Motorbike Rallies Around the World | Gulf Oil International

13 Feb 2025

Anyone who has attended motorcycle races, rallies and other biker events knows that motorbikes are so much more than a mode of transport; it’s a passion! Globally, there are multiple events every year in incredible locations that celebrate everything motorcycle related. These can be a great opportunity to get together with other enthusiasts as well as getting an in-person look at the latest and greatest things on two wheels. 

In this roundup of some of the top rallies, races and events across the globe, we look at how motorbikes are enjoyed and celebrated in different parts of the world. If you’re looking for some inspiration for future motorbike-related travel plans, we’ve got you covered. 

The Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia.

3rd January 2025

Every winter, the Dakar Rally takes place, with the annual event taking place in Saudi Arabia from 2020. The motorcycle class of this race takes riders through incredible desert dunes and various terrains that offer some unique challenges and need a high level of technical skill to successfully navigate. With sections of the course designed to be completed without a support crew, the Dakar Rally is an ultimate test of stamina and riding precision. Lasting between 10-15 days in total, every year the Dakar Rally covers a different route amounting to several thousand kilometres, with competitors essentially camping between stages in the race to the finish line. Open to professionals and amateurs, this rally isn’t one for the fainthearted but is on many a biker’s bucket list to compete in at least once.

It's not all about the taking part though, spectating at the Dakar Rally is an event in itself, with secure zones at every stage to watch the best of the action and soak up the atmosphere.

Daytona Beach Bike Week, USA

28th February 2025

In early spring each year, the slightly misleadingly named Daytona Bike Week takes place over up to 10 days at Daytona Beach in Florida. It’s an event that includes motorcycle racing, along with concerts, parties, a street festival and attracts around 500,000 people over the course of the ‘week’. 

With roots going back to the 1937 Daytona 200 race that took in sections of road and beach, the 10-day festival now includes hundreds of individual events that bikers can participate in or watch. Whether taking part in scenic rides around the area or attending exclusive motorcycle showcases and stocking up on some new riding gear, this rally is also about more than the bikes. Essentially a huge celebration of motorcycle culture, including art, food, music and self-expression, Daytona Beach Bike Week is an event where locals and visitors come together to enjoy this giant diverse biking melting pot. 

Isle of Man TT, UK

26th May 2025

An annual event at the start of every summer, the Isle of Man TT is a world-famous 13-days of racing and motorbike-related festivities. Since the first race in 1907, the event has grown to attract an estimated 40k+ visitors, which adds around 50% extra to the population of this small island in the Irish Sea for the duration. 

The first days of the event are dedicated to practice and qualifying runs, before moving on to the actual racing, when a variety of different motorcycle class riders, both amateur and professional, test themselves on the heart-stopping 37-mile course at extremely high speeds. It certainly isn’t an event for the risk-averse! 

For those who prefer to watch rather than take part, there are key points of the course that attract lots of spectators, including some of the most challenging bends and sections. Alternatively, you can buy tickets to the grandstand to see the finish line. 

Plenty of visitors also take the opportunity to explore the island, take the steam or electric railway, enjoy local food, drinks and music in the many venues open during the festival, or even go fishing (and shark-watching). For those wanting to immerse themselves in even more biker culture and history, the Isle of Man Motor Museum is a must-see, along with regular motorbike stunt shows that run for the duration of the event. 

World Ducati Week, Italy

A three-day annual event in the summer, World Ducati week takes place in Italy and is one of the biggest motorcycle rallies in Europe. Essentially a long weekend of shows, activities, exhibitions and riding experiences, the 2024 event attracted more than 90,000 attendees over the event, with participants from more than 80 different countries. 

Ducati enthusiasts will hold this event close to their heart, but it’s also a great rally to attend for any motorcycle fan. Track sessions, races, parties, talks, autograph sessions with Ducati legendary riders, stunt performances, parade laps and even a huge ride-out are some of the highlights, so there really is something for everyone.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, USA

1st August 2025

Now one of the biggest motorcycle events in the world, let alone the US, the Sturgis Rally started in 1938 and now attracts upwards of 500k attendees every summer. The small unassuming city of Sturgis in South Dakota plays host to 10x its normal population every year for around 10 days of everything motorbike. Attractions include:

• Scenic mountain roads and forest trails that are ideal for motorcycles
• Charity rides
• Races
• Bike shows
• Concerts
• Food and drink (including barbecue cook-offs and whiskey tasting)
• Stunt shows
• A huge range of vendors

People come from all over the world to enjoy the spectacle of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and experience the unique atmosphere and sights.

India Bike Week, Goa

December 2025

Every winter, motorbike enthusiasts across India and beyond meet at the coastal paradise of Goa for India Bike Week (IBW), a two-day celebration of motorcycle culture. Known as the "Woodstock of Biking," IBW is a unique mix of adrenaline-fueled adventure, cultural festivity and biker camaraderie.

Attracting thousands of attendees, the event features everything from live music, stunt shows and dirt biking tracks to expert-led workshops and talks by legendary riders. Highlights include custom bike showcases, engineering marvels and artistic designs that steal the spotlight. And let's not forget the much-anticipated ride parades along Goa’s scenic coastline.

India Bike Week is a must-visit for anyone interested in Asia’s largest motorcycle festival.

Conclusion

If attending some of the world’s biggest and best motorcycle rallies is on your to-do list, our roundup could help you decide where your next biking adventure should be. Whether you want to take part in racing yourself, take a close-up look at the latest and greatest motorcycles or simply immerse yourself in motorbike culture for a few days, our top picks in Europe and the US could be exactly what you’re looking for. 

If you’re planning on taking your motorcycle with you to a rally or biker event, make sure that your ride has a maintenance check before you set off, and stock up on motorcycle lubricants to take with you, just in case.