This fall, motorcycle engines are going to roar to life all over the U.S. They won’t be headed to Sturgis, Daytona Beach or Laconia, though; they’ll be logging miles to raise money for the families of fallen or disabled service members.
Indian Motorcycle is partnering with Folds of Honor to host the National Charity Ride on Sept. 20 in honor of military service members and first responders. Last year, the goal was to raise $50,000, but participants blew past that amount and raked in $114,000 instead. This year, the goal is $250,000 -- enough to fund Folds of Honor scholarships for 50 families.
Inside the Indian Motorcycle National Charity Ride
The military has always had an outsized number of motorcyclists. Civilian riders tend to be a very patriotic crowd as well. It makes sense that the two would come together to serve others in need.
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“The incredible response from our riders and supporters last year proved just how much this cause means to our community,” said Aaron Jax, vice president of Indian Motorcycle. “We are building on that momentum to make an even greater impact in our second year. This event is not just about the ride -- it’s a powerful tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect us, and a testament to our community’s unwavering support.”
The National Charity Ride is certainly a strong statement, but it’s not merely a symbolic gesture. The event makes a real difference in the lives of those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty, and those who still struggle with the lasting medical effects of war.
Since 2007, Folds of Honor has provided 62,000 academic scholarships totalling roughly $290 million to the children and spouses of fallen or disabled service members. Last year, 7,500 riders participated at Indian dealerships across the U.S., so the partnership seems like a perfect match.
Here’s How You Can Get Involved
This is a charity ride, so the best way to get involved is to fire up your motorcycle and join the formation. Indian lists its rider chapters online so you can find a participating dealership in your area. There’s also a leaderboard so you can see how much money has been donated, and which chapters are at the top of the list.
Indian will also host a charity auction where guests can bid on a one-of-a-kind motorcycle. Last year, Indian auctioned off a custom Springfield inspired by Folds of Honor.
For 2025, Indian announced a few rewards for the top fundraisers to inspire a little friendly competition. Whoever raises the most money will receive a 2025 Sport Chief RT – a $22,499 motorcycle with timeless good looks, a booming sound system and the bottomless pit of torque that is Indian’s 116-cubic-inch motor.
The second- and third-place fundraisers will get an all-expense-paid trip to the charity auction. The fourth- and fifth-place fundraisers will each get a custom-painted motorcycle helmet. Everyone who participates will get a T-shirt and a patch.
Even if you don’t ride or can’t make it out to your local chapter’s event, you can still support Folds of Honor with an online donation on the National Charity Ride’s fundraising website.
You don’t have to own an Indian motorcycle to participate. If you’re using this as an excuse to buy one, though, I’ll remind you that Indian offers military benefits of $200 in accessories and apparel, an additional one-year limited warranty and one-year IMR Elite Status with the purchase of a new 2024 or 2025 motorcycle. Active-duty, reserve, retired and National Guard service members are all eligible.
The US Military’s Motorcycling Tradition
Motorcycles have been an integral part of American military culture since they first rolled off the assembly line in matte olive drab paint more than a century ago.
Back then, they offered an alternative to riding horseback. Soldiers used primitive motorcycles to scout enemy positions, deliver messages and maneuver machine guns on the battlefields of World War I and the U.S.-Mexico border in search of Pancho Villa.
Those roles survived into World War II, when V-twin American bikes served in both theaters and patrolled the U.S. shoreline.
During the Global War on Terrorism, the U.S. military used diesel Kawasakis and Zero MMX electric dirt bikes to bring the fight to the enemy in remote corners of the world.
Through it all, service members have made motorcycling part of their personal lives. After leaving active duty, riding is one way to maintain the camaraderie of military service.
If you can spend a day in the saddle with your friends and help others at the same time, that’s all the better.
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