India Bike Week 2024: Riding the Wave

For over a decade, Goa has been the stage for one of India’s largest gatherings of motorcyclists – India Bike Week (IBW). After the grand celebration of its 10th anniversary last year, IBW returned for another weekend packed with adrenaline-fuelled excitement. Two-wheeler enthusiasts, donned in their best riding gear, from all over the country converged on the scenic hilltop in Vagator, creating a symphony of roaring engines.

Motorcycles Ahoy!

A significant highlight of India Bike Week is the manufacturer pavilions, where brands showcase their latest and most exciting offerings. This year, KTM stole the spotlight with a stand brimming with new motorcycles ranging from motocross machines to the mighty 1390 Super Duke R. KTM also unveiled the upcoming 390 Adventure and 390 Enduro R motorcycles, set to be launched in India in early 2025.

Hero Motocorp also brought their 450 Rally motorcycle, which helped Ross Branch win the 2024 FIM W2RC Championship, alongside their tarmac-friendly machines. The off-road excitement, however, was not confined to static displays – in fact, across the two days, a variety of events were organised to challenge and test riders’ skills, including slow races, flat track experiences, and even a small stunt pavilion set up by Bajaj.

The event wasn’t solely about cutting-edge machines; nostalgia also played a big role, with retro machines, motorcycles adorned with artwork inspired by the Ramayana, and even customised choppers captivating the crowds. And of course, numerous rider groups rode down to the venue on their personalised machines.

Pitstop Pleasures

Apart from all kinds of motorcycles, there were also a variety of tasty food and excellent live performances by artists like Oaff & Savera, Divine, and Brodha V. What stood out this year was a kind of palpable energy coursing through the crowd – sense of genuine excitement and enthusiasm for being part of the moment.

IBW also attracted accessory and gear manufacturers. Visitors could browse an impressive range of riding gear collections, catering to both style and safety. For those looking to upgrade their machines, a variety of accessories – from top boxes and hand grips to suspension kits and more – were also on display.

Riding into the Sunset

While there were definitely fewer motorcycle launches at IBW this year, the event still had plenty to keep the crowd engaged. For anyone considering to ride down to a motorcycle festival, India Bike Week offers a fantastic experience, not only in terms of two-wheel action but also in terms of opportunity to connect with like-minded enthusiasts.

The camaraderie and memories here go beyond the event itself, spilling into lively nights at local cafes and interesting group chats that keep the spirit of IBW alive throughout the year. It’s more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of motorcycles and the community that continues to resonate long after the engines cool down.