Biggest Ever F2R Motorcycle Industry Event Fills Medellín’s Plaza Mayor

After breaking attendance and exhibitor records in 2022, this year’s F2R event launched during a morning event at Medellín’s Metropolitan Theater, adjacent to the Plaza Mayor convention center where most of the event was taking place. During the closed first day open only to industry insiders, over 7,000 were in attendance, though unlike previous years, the public portion of the convention was extended to three days instead of two, giving the public more opportunity to participate.

Over the course of four days, 80,000 attendees passed through the convention grounds to absorb everything motorcycle related, along with participation from bicycle, electric mobility, and all-terrain vehicle manufacturers. Motorcycles were on display ranging in price from under $1,000 USD up to well over $50,000 USD.

The absence of Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda calls into question their commitment to the Colombian market.

International exhibitors brought in about twenty-four tons of merchandise from Brazil, China, Spain, the United States, India, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, Panama, Taiwan and Venezuela. Among the items registered are motorcycles, bicycles, helmets, spare parts, clothing, souvenirs and more, taking advantage of the fact that Plaza Mayor is a transitory free zone, removing duties and VAT on exhibited products.

With the exception of Kawasaki, that had a strong presence demonstrating its commitment to the Colombian market, the strange absence of the three Japanese brands: Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki was more than compensated by new market entrants demonstrating the Vibrance of the Colombian motorcycle market, and Latin America more broadly. For example, new vendor Vento Motorcycles made its Colombian debut  and announced a pre-sale of 300 motorcycles during the event.

Harley Davidson has been a faithful and enthusiastic exhibitor every year (photo: Loren Moss)

High end vendors like Harley Davidson and Ducati were also on hand, as were storied brands like Triumph and Royal Enfield.

Aside from commercial exhibits, there were 32 academic sessions attended by over 1,100 industry professionals, students and devotees, as well as accolades for groups such as women riders and motorcycle clubs.

The third annual stunt competition took place, with winners being:

Female:
Angie Dayanna Camargo Gómez – La Mona Stunt
Rookies: Belsasar Castillo Obregón – BelsaStunt299

Pre Experts:
Jhon Camilo Restrepo Vélez – Camilo Stunt

2 stroke Experts:  
Eduardo Messino – Neider Stunt

4 stroke Experts:
Pablo Zapata Parra – Vocha

High Cylinder:
Pablo Zapata Parra – Vocha