The Best Photos From the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

The Best Photos From the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Still life with low-lifes. That’s a compliment in Sturgis. Riders get ready for barrel racing, riding the plank, and other rider feats at the Buffalo Chip’s Camp Zero during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter

Most of us ride and congregate with other riders in order to escape the banal squawking of everyday problems. But some seemed intent on turning Sturgis into some kind of referendum on current affairs. Their arguments centered on the living arrangements of strangers. Or maybe it was about proper waking hours? Hard to say and it hardly matters. Did this tempest in a teapot affect turnout compared to last year? Let’s ask renowned photographer Michael Lichter. Also check out the The 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Pictures for even more photos.

“After 45 years, I gave up on trying to figure out turnout at events. Promoters inflate, deflate, or keep numbers secret, depending on who they’re talking to. The taxman gets one number. Sponsors get another. Whatever it is, enough people had more than enough fun.”

Lichter has been coming to (and shooting) Sturgis for 43 years. He even had a ride named after him. How’s that for Sturgis royalty? Beyond mere “lensmanship,” he has the amazing ability to collect minute details and contact info for nearly every shot he takes. And of course, he brings years of experience. He sees beyond the endless parked choppers, beer tents, and folks strutting about. He’s seen the event grow up. And he understands the restless spirit behind all the shenanigans.

What was new about the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2024? Blessedly little, save for American Flat Track racing, more concerts, and a better balance of events throughout the almost two-week shindig. But deep down, Sturgis exists for the same reason it always has—have a good time and do something remarkable. Preferably, without too much road rash.

Enjoy the photos.

Some people said attendance was down. Others disagree. But this view of Main Street from the photo tower looks pretty much like every year at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Sunday, August 4, 2024.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
Big wheels, big freedom. A couple of Hamsters on Flash’s Bikers Against Bullies Ride With the Masters benefit ride to Deadwood during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Monday, August 5, 2024.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
Kissa Von Addams (@kissavonaddams), a chopper rider extraordinaire and burlesque dancer from Florida, points her rigid toward the pool party at Full Throttle Saloon.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
Choppers and riders soaking up the South Dakota sun at the poolside chopper show party at the Full Throttle Saloon, with the Mama Tried Show in the foreground.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
Ape-hangers equal lots of balancing leverage for the riding the plank contest at Camp Zero, a ’70s era throwback area of the Buffalo Chip.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
Somewhere between the mud truck tires and Ethan Schlussler’s legs sits a KTM 1190. A bike builder from Idaho, @grindhardplumbingco shows off his wild ride at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
Michael Lichter’s clever subterfuge helped Brad Gregory (@brad_gregory10) pull off his proposal to Lisa Richardson (@lisa.case). While “shooting his bike for a feature,” Greg bent the knee and the plan was revealed. She said yes.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
It’s not all just pools and umbrella drinks. Serious boonie bike (or minibike) racing happens during the Led Sled Sportster Showdown at Camp Zero. The course goes through a barn, trailer, then out the side door.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
Legendary bike builder Sugar Bear and his partner Fuji sport his well-known Sugar Bear logo. Celebrating his upcoming 85th birthday, Sturgis Hall of Fame member Sugar Bear made 2024 his 20th appearance at the event.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
Chris Callen, editor at Cycle Source magazine (@cyclesourcemagazine), rides with wife Heather Callen (@hmcallen1974) and friend Xavier Muriel (@providencecycleworx), the original drummer for Buckcherry.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
It just ain’t Sturgis without a little stunting. Jeff Flaherty (@cbearstunts) puts on a clinic at the Iron Horse Saloon stunt show.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
What’s it like to be strapped to the hood of a limousine driving through a wall of fire? Ask this man, Carl Ives. Father of the Ives Brothers (@ives_brothers) stunt team, danger clearly runs in the family.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
Sturgis is about living your best life. Brooke and Dave Swisher from Oregon catch some rays and feel the breeze between parties at Sturgis.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
Sturgis is a living history of American motorcycling. “I wrote a story about Slider and Chopper in 1985,” Lichter says. From left to right are Dick “Slider” Gilmore, brother Charlie “Chopper” Gilmore, and simply, “Boar.” All are longtime members of the 1% motorcycle club, Sons of Silence, with the Gilmore brothers being two of the founding members.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
DMC, aka Darryl McDaniels (@kingdmc) from legendary rap group Run DMC, “walks this way” with Jesse James Dupree (@jessejamesdupree) and rock group Jackyl at the Full Throttle Saloon.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
Best idea ever? American Flat Track held its first-ever Sturgis TT race. No. 21 Trevor Brunner’s Indian FTR750 navigates the asphalt portion in the Twins race. He came in eighth.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter
The racing equivalent of feeling single, seeing double? Singles action at the American Flat Track Sturgis TT. No. 1 Kody Kopp’s KTM 450 SX-F leads No. 75 Tarren Santero’s Honda CRF450R in hot pursuit.Photography ©2024 Michael Lichter