IBW Turns 10

The year just gone by (2023) marked 10 years of the India Bike Week (IBW), the country's largest biking festival. Here are the highlights

- Charan Karthik

THE IBW CELEBRATED ITS 10TH anniversary. The theme for this year's event was: "Everyone as One". The highlights included global travel stories, unveiling of the Triumph Bonneville Stealth Editions and the Tiger 900 Rally Pro, Kawasaki W175 Street, the price announcement of Aprilla RS 457, and much more.

Special attractions at this year's IBW comprised the Howling Dog Bar, with compelling stories. Epicureans indulged in the BIG Trip & Ladakh tents, accompanied by cultural music from Project Folk Roads. The festivities included parades by motorcycle clubs across India, Mod Bike Rideups, the thrilling Gulf FMX Show, Harley-Davidson Custom King Showcase, and the excitement of exploring six unique tracks.

The price of the Aprilia RS 457 was revealed: Rs 4.10 lakh (ex-showroom). The most affordable Kawasaki, the W175 Street retro-style motorcycle, was launched at Rs 1.35 lakh, and the limited-edition Tiger 900 Rally Pro and Triumph "Stealth Edition" line-up were also launched.

Celebrating the "bring your own bike" (BYOB) culture, the tracks at the IBW were designed for motorcyclists that included the CEAT-challenging Flat Track, Enduro track, and the Mud Rush. This year's racing was more intense than ever. An arriveand-race feature was also provided by Harley-Davidson, Hero, and Triumph at the Flat Track, Hill Climb, and Mud Rush.

Apart from these, there were activities such as Wheelie Ring of Fire, Well of Death, manufacturer parades, Club Marathons, and, Club Games. The finale of the IBW Bike Build-Off championship was won by Bulleteer Customs and Mod Bike Competition by Kunwar Customs.