FREDDIE SPENCER

Living legend: the only man to win the 250-cc and 500-cc world championships in the same year

CEAT TYRES

Now in the second year of their association with IBW as the official safety partner, CEAT chose the fifth edition of IBW to launch their new Zoom Rad X1 range of tyres. The unveil was done by none other than legendary three-time MotoGP world champion Freddie Spencer.

Other than the Zoom Rad X1 range of radial tyres, aimed at the 200- to 400-cc bikes, the popular Gripp XL range of rubber was also on display, as were examples from their other range of road rubber. CEAT also had videos, a virtual reality experience of going extreme trail riding, and even a photo booth.

PERFORMANCE RACING

One of India’s best-established motorcycle gear and accessory shops, Mumbai-based Performance Racing had a large stand at IBW at a prominent location in the airconditioned pavilion. Apart from a couple of motorcycles on display, they also had a range of Arai and HJC helmets for sale in various sizes and designs. Other items at the Performance Racing stand were Ixon jackets, pants and leathers, Forma boots, Sidi boots and a variety of top-shelf motorcycle accessories. As an added incentive to shop at IBW, all products were being sold at 20 per cent off their marked price. Freddie Spencer also spent some time here, meeting fans and signing autographs.

MOTOCULT

A clothing brand developed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, Motocult had a variety of clothing products and accessories to display to the vast crowds of the festival. This is a fashion brand developed for bikers who want to hit the road and there was a plethora of items for keen riders who want to express their love for bikes as well as fashion. The brand showcased a selection of jeans, jackets, T-shirts, shoes, and bags. Even Fast Freddie dropped by for a visit and tried out some of their gear.

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES

The British marque has been a part of IBW before, too, and was just as visible this year, with a stall that was full to brim with exciting motorcycles from their portfolio. These included the brand-new Street Triple RS and the Bonneville Speedmaster, both of which made their public début at IBW itself. So much so that they even had a Street Twin hanging from the ceiling! Couple that with celebrity appearances, interactions with the Triumph owners, and a whole lot more this pavilion was definitely a beehive of activity on both days.

We were a part of a convoy of hundreds of Triumph machines that made quite an entry to India Bike Week as we rode into the venue astride the myriad machines that make up the iconic brand’s diverse line-up here in India. A celebration of four years of brotherhood, camaraderie and adventures astride two-wheels, this ride underscored the bonds forged amongst these Triumph owners who rode down from all over the country to Asia’s biggest biker bash. There were also celebrities present: actor Amit Sadh and Indian motor sport legend Vijay Parmar, both of whom were part of the ride as well. The latter even led sessions of the Tiger Trails Academy where the attendees could go and hone their off-road skills astride a Tiger 800. HARLEY-DAVIDSON

The big Bar & Shield brand has been part of IBW since day one and they didn’t shy away this time around either. Quite the opposite, in fact, since H-D’s funky Goan shack-styled pavilion was the first one you saw upon entering the venue. Overlooking their flat-track racing course, the stall had a cool café and bar vibe, complete with an intimate, live acoustic session from Indian rock ‘n’ roll legend Valentine Shipley. Harley’s Model Year 2018 line-up was also on display as a collective in India for the first time and the new range of American cruisers were a sight to behold. The flat-track course too, was a novel introduction, and showcased the edge-of-your-pants fun you can have in a competition like flat-track racing.

UM MOTORCYCLES

UM Motorcycles brought the Commando, Commando Classic, and Renegade Sport to their stall at IBW. The airy tent-like stall also had a wall dedicated to biker accessories, and the overall vibe from UM was an extremely chill one. There was also a fun selfie window which paid tribute to Umling La, the new highest motorable pass in the world. INDIAN MOTORCYCLES

The revered American cruiser brand had a massive stall present as well, and showcased a whole host of their bikes at IBW. They also launched the Scout Bobber, an oldschool avatar of the Scout, at the event and then placed it on display at their stall. Needless to say, crowds came in droves to check out this latest creation from Indian, along with the clothing, bike accessories and assorted merchandise on display here. AVANTURA CHOPPERS

India’s newest custom motorcycle brand was also on show at India Bike Week, and was easily one of the showstoppers of the event with their in-your-face extreme choppers on display. Avantura Choppers, as a brand, was officially unveiled to the public and the two models currently in their line-up, the Rudra and the Pravega, were on show for the assembled motorcycle enthusiasts. To show off the level of customisation these bikes can attain, there was also a fully kitted-out version of the Rudra on display.

BMW MOTORRAD The famous Bavarian manufacturers entered their first India Bike Week and were definitely among the show-stoppers. The two-storey setup, near the main stage, with a bar above the bikes at ground zero meant passionate bikers could sip a cold beverage while looking out at the action under way at the centre stage. Their complete line-up of bikes was on display to their aficionados and the stall was always packed with enthusiasts. BMW Motorrad had also set up another stall, the Motorrad Cafe, beside the food stalls where one could sit and grab a snack while surrounded by BMW bikes such as the S 1000 RR and R nineT. Visitors also got to witness the unveiling of two new bikes from the Bavarian giants, for the R nineT Racer and the K 1600 B were officially launched at the festival. SERVO One of the foremost names in automotive lubrication, Servo lubricants from Indian Oil Corporation, had a unique stall – the Pit Stop – one that let visiting enthusiasts practice their wheelies! No, it wasn’t a track, but a machine set-up that incorporated a Hero Impulse mounted to the machine that, when fed with the right amount of throttle and clutch control, would rise up and allow the rider to hold and carry the wheelie. Apart from that, the several red-top tents made for some great parking and chilling, providing respite from the blazing Goa sun, and several examples of biker eye-candy. FOODERIES There was no shortage of good grub that required either one hand or two. From the sizzling Bike BBQ and the almost traditional Noronha’s food corner to the big food court and parked food-trucks that served burgers as you like it, lip-smacking fare was everywhere.

BIKE WASH What IBW is complete without the Bikini Bike Wash? After getting down and dirty with your bike at the events on hand, there’s no better way to clean up than to have a sultry siren soap up your ride and make it squeaky clean, as good as new, and ready to go.