India Bike Week 2025: Relive A Weekend Of Absolute Madness

India Bike Week 2025 returned to Panchgani with a format that leaned more towards rider engagement and motorsport culture rather than outright motorcycle launches. The two-day event brought together enthusiasts from across the country, and here’s all that happened: 

Racing And Rider Programmes 

KTM India announced the next phase of its racing and adventure-focused activities in India. KTM Cup Season 3 has been confirmed to begin on January 17, 2026, with zonal rounds planned across multiple Indian cities before a final round in Chennai. Also, KTM will be using the 390 Duke as its official race bike instead of the RC390 used previously. The programme will see the involvement of Dani Pedrosa, offering selected participants exposure to structured training formats linked to international racing standards.

 

 

 

 

 

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In addition to track-focused activities, KTM also announced the India edition of its global Adventure Rally format. Scheduled for late February, the five-day rally along India’s West Coast will be led by Chris Birch, KTM Dakar Rally rider. Our sources have also confirmed that it is during this event that KTM will launch the international-spec 390 Adventure R in India.

A Hard Enduro Showcase That Sparked Big-ADV Conversations

One of the standout riding demonstrations at IBW 2025 came from Pol Tarres, who took on a hard enduro showcase aboard the Yamaha Tenere 700. Watching a large-capacity adventure motorcycle being pushed through technical terrain was a reminder of how capable modern ADVs can be in the right hands. The demonstration also reignited conversations around the Tenere’s absence from the Indian market, a point Pol himself acknowledged!

 

 

 

 

 

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On-Ground Activities

Several manufacturers chose to focus on interaction rather than announcements. Bajaj showcased its existing performance motorcycle range and had set up a dedicated arena featuring controlled stunt demonstrations and riding-related activities. 

Visual Updates And Customisation Culture

There were a few product-related updates scattered across the venue. Aprilia introduced new colour options for the RS457, offering cosmetic changes without altering the motorcycle mechanically. 

Elsewhere, the aftermarket and customisation space was represented by a limited-run body kit showcased by Autologue Customs in partnership with Rough Crafts Customs for the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. The kit includes revised body panels, lighting elements and cosmetic components, and will be offered in limited numbers. Only 10 units will be produced in carbon fibre, while the remaining kits will be available in FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Plastics).

 

 

 

 

 

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Helmets, Riding Gear And New Entrants

Safety gear had a strong presence at IBW 2025. SMK Helmets unveiled new helmet models across multiple categories and also showcased CE-certified riding jackets. International helmet brands Shark and Suomy announced their entry into the Indian market, adding more choice in the premium helmet space for Indian riders.

 

 

 

 

 

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A Rare Motorsports Display

One of the most talked-about exhibits at the festival was a MotoGP race bike showcased through a collaboration involving Gulf Oil and the Trackhouse MotoGP Team. This marked the first public display of a MotoGP machine in India (outside of a track, that is).

 

 

 

 

 

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While initially, things were a bit chaotic with the venue change, IBW 2025 turned out to be a fantastic event at the end of the day. The colder weather in Panchgani was really the cherry on top. More importantly, the core ethos of such an event – highlighting biker camaraderie and spreading the love for motorcycles and the lifestyle – remained as strong as ever!