10th Inside Racing Bike Festival and Trade Show

Packed and Pumping

Just a week before the Manila International Auto Show, two wheels took center stage at the World Trade Center in the form of the Inside Racing Bike Festival and TradeShow, last April 2 and 3.

Now on its 10th year, the annual motorcycle motorshow gathered some of the country’s largest motorcycle manufacturers, custom shops, aftermarket parts and accessory suppliers and associated industries.

Long lines to enter hardly daunted visitors as the IR Bike Fest served as the venue for motorcycle model premieres and debuts, as well as launches of some the newest products. Besides the manufacturer booths, Inside Racing also staged a custom bikeshow with some of the craziest custom concepts lined in between booths. Stkd customs also had its special surfing-inspired custom bike show with various scramblers and café racers adhering to the theme.

Among those presenting their latest products was Yamaha Motors Philippines, with a “boom” concept pavillion called the Rev Hall. No less than Yamaha Motor Philippines president, Toru Osugi, was present to introduce their bikes. Newly inducted into the Yamaha family were the MT-07, Super Tenere, Bolt cruiser, and T-Max maxi-scooter. Naturally, Yamaha's entire lineup of scooters, underbones, backbones and big bikes were also present. There was even a 03Gen concept with a wheel layout very much like the current Tricity. The tuning fork family wouldn't be complete, however, without Yamaha instruments, as well as their UTV and jetski.

Over at Suzuki, the marque also presented its lineup in a unique bubble-style pavilion. Bikes like the GSX-R1000 in racing livery, Gixxer, and Raider R150 had their own “bubble” while taking center stage was the GSX Concept Bike, fresh from its appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. On the second day, Suzuki presented its larger bikes, the GSX-S1000, the GSX-R750 and the motocross model – the RM-Z250. Suzuki also recognized members of Team Suzuki Pilipinas for its recent podium finish in Johor Circuit in Malaysia, with team frontrunner, April King Mascardo, taking 2nd place. Besides the bikes, there were also freebies and prizes to those who participated at the Suzuki Booth, had their picture taken or participated in the Test Drive.

Honda filled its stage with its lineup of motorcycles, highlighting the latest RS150 sport underbone motorcycle in various shades and variants. The newYamaha Sniper. Besides this, several models of BeAT, Click 125, ZoomerX, and CBR150R were also present.

Kawasaki had its complete lineup of leisure bikes, from the standard and sport bikes, to a KX450F dirt bike on display.

Ducati featured the new XDiavel S cruiser bike, fresh from its launch at the Bangkok International Motor Show. The rest of the Accent Plus group was there too, with brands like Indian, represented by the Scout, to Italjet scooters and even a Polaris RZR Turbo UTV.

Kymco, SYM, Motorstar, Zongshen and Euro motors showed off their latest line of motorcycles and scooters. TVS presented its Apache RTR 200 4V. Pirelli also took the opportunity to reveal its latest line of Diablo and Angel GT tires, specifically designed for scooters.

Fuel and lubricant companies were also well represented with Petron, Castrol, Shell Advance, PTT, Motul and Eneos to name a few. Tire makers like IRC, Dunlop, CST, Maxxis, Kenda and Shinko also had their own exhibits. Even apparel stores like Motoworld, Racingboy and Spyder set up shop for the show’s visitors.

Besides the launches, exhibitors featured games, activities and challenges for visitors. Special deals were offered by the aftermarket and accessories booths. New riders were also encouraged to sign up to clubs and earn freebies.

Outside, several motorcycle clubs proudly displayed their affection for their beloved brands with special parking for club riders. A test ride track was also set up for customers to sample some of the latest models.

The timing of the show was no coincidence as the 10^th IR Bike Festival and Trade Show, with all the support from manufacturers and distributors, is certainly shaping up to be the MIAS of motorcycles. Despite being just its second year at the larger World Trade Center, the trade show has already packed the venue with its sheer number of visitors and exhibitors, proving that next year will certainly be bigger and better.