Vagator hilltop is a serene place in Goa that is home to one of the most breath-taking vantage points to witness the sun disappear over the glistening Arabian Sea. Except for one weekend in December, where this peaceful place is transformed into a grand extravaganza celebrating motorcycles, motorcyclists, music and good food, the air filled with symphonies of all kinds of exhaust notes, from old-school two-stroke singles to supercharged inline-4s!
For over a decade now, the Goa has hosted one of the most important (if not the only) landmark events for the Indian motorcyclist – the India Bike Week. Enthusiasts have been known to plan their entire calendar and office leaves around it and treat it nothing short of an annual pilgrimage. And this year was the 11th edition of this grand spectacle. We went there with a strong need for a year-end stress-buster, and boy were we in for a ride!
Whether you are a hardcore motorcyclist or the casual bikers, there was something for everyone at IBW 2024.
Custom Bike Build-off
One of the main attractions of IBW, the Custom Bike Showcase has been a great platform for professional and amateur custom motorcycle builders alike, as a true testament to the creative spirit. The 2024 display included a wide array of custom bikes – from retro cafe racers to futuristic builds. Custom builders from across the country displayed their craftsmanship, representing a great fusion of traditional motorcycle design and innovative engineering
Braap!
For those looking to test their mettle, this year’s edition featured two racing challenges – the Hill Climb and the Flat Track Race. The former saw riders race against the clock while taking on the infamous Vagator Hilltop on their off-road motorcycles, the latter saw them challenge other riders while pushing the limits on flat-track-prepped Harley-Davidson X440s
Moto Market
Offering a diverse range of merchandise, riding gear, mods and custom parts, maintenance equipment and so on, the Moto Market had it all. By far one of the most crowded spaces at IBW, it is a place which makes every motorcyclist feels like a kid in a candy store. Local artisans also made their presence felt alongside established brands, celebrating India’s growing motorcycle industry
The Big Trip
One of the highlights of IBW is the educational aspect, where the participants can hear the first-hand experiences of seasoned motorcyclists and interact directly with them. Covering a variety of topics including motorbike maintenance, safety, customisation and riding techniques, the Big Trip tent saw several renowned industry experts and influencers speak their hearts out and spread the joy of motorcycling
Live music and entertainment
Beyond the world of motorcycles, the venue also offered vibrant live music performances by popular Indian artists and bands. The festival featured a diverse lineup blending rock, blues and electronic music, catering to a wide range of tastes. The lively atmosphere was amplified by the presence of food trucks, beachside bars and lounges, where attendees could beat the Goan heat after an exciting day of riding and exploring the festival grounds
KTM 390s!
The IBW has always served as an important platform for motorcycle brands to showcase their line-up, engage directly with their customers and receive feedback from their most ardent fans. This year, KTM came in hot with two big surprises – the 390 Adventure and the 390 Enduro R. While we already got a look at the R versions of the Adventure and Enduro at the EICMA, the IBW was the event that marked the debut of the global debut of the standard variant, which is going to end up in our showrooms
A record-breaking year!
With every passing year, the IBW continues to hold a beacon of hope for the future of motorcycling in India and encourage the next generation to be a part of the culture in a meaningful way. This year’s edition has been the most successful one in the festival’s history, capturing the spirit and camaraderie of the biking community.
Whether you’re a hardcore motorcyclist, an enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates good vibes, the IBW 2024 had something for everyone. Now the biggest challenge for the guys behind the scenes is to make it even bigger in the years ahead. Seeing how they have progressed so far, I am sure they will keep figuring out ways to make it happen.
