Updates

Keep posted on the latest developments, news, upcoming events, podcasts, multicasts and more!

Back from Sturgis

Michael set up his annual exhibition and shot all the bikes in the studio beforehand. These are all online now under Exhibitions and Bikes / 2020

Multicast, Every Tuesday

Women on the Salt! Laura Klock with her daughters Erika and Karlee on the “Coast-to-Coast” Tues (9pm EST) multicast I co-host w/Cris Sommer-Simmons. Tuesday, 8/24 on the Cycle Source Media network.

Next Event

Due to recent rotator cuff surgery September 1 (and COVID postponements), Michael will unfortunately be missing some events he was really looking forward to. Stay tuned.

About the Site

Learn more about Michael Lichter and find out how he went from be-bop drummer to the leading custom motorcycle and biker lifestyle photographer. Check out the Limited Editions gallery and find out more about how to become a collector. You can use the buttons above or click the following links to see custom motorcycles and biker events from around the world.

Notables
Check out these galleries. A full section of motorcycle notables coming soon!
Featured images from last several years shooting the Doobie Brothers
Everyone know Bean’re. We’ve been together all over the world.
Ola Stenegard has been at Indian since 2018. Our paths have crossed worldwide.
MAA and more
After an exhibit of Michael’s photography in Dublin, Ireland was boycotted by the league of decency in 1981, he took a 30-year break from displaying his work. Watch what he’s done in the years since, including 18 years of curating the Motorcycles as Art exhibition.

Updates

Check back here to see which events Michael will be shooting at as the 2023 season gets into full swing.

So many great 2023 Events ahead

Sean and Michael haven't settled the 2023 schedule yet, but we can typically count on Sturgis and Daytona, and with this year seeing the 100th anniversary of Laconia, that will be a hard one to miss. Then there are more and more small shows and events that are as much fun as any events we've ever been to. (Probably more fun!) Let me know if you think there are some events we need to show up at.

"Lichter Notes" on the Dennis Kirk Blog

Did you know Michael has had his own section on the Dennis Kirk Blog since April 2021 where he has posted more than 20 long form features on events and bikes, and in-depth profiles on personalities like Billy Lane, Oliver Peck, Danger Dan and Teach? It's been a pleasure working with the good people at Dennis Kirk, and don't forget, when you need some parts right now, THEY SHIP TODAY!!!

Check out the Lone Star Rally

Have you been checking out the print edition of Classic Easyriders Magazine? I've been photographing all of the cover models since its release in December as well as 60+ pp of photography every month. Please consider subscribing today.

About the Site

Learn more about Michael Lichter and find out how he went from bee-bop drummer to the leading custom motorcycle and biker lifestyle photographer. Check out the Limited Editions gallery and find out more about how to become a collector. You can use the buttons above or click the following links to see custom motorcycles and biker events from around the world

Notables
Check out these galleries. A full section of motorcycle notables coming soon!
Oliver Peck is an amazing Tattoo artist, promoter, and all-around entrepreneur that is one of the most interesting characters I've ever met!
Shinya Kimura is considered one of the best custom builders in the world. He'll just as easily build a salt racer for himself as an eclectic bike for some celebrity in the know.
Danger Dan by any standard can be considered Wild and Untamed. He is one of the most fun loving people you'll ever ride with, and he'll help take any adventure over the top.
January 1, 2023 MOTORCYCLES AS ART EXHIBITION UPDATE
Release regarding Michael stepping down from curating annual Themed Exhibition
For Immediate Release
Motorcycles as Art Exhibit Changes Direction

The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Motorcycles As Art Exhibition is changing format for its upcoming 15th anniversary as the exhibition’s curator, photographer Michael Lichter, moves into an advisory role. Following an incredible run of 14 themed exhibitions at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Lichter will showcase his own work at the 2023 Motorcycles As Art exhibition, leading a group of known and emerging artists and builders. Of course, Michael will be seen all around the Black Hills as he continues to document the rally, as he has done for over 40 years.

Shifting from the themed exhibitions of past years, the platform will expand to become more open and accessible to a wider group of artists and custom builders. The exhibit will continue to highlight custom motorcycles, and there will be an expansion in the display and sales of motorcycle-themed artwork. Motorcycles As Art will continue in the Buffalo Chip’s Event Center, which will undergo a newly conceived remodel to include an adjoining building and gardens for 2023.

Many know Michael Lichter as a world-renowned photographer who has documented the rise in popularity of custom motorcycles and the culture that developed around them for over forty years. As an exhibition curator, he has produced a total of 22 motorcycle-themed exhibitions. Of the eight which preceded the Motorcycles As Art exhibitions at the Buffalo Chip, five were staged at the Journey Museum in Rapid City.

“Michael continues to be an important part of the Buffalo Chip family,” says Chip President Rod “Woody” Woodruff. “An unbelievable amount of work goes into the Motorcycles as Art production, and Michael deserves accolades for his past work, as well as a chance to sit back and enjoy the exhibition. It’s going to be a great year to appreciate the artistry of motorcycling at the Chip.”

The enhanced version of Motorcycles As Art will look deeper into the culture, presenting opportunities for a wider array of builders and artists to unveil and display their work in the updated facility. Lichter will work closely with a dedicated team at the Buffalo Chip as curatorial adviser and his archival photography will be part of the new format. An announcement with specific criteria for artists and builders will be forthcoming.

“Our world is changing quickly, and motorcycling is changing with it,” says Lichter. “The openness of the younger generations concerning life, and more specifically motorcycles, is refreshing and impactful. Let's keep doing our best to be ahead of the curve, accepting, and moving forward. And so, a song keeps playing in my head, ‘the times they are a-changin’ (Bob Dylan, 1964)."

All attendees at the Buffalo Chip are invited to explore this eclectic collection of custom motorcycles and motorcycle art, both on display and for sale, in the Motorcycles As Art Gallery, open for 9 days only during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Motorcycles As Art will continue to be the home of the Buffalo Chip’s industry party, slated for Saturday, August 5th, 2023.

Past and prospective artists, builders and sponsors will be contacted by Buffalo Chip representatives. Inquiries may be made directly to info@BuffaloChip.com
Featured Bikes

Michael Lichter Photography is a commercial photography business in Boulder, Colorado specializing in all aspects of motorcycling, particularly custom bikes and the biker lifestyle.

You can reach Sean, Michael and Catherine in the studio at (303) 449-3906
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