FIVA International Historic Motorcycle Show 2019

Hosted by FHVI

On the 1^st and 2^nd of June 2019, history was made in the Vintage and Classic Motorcycling world of India.

In celebration of FIVA Motorcycle Week, FHVI hosted the FIVA International Historic Motorcycle Show, 2019 in Bangalore. For the first time, 200 of the most rare and exclusive motorcycles, scooters and mopeds from the early 1900s to the 1980s, assembled in front of the iconic UB City. For the first time, these two wheeled heroes came out from behind the shadows and took center stage.

As thousands of spectators walked through the gates, their eyes glistened with excitement; they were amazed at the spectacle. Neatly arranged according to the brands were some of the most precious jewels tucked away in different parts of India. Most were from companies that no longer exist, but whose legacy after this event, will continue for generations.

On entering the venue, what unfolded was a history lesson like no other. The eyes first went to a giant screen that articulated the meaning of ‘Historic Vehicles’ and the Federation’s role to Preserve, Protect and Promote them. Then clippings portraying the stories and legacies of brands like Royal Enfield, TVS Racing and Harley Davidson played. Moving along, the display began with the ‘Modern Classics’ (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki) then Rajdoot, Sunbeam and Royal Enfield.

Right in the center were the oldest entrants, the 1868 Boneshaker, the 1886 Penny Farthing, the 1920 Douglas, the 1925 AJS, the 1927 AJS, the 1926 BSA and propped behind them were vintage petrol dispensers, pressure gauges and enamel signs boards that completed the picture.

Then came the brands like Yezdi, Jawa, AJS, Ariel, BSA, BMW, Norton, Matchless, Triumph, Velocette, Scooters – (Vespa, Lambretta, Cezeta and Maicoletta) Mopeds – (Lambretta Innocenti, Vicky, Kreidler, Peugeot, Norman, Philips and NSU),  Indian, Harley Davidson and Panther. Finally it was time to witness the one-off category, the rarest of rare bikes, which many have never even heard of,  Jap, Zundapp, Gorick, Moto Guzzi, Lavarda, Pannonia Chapel, and Cossack . There was also a special category for the ‘Racing Legends’ which included an array of bikes that once raced the tracks of India. 

The event was inaugurated by the humble Super Star of South Indian Cinema – Puneeth Rajkumar along with the President of FHVI Dr Ravi Prakash, and the Director of the Prestige Group – Uzma Irfan.

The entry was free for all, the main intention behind this was to be able to educate as many individuals as possible with respect to the importance of preserving and protecting the country’s motoring heritage.

The two days saw tens of thousands of people walk through 600 feet of history. Everywhere the eyes glanced, the mind jumped with curiosity and left the senses travelling far and beyond.

Looking back, many say it felt like a dream, one that they were so grateful to be a part of.

The event would not have been possible and accessible to all, if not for the support of the Sponsors.

Lead Sponsors – Prestige, UB City

Co-Sponsors – TVS Jupiter,  TVS Racing, Royal Enfield

Associate Sponsors – Boman R Irani, Harley Davidson, C Krishniah Chetty and Sons, Conrad Bengaluru, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, Chivas, Campo Viejo, Heineken,

Partners – Radio Partner Indigo 91.9, Filter Partner, BMC Filter, Lubricant Partner Shell Advance, Polish Partner Bubbles Car And Bike Spa, Online Media Partner Luxury Volt, Video Partner, Picturesque Studio, Photography Partner: Sanket Patel