Sturgis 2026 Starts Here – Indian Motorcycle's 125th Anniversary Celebration

Every August, riders from all over North America point their front wheels toward Sturgis. For many of us, the rally doesn't officially begin until we stop by Indian Motorcycle.

This year is even more special.

Indian Motorcycle is celebrating 125 years, and they're kicking things off in a way only the factory can.

Before the madness of Main Street reaches full throttle, more than 400 Indian riders gathered at the factory in Spirit Lake, Iowa, for the annual Owner's Ride and Factory Tour. If you've never experienced it, put it on your bucket list.

There's something special about walking through the very factory where your motorcycle was built. Meeting the people behind the brand, seeing the craftsmanship firsthand, and watching the pride that goes into every machine reminds you that these aren't just motorcycles—they're part of a legacy.

One of the most inspiring moments was recognizing Vroom Old Man – Indian 125+ for Myotonic, whose incredible ride of 145,000 miles in 145 days aboard his Indian Pursuit continues to raise awareness for Myotonic Dystrophy. That's the kind of story that defines our community.

Then it's time to head west...

Sturgis.

Indian Motorcycle's annual Meet & Greet has become one of the highlights of Rally Week, and this year's 125th Anniversary celebration promises to be one for the books.

Hosted at 2130 Main Street in Sturgis, the festivities kick off at 1:00 PM Mountain Time and include:

• The unveiling of a new limited-edition motorcycle
• Special appearances by Mike Kennedy, Carey Hart, and other guests
• Free food and beverages
• Exclusive 125th Anniversary rally swag
• Thousands of Indian Motorcycle riders celebrating together

Now I'm going to ruffle a few feathers...

Every year I see posts promoting Indian Bike Week as the place to be. Every year there's talk about making history, breaking attendance records, or chasing a Guinness World Record. And every year, in my opinion, it falls well short of the hype.

If you've attended both, there really isn't much comparison.

Indian Motorcycle's official events aren't trying to convince you they're the biggest gathering of Indian riders—they simply are what they are: authentic.

Hundreds of riders at the factory.

Hundreds more rolling into Sturgis.

Thousands of owners stopping by throughout Rally Week.

No exaggerated marketing.

No trying to manufacture excitement.

No constant talk about what might happen.

Just riders, motorcycles, and the company that has been building them for 125 years opening its doors and saying, "Welcome home."

That's a pretty powerful experience.

To me, that's what makes these official events so much stronger. You're not attending because someone promised a record-breaking weekend. You're there because you're surrounded by fellow riders who share the same passion, and by the people who actually build the motorcycles we love.

Whether you've owned one Indian or ten, whether you've ridden across town or across the country, Spirit Lake and Sturgis remind you what this community is really about.

It's not about hype.

It's about heritage.

It's about friendships forged over thousands of miles.

It's about parking next to someone you've never met and leaving as friends.

Congratulations to Indian Motorcycle on an incredible 125 years. Here's to the next chapter, many more miles, and many more memories.

See you in Spirit Lake.

See you in Sturgis.

And as for me... if I have to choose where to spend my vacation and my miles, I'm choosing the factory and the official Indian Motorcycle events every single time.