2024 Royal Enfield Motoverse: Unparalleled Jamboree

Earlier known as Rider Mania, the Royal Enfield Motoverse is one motorcycle festival which should be high up on your list every year if you eat, sleep and breathe motorcycles. What started as a small gathering of Bulleteers, over a decade ago, has now grown into a grand spectacle that attracts bikers from around the country. It's a fusion of freedom, camaraderie, and passion that motorcyclists hold close to their heart. It transcends beyond just the motorcycles; it’s about the stories, the experiences, and the undeniable bond that connects riders. We attended the Motoverse this year and I have to say, it was nothing short of incredible.

At the heart of it was an impressive array of modified motorcycles, a few ground-up custom builds and some based on the Shotgun 650, each one with a meticulous attention to detail. A few of my favourites included the ‘Parivartan’ by TNT Motorcycles, which had a fully revised body, a short-cut exhaust that was oh-so loud and a massive rear wheel with a monoblock alloy. Then there was the ‘Denim 650’, built by Bulleteer customs with girder suspension up front, a scrambler style exhaust and brushed stainless steel end cans. Finally, the most insane custom bike at this year's Motoverse was the ‘Buraaq’ built by Sayed Omar Siddique. It was built around a 1000cc v-twin engine made by joining two 500cc UCE heads. Taking inspiration from drag-spec RE’s, it boasted a clip-on handlebar, brass accents and wooden details. These custom bikes were a testament to the craftsmanship of some of India’s top custom builders.

Apart from the bikes, Motoverse was an experience in itself. The festival took place in the lively atmosphere of Goa, where attendees could immerse themselves in music, social events, and the collective spirit of motorcycling. It was a place where like-minded people came together to celebrate their shared love for riding and also learn from the experts. Many folks improved their riding skills through off-road training sessions at the Motothrill area and then put those skills to the test in dirt track races. Heck, there was even a slide school where people could come and learn how to flat track on the newly unveiled FT450 flat track bike based on the Guerrilla! This was the joy of riding in its most unfiltered form.

When the day’s activities ended, visitors could head over to the ‘Motoreel’ area to grab a drink and listen to fellow riders share their experiences, watch some incredible jamming sessions, or simply relax and take in the music from the various artists playing in the evening.

One of the more unique attractions at the event was the ‘Maut ka Kuan,’ which translates to the ‘well of death.’ In this stunt, riders defy gravity as they loop endlessly on a motorcycle, around a large wooden cylinder, suspended by centrifugal force on the walls that would go round and round at speeds up to 80kmph!

The event also had all the Royal Enfield bikes on display, including the new Goan Classic 350, the Scram 440 and the Classic 650 Twin, but what I was really keen on seeing was the Himalayan electric test bed that looked almost production ready. In addition to this, the event also had a ‘Flying Flea' zone which previewed the brand's plans to go electric under a new arm.

All-in-all, the Motoverse was not just an event for hardcore riders but also a space where people could truly relax, have fun, and bond over their shared love for motorcycles. With everything from tattoo stalls to good food, the event created an environment where passion, creativity, and friendship flourished. It was a celebration of the way motorcycles bring people together. The festival reminded everyone why motorcycling isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s a lifestyle, a passion, and most importantly, a journey best enjoyed with others. As I said, it's an event everyone should definitely look up to, if you love motorcycling and want to celebrate it in the best way possible.