Photographs by TVS Crew
Year after year, the onset of winter triggers a mass migration of bikers to Goa’s sun-kissed beaches and breezy coastal roads. It would seem like a pilgrimage of sorts to many, celebrating the end of the monsoon, dry tarmac, and pleasant weather. It’s not really a coincidence then that TVS hosts a celebration for its loyal community exactly at this time. Think sunny skies, a cool sea breeze, and a bunch of like-minded biking enthusiasts all gathered together to ride, race, and revel under one banner. There’s just no excuse not to go!
TVS MotoSoul 4.0 was all this and more, with multiple stalls and activities, like virtual racing as well as the real deal. I witnessed quite a number of participants at the dirt track and the Drift-R Flat Track, all keen to have a go at the custom Ronin flat-track bikes. Among all the enthusiasts, it was easy to make out families with kids running about here and there, young couples, solo birds, and, most obvious of all, the flocks of different regional biker clubs. Everyone was having a grand time, irrespective of what they rode in on, and the vibe was extremely welcoming. It was probably the fact that everyone was in Goa and having a good time.
Talking about good times, as far as competitions go, races were being held in multiple classes for the dirt track, a stunt showdown took place, and the regional clubs went head to head in events like the slow race, an obstacle course, a flat-track race, and even a motocross fitness arena for the fitness freaks. It was just one thing after another in an endless loop of activity for that weekend, and there was always something to do or be a part of!
The brand that pioneered the ‘One Make’ championship in the country, being the first Indian manufacturer to introduce the series in 1994, TVS had made sure that everyone was reminded of that racing heritage with a display of its race bikes through the years. It has also given numerous prospective racers a stage on which to display their exceptional talent, and champions like Harith Noah, Aishwarya Pissay, Jagan Kumar, Rugved Barguje, Saimah Baigh, and Rushabh Noah were celebrated at MotoSoul, and they also engaged in interactive sessions with the crowd.
Both days saw a flurry of activity, especially at the main stage, where TVS unveiled the updated Ronin, a new engine platform called the RTXD4, and multiple collaborations with riding gear and accessories manufacturers like Alpinestars and Givi. Spectators also saw the unveiling of many interesting custom builds based on the Ronin and RTR 310 by Indonesian custom bike builders, Smoked Garage, as well as other builders. Quite a lot is happening for the company, and the right time and place to let everyone know about it, too.
Now, on the sidelines, there were multiple fun activities happening for the attendees, giving them opportunities to win goodies and bragging rights among their buddies. Among the many stalls selling riding gear and other merchandise, there were also quite a few food stalls that had the most insane aromas wafting around invitingly. Sustenance was very much needed in between racing on the dirt tracks and bobbing to the funky beats played on stage.
For those who were there for the music, performances by artists such as Raftaar, KRI$NA, and the incredible duo Vishal-Shekhar were the highlight, not to mention the many up-and-coming artists who opened the shows. I couldn’t help but join the crowd as we swayed in unison to Madaari and other soulful tracks.
MotoSoul 4.0 was a lovely weekend altogether, and I’m sure everyone there can back me up on it. As always, all good things must come to an end, but the best thing about this is that we’ll be back at the next one before you know it!
