in front of a house with a large American flag hanging on the siding.

    Home, sweet home.

Large group of bikers pose together, smiling and cheering during a Sturgis rally gathering.

We hope you liked this recap enough to come to the 86th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. See you there, friends. --

MOTORCYCLE RALLIES, RIDES, & EVENTS

From local rides to dealer events to multi-day rallies, there's something for everyone. All are welcome.

A woman from behind raising her hands in the air on stage in front of a large crowd.

EXPLORE MORE EXPERIENCES

All Experiences
Two boxers exchange punches in a brightly lit ring, surrounded by ropes and a cheering crowd, with a large Harley-Davidson bar and shield logo in the background.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FIGHT NIGHT AT THE SHED

The reveal of a streetfighter custom build by SMCO supported by a full fight card and a special performance by YG — you just had to be there.

Headliner Chris Stapleton performs at Harley-Davidson Homecoming 2025

HARLEY-DAVIDSON HOMECOMING 2025

From the rumbling bikes to the roaring crowds, the energy was palpable and every scene was filled with the soul of Harley-Davidson.

A large crowd gathered to watch a group of riders start a hill climb.

TENNESSE MOTORCYCLE AND MUSIC REVIVAL 2025

A yearly music and moto event at Loretta Lynn’s ranch, just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.

Two rows of bikes for viewing, one on the left and the other on right, lead down the middle of the building, with dozens of people walking on either side admiring the bikes.

A ONE-OF-A-KIND SHOW IN PORTLAND, OREGON

There are more than a few reasons why they call it “The One.”

A man and woman, wearing a black HD x Dickies jacket and white HD x Dickies shirt respectively, shot from behind looking into a crowd of people.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER WITH H-D x DICKIES

We sent photographer Josh Bell to capture the new Harley-Davidson® x Dickies® collection launch party.

An overhead shot of the event, with hundreds of people and motorcycles parked on the grass in the sunshine.

CHICKEN RICK'S BORN FREE RECAP

Rick Spada from Chicken Fried Choppers shares his firsthand experience at Born-Free.

Droves of bikers flood Main Street in Daytona Beach at dusk

DAYTONA BIKE WEEK WITH HARLEY-DAVIDSON

We hit the streets with photographer Ben Christensen to capture The 84th Annual Daytona Bike Week.

Woman in a denim vest sits on a Road Glide in a line of other bikes on the side of the road

BABES IN BORREGO 2024

Women riders go camping in Borrego Springs, California.

A woman riding a motorcycle holds up the "rock on" hand sign

CAJUN COUNTRY H.O.G. RALLY

Greetings from Southern Louisiana!

A customized vintage Harley-Davidson on a showroom floor

RICK’S PICKS: MAMA TRIED

Rick’s favorite bikes from the 10th annual Mama Tried Show.