From September 18 to 21, 2025, Italian Bike Week (IBW) drew nearly 270,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the Adriatic coastal town of Lignano Sabbiadoro, closing out the summer riding season with a four-day event packed with test rides, off-road competitions, custom bike shows, and regional tours. The event, held in Lignano Sabbiadoro, saw a 40 percent international attendance, according to organizers, with riders from Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic joining locals, signaling its growing status as a European motorcycle destination.
The event kicked off on Friday, September 19, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Luna Park main stage, attended by local officials, including Tourism Councilor Massimo Brini. “The number of motorcycles on our roads this weekend speaks for itself,” Brini said, noting the event’s economic boost and its role in promoting Friuli’s cultural and natural attractions.
A standout feature of Italian Bike Week 2025 was its focus on off-road riding, setting it apart from its larger counterpart, Biker Fest International. The Off-Road Arena hosted free demo rides for adventure, enduro, cross, and scrambler models from Ducati, Fantic, KTM, Kove, RedMoto, Triumph, and Yamaha.
Meanwhile, the Stadium Area offered on-road test rides for new models from Aprilia, Honda, Moto Guzzi, QJ Motor, and Rieju. Over the four days, 1,900 test rides provided riders with hands-on experience on the latest bikes.
The Enduro Days, held Saturday and Sunday on the 12-hour Enduro Lignano course, drew about 100 professional and amateur riders. Lorenzo Macoritto, a factory rider for Osellini Husqvarna Racing in the Enduro World Championship, was among those showcasing skills in open trials organized by MC Sabbiadoro. The same club ran the Enduro Moto-Therapy initiative, where 20 participants with disabilities from the CAMPP institutes of Lower Friuli experienced off-road motorcycling.
IBW stayed true to its roots as a spin-off of Biker Fest International, hosting a round of the Italian Motorcycle Championship Custom Bike Show. The Lignano event crowned Kilometro 32 by Pacelli Custom from Caserta as Best in Show.
A new addition to Italian Bike Week, the ARTigliate Custom Contest, focused on off-road builds in adventure, scrambler, tracker, and classic enduro styles. Santafox from Savona took the top prize for his Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster Sterrato.
A unique highlight was the unveiling of the Galbusera, a motorcycle powered by a 500cc two-stroke V8. Designed in the late 1930s by Plinio Galbusera and Adolf Marama Toyo, the bike existed only as a 1938 mockup at the Milan Motorcycle Show until Friuli craftsman Mirco Snaidero built a working replica from four vintage photos. The project’s story is detailed in Sulle tracce di Marama Toyo: Misteri svelati e il sogno della Galbusera V8 by Franco Damiani di Vergada.
The Free Chapter Italian Event, a Harley-Davidson rally held during Italian Bike Week 2025, drew 700 riders from across Italy and was organized by the Porta d’Oriente Chapter, with director Gabriele Molfetta. They led the Saturday Night Parade, a highlight for spectators.
On Sunday, the US Car on the Beach parade, organized by Cruisin’ Life magazine and the Old School Garage Club, showcased 240 American cars, ranging from a 1927 Ford Roadster owned by Gualtiero Grilli to modern classics.
Italian Bike Week 2025 also promoted regional tourism through Moto Tours Italy, guided rides to Cividale del Friuli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and San Daniele, known for its prosciutto. Adventure Rides offered 150-kilometer off-road routes for enduro enthusiasts, showcasing Friuli’s rugged landscapes.
IBW 2025 featured 11 rock concerts on the main stage starting Thursday, 15 ethnic food options, scenic helicopter rides, and lighthearted contests. The Pin-Up Contest was won by Milan makeup artist Cristina Oddo (aka Miss Twinklered). The Ciao in Ciabatte event saw a caravan of Piaggio Ciao mopeds ride to the beach for a swim and an aperitif. The Beard’s Race, a nod to facial hair culture, was won by Nicola Fusi from Verona in the over-10-centimeter beard category, organized by two-time world champion Fabrizio Bottos. Honda’s Young Riders School provided training for new riders, with a focus on aspiring female motorcyclists, encouraging broader participation in the sport.
Organizer Micke Persello credited the event’s success to sunny weather and strong attendance. “The response to our side events and regional promotion was excellent,” he said. “It motivates us to keep pushing forward.” Italian Bike Week 2025 bolstered Lignano Sabbiadoro as a destination on the global motorcycle map. The next major event in Lignano Sabbiadoro is the 40th Biker Fest International, scheduled for May 14–17, 2026.
Photography by Mattia Negrini, DM Photo, et al
Italian Bike Week 2025 Photo Gallery
