Photographer and filmmaker Bastian Brüsecke has been held in Iran since late 2024. Friends and the motorcycle community have launched a fundraising campaign to support his family and secure his return.
Browsing: Charity
Charity
In this category you will find all articles related to social engagement within the motorcycle community. This includes charity rides, fundraising events, benefit campaigns, and initiatives by riders, teams, clubs, and manufacturers supporting social causes.
The list below brings together current and past reports on such activities — ranging from regional events to larger national or international projects. Where available, the articles provide background information, involved organizations, and the outcomes of the respective initiatives.
This section offers an overview of charitable activities within the motorcycle scene and allows you to explore related topics in one place.
British road racer Maria Costello has been seriously injured in a sidecar qualifying crash at the 2026 Isle of Man TT and is currently paralysed, according to those close to her. A fundraising campaign now aims to finance her long-term rehabilitation and the necessary adaptations to her daily life.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride raised more than $7.23 million (around €6.2 million) for men’s health in its 15th year. The total is expected to rise further before the donation deadline on May 31.
The oldest biker meeting point in the Muensterland region is organizing its biggest charity ride yet on June 7, 2026. Operator Marco Pape expects a four-figure turnout and a five-figure donation result for two institutions supporting seriously ill children and their families.
An eight-year-old girl from Ingelheim is fighting a severe brain tumor. Her biggest wish: to see thousands of motorcycles come just for her. On May 16, 2026, that wish came true.
Cologne hospitals are urgently calling for blood donations. But instead of reporting on the actual shortage, some media outlets are scapegoating motorcyclists.
Former Superbike World Champion and MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli completed the 2026 London Marathon in a full motorcycle racing leather suit. With his campaign in memory of his late son Luca, he raised over 140,000 pounds (approximately 161,700 euros / 189,000 US dollars) for children’s cancer charities.
Triumph unveils a one-of-a-kind Speed Twin 1200 Cafe Racer DGR Edition as the grand prize of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2026. Registration for the worldwide charity event on May 17 is now open.
On May 30, 2026, the Fellows Ride will take place in Leipzig for the first time. Around 100 motorcyclists will be sending a visible message about mental health and suicide prevention.
Fellows Ride is expanding its commitment to mental health in 2026 and is planning a record number of events. In addition to numerous dates in Europe and North America, an international motorcycle expedition in the Himalayas is also on the agenda for the first time.
Carl Cox is taking on a new role away from the track for the 2026 Tourist Trophy. The internationally renowned DJ is acting as ambassador for the TT’s official charity project in aid of cancer patients on the Isle of Man.
Sylvain Guintoli is taking on an unusual and emotional challenge: the former world champion will run the 2026 London Marathon in a one-piece leather suit. With this campaign, he wants to thank the organizations that supported his family in the fight against his late son Luca’s illness.
The MC Hermsdorf clubhouse was completely destroyed by fire in mid-November. The club, which has been socially engaged for decades, now faces major challenges itself and is appealing for donations.
Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Let’s Ride Challenge – Ride for Heroes ran across the United States between March 28 and October 31 and became one of the manufacturer’s largest participatory campaigns. More than 29,000 registered participants collectively racked up 83.4 million miles on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This significantly exceeded the original target of 50 million miles and triggered a donation of US$1 million (approx. €920,000) to various organizations that support military personnel, veterans, and first responders.
On October 18, 2025, an exceptionally refined BMW R 18 Transcontinental was auctioned off for charity at a Sotheby’s auction at Motorworld Munich. The one-of-a-kind motorcycle, blessed and signed by Pope Leo XIV, fetched €130,000 (approximately $137,500) at auction. The entire proceeds will go to children’s aid projects in Madagascar organized by Missio Austria.
At Glemseck 101, one of Europe’s largest independent motorcycle rallies, the legendary 1/8-mile races will once again be accompanied by a special event: a motorcycle raffle in aid of Seehaus e. V. This year, a custom-built Royal Enfield Guerilla 450 Roadster named “Löwenherz” (Lionheart) is waiting for a new owner—a one-of-a-kind bike that was created as part of a youth project.
At the international motorcycle meet Glemseck 101, which takes place from September 5 to 7 at Glemseck in Leonberg, a motorcycle raffle will once again take center stage this year. Visitors will not only be able to marvel at the famous 1/8-mile races, but will also have the chance to win a specially converted Royal Enfield Guerilla 450 Custom Roadster and numerous other prizes. The raffle supports projects run by Seehaus e. V., an organization for young offenders and victim support.
The long-established US brand Indian Motorcycle has announced an exclusive, custom-designed Sport Chief RT for a major charity auction. The occasion is the upcoming “Back to the Beginning” concert – a unique event at which the original line-up of Black Sabbath, consisting of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, will be performing together on stage for the first time in over 20 years.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) 2025 has set a new benchmark: On Sunday, May 18, 2025, 127,000 motorcyclists in 108 countries around the world gathered to dress up in style and raise funds for men’s health. This year’s edition of the world’s largest charity event for classic and vintage motorcycles raised around 7.6 million US dollars (approx. 7.05 million euros) – a new record for the movement, which was founded in Australia in 2012.
A tragic racing accident has unexpectedly taken David Datzer, a well-known German motorcycle racer and former IRRC Superbike champion, out of active racing. He was actually due to compete in three classes for the Roadhouse Macau Racing Team at the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man in June 2025. But instead of competing on the famous street circuit, the crowd favorite from Vilsbiburg is currently struggling with the consequences of a crash through no fault of his own – and with bureaucratic hurdles.


















