Motorcycle trade fairs are not dead – on the contrary, they are experiencing a real comeback. After a period of uncertainty and the standstill caused by the pandemic, they are coming back.
People want to be there again, touch motorcycles, exchange ideas and experience the real trade fair feeling. But how did it come about?
A fresh start after the crisis
The pandemic has made life difficult for many industries – including the trade fair industry. Corona paralyzed almost everything, and many thought that physical trade fairs might finally be a thing of the past. It seemed as if the future belonged entirely to digital. Virtual presentations, live streams and online events suddenly dominated the scene, and many wondered if there would ever be real trade fairs again.
The big question was: Who needs exhibition halls these days when you can experience everything online? But the answer was not long in coming. The longing for the real experience, the personal exchange and touching the machines grew from year to year. And so the return of the trade fairs began – slowly but surely.
The Eicma shines in new splendor
One of the best examples of this is the EICMA – also known as the Milan Salon. After difficult years in which it lost its shine, it is now coming back with full force. From November 7th to 10th, the big names in the industry will once again be showing their bikes in Milan. KTM, Harley-Davidson and even BMW, which had distanced themselves from the fair in the meantime, are back. The There is simply no substitute for direct contact with fans and experts.
While Eicma once ran the risk of being dominated by Chinese manufacturers jumping into the gaps left by the absent major brands, this year’s show shows that the European and American manufacturers reclaim the stage. Milan becomes the center of the two-wheeled world again, and it seems that the industry has found itself again after years of confusion.
The Intermot finds its role
And also the Intermot, once a major rival of Eicma, is finding its way back. Although it has lost some of its international importance, the Cologne trade fair has cleverly repositioned itself. From 5 to 8 December it will now take place as a national trade fair for the German market, with the aim of providing a sort of preview of the coming year. Here, the great glamour that is found in Milan is not expected, but Intermot wants to show diversity, present types and trends and create a sense of community.
A new trade fair feeling
What the trade fairs show is that physical experiences cannot be completely replaced by digital offerings. Sure, live streams and online events have their place, but there is nothing comparable to the feeling to see a machine live, hear the engine and talk shop with like-minded people about the latest trends.

The motorcycle fairs are a symbol of the fact that Traditions continue to exist in the modern world can if they adapt to the changed conditions. The sense of community that is created by these events cannot be replaced by anything. Those who are said to be dead live longer – and this is especially true for motorcycle trade fairs.
After the season is before the season, and it remains exciting to see how this industry will develop in the coming years. But one thing is certain: The trade fairs are back and they are here to stay.
These motorcycle trade fairs are coming up:
- 2024 EICMA - Milan, Italy: 7-10 November 2024. The largest international motorcycle trade fair, where almost all major manufacturers present their new products.
- 2024 INTERMOT - Cologne, Germany: December 5-8, 2024. One of the most important motorcycle, scooter and e-bike trade fairs worldwide, with many exhibitors and promotions.
- 2024 Essen Motor Show - Essen, Germany: November 29 – December 8, 2024. A leading trade fair for sports vehicles, motorcycle accessories and tuning.
- 2025 Motorcycle World Lake Constance - Friedrichshafen, Germany: 31 Jan – 02 Feb 2025. A large international motorcycle trade fair with an extensive program of motorcycle accessories and travel.
- 2025 IMOT - Munich, Germany: February 21-23, 2025. One of the largest motorcycle trade fairs in Germany, showcasing new models, accessories and clothing every year.
- 2025 Motorcycles Dortmund - Dortmund, Germany: February 27th – March 2nd, 2025. One of the largest motorcycle trade fairs in Germany with many highlights, shows and new products.
- 2025 Bremen Classic Motor Show - Bremen, Germany: 31 January – 2 February 2025. A trade fair for classic vehicles and motorcycles with vintage car parts markets.
- 2025 moto-austria - Wels, Austria: 7-9 February 2025. Austria's largest trade fair for motorcycles and scooters, known for a wide range of exhibitors.
- 2025 Motorcycle Fair Leipzig - Leipzig, Germany: February 7-9, 2025. Large exhibition with novelties, accessories, clothing and shows.
- 2025 Hamburg Motorcycle Days (HMT) - Hamburg, Germany: January 24-26, 2025. Northern Germany's largest motorcycle trade fair with new models and a spectacular stunt program.
- 2025 Riesa Classic Car and Parts Market - Riesa, Germany: February 15, 2025. A must for vintage car enthusiasts and motorcycle parts collectors.