What Is the Motorcycle TransAm Endurance Run?
If you’ve ever dreamed about riding a century old motorcycle across the country, testing both yourself & your machine, the Motorcycle TransAm Endurance Run might be exactly what you’re looking for.
At its core, the TransAm is a motorcycle endurance ride and a true cross-country motorcycle challenge designed specifically for motorcycles that are 1929 and older. It blends history, mechanical grit, personal challenge, and a strong sense of community into one unforgettable experience. It is demanding, rewarding, sometimes (always, lol) exhausting, and always memorable.
This is not a polished tour or a guided vacation ride. It is you, your motorcycle, the road ahead, and the satisfaction that comes from figuring things out as you go.
The Motorcycle TransAm is a multi-day endurance event for antique motorcycles. Riders cover long daily miles on machines that were built nearly a hundred years ago. There is no chase truck following you during the day. It is you versus you, managing your bike, the terrain, the weather, and your own endurance.
We do have a sweep truck that comes through later in the day if a rider cannot get a problem fixed on the roadside. That safety net exists so everyone gets home safely, but the heart of the event is self reliance and problem solving. If something breaks, you diagnose it, fix it, and/or work with fellow riders to get back on the road.
It is challenging and incredibly rewarding. Every completed mile feels earned.
For many riders, this becomes one of the most meaningful vintage motorcycle endurance experiences they will ever take on.
Who the TransAm Is For
The TransAm is open to anyone with a motorcycle from 1929 or earlier who is ready to take on the challenge. Riders come from all walks of life and all riding backgrounds. Some are seasoned antique motorcycle builders. Some are longtime riders finally checking a bucket list dream off. Others simply love mechanical adventure and history… everyone is an experienced rider.
What matters most is not speed or perfection. It is attitude, preparation, respect for the machines, and a willingness to learn and adapt on the road.
If you enjoy working on your own motorcycle, solving problems, and pushing yourself in a supportive environment, this event may be a great fit.
How the TransAm Is Different from Rallies or Tours
Most motorcycle rallies and tours focus on comfort, convenience, and large crowds. The Motorcycle TransAm intentionally goes the other direction.
First, the age of the motorcycles alone makes this event unique. Watching dozens of antique machines travel together across rural highways and small towns is something most people never get to see. It connects the past directly to the present.
Second, we prioritize a sense of togetherness. We like knowing everyone on the ride. Riders get to actually connect, share stories, help each other, and build real friendships instead of getting lost in a massive crowd.
During the day riders are challenged to be the best they can be. At each stop, local communities often come out to see the bikes, talk with riders, and share in the experience. It creates a special blend of small town pride, traveling history, and riders from all over the world coming together in one place.
It is part endurance ride, part rolling museum, and part traveling community.
Why Riders Come Back Each Year
Some of the best moments of the TransAm do not happen on the road. They happen in the pits each night.
Sometimes a bike needs a few hours of work. Sometimes a team ends up wrenching late into the night. Parts get shared. Tools get borrowed. Someone always seems to have exactly what another rider needs. There is a lot of laughter, storytelling, problem solving, and mutual support.
This is where friendships are built. This is where riders learn from each other. This is where the sense of community truly forms.
Even after a tough day riders often say these evenings are their favorite part of the entire event. It becomes a shared experience that people look forward to year after year.
Who the Riders Are
Riders come from all over. We have had teams from every corner of the United States, as well as international riders including a team from Italy! Both men and women pilot these century old machines.
Some riders travel solo. Some come as teams. Some focus on careful preservation. Others push performance and endurance. What they all share is respect for the history of these motorcycles and the desire to truly ride them, not just display them.
A True Motorcycle Endurance Ride
The Motorcycle TransAm Endurance Run is not about trophies or bragging rights. It is about the experience, the challenge, the people, & the stories that come from riding old machines across BIG miles.
If you are looking for a cross-country motorcycle challenge that blends mechanical skill, personal growth, and a strong sense of community, the TransAm might be exactly the adventure you have been searching for.
Whether you ride, wrench, or simply love antique motorcycles, this event continues to prove that these old bikes still have plenty of life left in them.
Interested in learning more or applying for a future run? Follow along as we share rider stories, route previews, and behind-the-scenes updates from the Motorcycle TransAm.
Quick FAQ’s
How long is the ride?
Approximately 16 to 17 days across the country, covering roughly 4,000 miles.
How many riders are accepted?
75 riders only. The limited field keeps the experience tight knit, personal, and well supported.
What kind of support exists?
Support crews do not follow riders during the day. Crews travel pit to pit and are ready for you when you arrive each evening. Riders are responsible for managing their own day on the road, with a sweep vehicle providing backup if needed.
How do applications work?
You can register for the 2027 event here
If accepted, you will receive a welcome email with next steps!
Photos by: Olivier Touron, Kazuo Matsumoto, Ed Harriger, Eddie Phillips
Want to sign up for our email list? Do it here!
Sponsored by: Legends Motorcycles, Sinless Cycles, Competition Distributing, Veritas Vintage, Antique Motorcycle Club of America
