Motorcycle Events Calendar 2017: the dates you didn’t want to miss

If you like planning your riding year around big moments—races, rallies, shows, and legendary gatherings—this motorcycle events calendar is your simple, month-by-month shortlist. The idea is not to be exhaustive: it’s to put the flagship dates in one place, so you can block weekends early, book travel smart, and avoid last‑minute stress. From the Dakar Rally’s marathon stages to Europe’s major motor shows and the pure adrenaline of endurance racing at Le Mans, these are the meet-ups that shaped 2017 for riders who live for the sound of engines and the pull of the road.

January — Dakar Rally + Brussels Motor Show

Dakar Rally (South America route)

What it is: 12 days of extreme racing on tracks and special stages, with the 2017 route passing through Paraguay in addition to Bolivia and Argentina.
Why it matters: Dakar is still the benchmark for endurance, navigation, and mental toughness—worth following even from afar if you ride long-distance yourself.
When to stop / how to enjoy it: Plan a “Dakar night” with friends: highlights, maps, and stage recaps. It’s also a good moment to check your own kit (navigation, hydration, tire plan) before your first spring roadtrip.
All the info HERE.

European Motor Show (Brussels)

What it is: A long-running auto-moto show (95th edition in 2017) known for crowd-pulling displays and stunt-style demonstrations.
Why it matters: Great place to compare new models in one day and handle accessories you’ll actually use on the road (luggage, gloves, rain layers).
When to stop / how to enjoy it: Go early to avoid peak crowds; take notes on ergonomics (seat, knee angle, wind protection) rather than getting hypnotized by spec sheets.
All the info HERE.

February — Enduropale du Touquet

Enduropale du Touquet (Touquet & Stella beaches)

What it is: An iconic enduro event on sand, with a course of over 12 km, spread across three days with multiple categories (including quads and different enduro formats, for different ages).
Why it matters: Few events show “real-world traction management” better than deep sand—watching lines and throttle control is a masterclass.
When to stop / how to enjoy it: Dress for wind and salt spray; plan walking time on the beach (it’s longer than you think) and bring eye protection—sand gets everywhere.
All the info HERE.

March — Motorcycle shows (new bikes + gear)

Key motorcycle shows of early season

What it is: The period where you’ll find “what’s new” for 2017 bikes and the accessories riders actually rely on.
Why it matters: If you’re preparing a multi-day roadtrip, this is when you can test luggage systems, compare helmets for noise, and decide whether you really need that upgrade—or just better tires and a good wind layer.
Where / when to stop: Shows are taking place in Lyon and Biarritz around February 2017—close enough to make a weekend ride out of it if you’re in France.

April — 24 Heures Motos (Le Mans)

24 Heures Motos (15–16 April 2017)

What it is: Endurance racing at Le Mans with a full program—free practice through to cups and support races (including Women’s Cup and Roadster Cup formats mentioned in the source).
Why it matters: Endurance is about consistency: smooth inputs, pit discipline, and risk management. It’s surprisingly relevant to real riding—especially on long days in mixed weather.
When to stop / how to enjoy it: Earplugs aren’t optional. If you ride in, budget extra time for traffic around the circuit and don’t plan a late-night ride home on fatigue.
All the info HERE.

May — MotoGP France (Le Mans)

MotoGP France (race on 21 May 2017)

What it is: MotoGP weekend at Le Mans, with events starting from 19 May on the circuit.
Why it matters: Pure speed, yes—but also the chance to feel how a city and region can turn into a motorcycle hub for a few days.
When to stop / how to enjoy it: If you’re riding there, keep your stage realistic: a “short ride in, long day on-site, short ride out” is safer than stacking highway hours before and after grandstands.
All the info HERE.

June — MotoGP Catalunya + a Planet Ride roadtrip finish

MotoGP Catalunya (Spain)

What it is: Another MotoGP date in 2017, with the added bonus of a festive atmosphere in a neighboring country for many French riders.
Why it matters: Combining a roadtrip with a major event is a powerful rhythm: you ride for the landscapes, then end with the “stadium energy” of MotoGP.
Where / when to stop: Build your final approach day to arrive early and settle in; motorsport weekends often mean dense traffic near the circuit and limited last-minute accommodation.

Internal selection (as in the original): Planet Ride also offered a ride with partner Laurent to discover great roads in France and finish with MotoGP Catalunya 2017.

September — Circuit des Remparts (Angoulême)

Rallye des Remparts (Angoulême)

What it is: A September gathering where classic and unusual cars—and beautiful motorcycles—take over the city.
Why it matters: It’s less about lap times and more about mechanical culture: sounds, silhouettes, and the pleasure of seeing machines up close in a historic setting.
When to stop / how to enjoy it: Make it a relaxed weekend ride; park once and walk the city—these events are best experienced at street pace.
All the info HERE.

October — INTERMOT Cologne

INTERMOT (Cologne)

What it is: One of Europe’s major motorcycle shows—new trends across motorcycles, scooters, quads, plus staged demonstrations.
Why it matters: Ideal for scouting next-season gear and seeing brand directions in one place.
When to stop / how to enjoy it: Set one clear goal before you go (helmet upgrade, luggage, riding suit). Otherwise, it’s easy to spend a full day and leave with zero useful decisions.
All the info HERE.

A Planet Ride pro tip for pacing your year

If you’re stacking events and rides, don’t let the calendar dictate unsafe mileage. A good rule: after a full day standing at a circuit or walking a show, keep your next riding leg short and simple—avoid night riding, avoid tight schedules, and plan a buffer for traffic and weather. Your best roadtrip memories rarely come from “making time”; they come from arriving fresh.

Mini‑FAQ

Do I need to book accommodation early for major motorcycle events?

For flagship weekends (MotoGP, Le Mans endurance), booking early is usually the difference between staying close and commuting far. If you’re riding in, proximity reduces fatigue.

Can I turn a motor show into a roadtrip?

Yes—especially in cities like Brussels, Lyon, Biarritz, or Cologne. Plan a loop that avoids peak-hour arrivals and gives you a “decompression ride” the next morning.

What’s the best way to manage fatigue when combining events and riding?

Keep the riding day before the event moderate, and the day after even lighter. Hydrate, use ear protection at circuits, and avoid scheduling long highway stretches late in the day.

À savoir aujourd’hui

This article reflects a 2017 calendar, but the core idea still holds: the biggest events sell out early, and the safest roadtrip planning starts with realistic stages. If you’re using it as inspiration, always verify current dates, access conditions, and local traffic restrictions before you ride.

*Non-exhaustive list. Dates may have been changed by organizers.