MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND Gets Off to a Very Strong Start to the Season

Five halls, more space, new vehicles, and huge interest from motorcyclists: the TEST & RIDE AREA, RACING AREA, KIDS PARCOURS, and outdoor area all enhance the experience

Four days of the show, spring-like weather, and a clear conclusion: MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND 2026 once again demonstrated at the start of the season why Dortmund is the must-attend spring event for motorcycle fans in western Germany. With 102,000 visitors, the show sent a clear message. Five exhibition halls, more display space, and a high concentration of motorcycles provided visitors with easy navigation, direct comparisons, and plenty of opportunities for interaction. New hands-on activities, loud and quiet experience zones, and action in the halls and outdoor areas thrilled fans and riders alike.

Dortmund, March 11, 2026 – “The date in early March aligns perfectly with the start of the season. Dortmund has been the go-to venue for the industry, exhibitors, and the community for over four decades. The response has been overwhelming: packed halls, heavily utilized outdoor spaces, and new indoor and interactive areas where visitors can try things out, test them, and get involved,” said Sabine Loos, CEO of the Westfalenhallen Group. Even more so than in previous years, Dortmund has focused on the next generation. With offerings for all age groups, simulators, and creator formats, the trade show is clearly appealing to a young audience as well.

A Strong PS Community: Season Kickoff Reaches a Catchment Area of Millions

Located in Germany’s most populous state and at the heart of one of Europe’s largest metropolitan areas, Dortmund draws visitors from a catchment area that extends far beyond the state’s borders at the start of the season. Visitors come from North Rhine-Westphalia and beyond, including northern Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. To the south, its appeal extends as far as the Rhine-Main region. This reach makes Dortmund the go-to event for the start of the season for motorcycle enthusiasts and brands alike. According to a representative visitor survey, more than 75 percent of visitors say they do not attend any other trade show on this topic.

Five exhibition halls, noticeably more space, and a broad product portfolio

With five exhibition halls, around 300 exhibitors, and approximately 25 motorcycle brands, Dortmund offered a brand landscape that made it easy to navigate and allowed for direct comparisons. Many manufacturers were on site not only with individual highlights but also presented their full range of models and themed collections, providing a comprehensive overview of the new season. The lineup was complemented by accessories, tire expertise, apparel, and helmets, as well as components, technical solutions, and services for all things motorcycle-related.

Strong in the Outdoors – New Hall 6 as a Hands-On Attraction

The addition of Hall 6 drew enthusiastic fans every day. With glorious spring weather, the adjacent outdoor areas were used extensively. The centerpiece of the new Hall 6 is the TEST & RIDE AREA: an organized test track on the fairgrounds where visitors can test-ride the latest enduro and street bikes. Since a particularly large number of riders in Dortmund arrive on their own bikes, many had no trouble finding the appropriate gear, including helmets and protective clothing. Clothing items were also available for rent upon request.

With this, MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND created a format that does not exist in this form at any other German motorcycle trade shows. The latest models were available for test rides. The other hands-on activities in Hall 6, such as the wheelie simulator with Dirk Manderbach, were very well received.

Young Talent and the Creator Scene: A Season Kickoff That’s an Experience for All Generations

At the same time, MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND clearly focused on both young and old. One highlight was the KIDS PARCOURS (for ages 6 and up), which—under professional supervision—allowed young visitors to have their first experiences on two wheels. The fact that Dortmund is increasingly appealing to younger audiences at the start of the season was evident in the high usage of simulators and interactive activities, as well as in the significant digital engagement: On Sunday, a livestream targeting the younger demographic reached over half a million views and attracted up to nearly 30,000 concurrent viewers. Numerous industry content creators were also on site, bringing the show to life for their communities.

Industry Perspectives: Clear Benefits for Exhibitors

Exhibitors confirmed on-site the added value of MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND: immediate, direct feedback from the audience, a tangible boost to post-show business, and, at the same time, a high likelihood of closing deals (Comments and quotes from industry representatives are included as a separate document in this mailing). The next edition will take place from March 4 to 7, 2027.

Focus on travel and adventure, plus Bike Woman of the Year

Travel, tourism, and adventure were once again a key focus that clearly resonated with many trade show attendees. The ADVENTURE & TRAVEL STAGE in Hall 2 brought together tour ideas, expertise, and community interaction. Another highlight of the program was the “Bike Woman of the Year” Award ( bike & business). Presented for the ninth time, the award serves as a visible recognition of women’s commitment and achievements in the motorized two-wheeler industry as well as in volunteer work.

Newly redesigned Halls 3 and 4, featuring a wide variety of brands, a Main Stage, and a RACING AREA

The “hardware” was highlighted by the spacious Manufacturer Hall 4 and the newly designed Hall 3, which served as a showcase for strong brand worlds. Brands such as Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, CFMOTO, KTM, HONDA, BMW, BENDA, SW-MOTECH, Kawasaki, and Triumph showcased their latest highlights and new products. The Main Stage ( powered by MOTORRAD) featured daily talks, product highlights, and innovations. Another brand-new feature was the RACING AREA, a digital racing experience on real motorcycles. This transformed racing from a solo activity into an experience in small groups, featuring direct comparisons and a sense of community. The racing simulator was particularly well-received.

Shows, rare motorcycles, and the premiere of the DUST MOTO SHOW

The CIRCUS TRIAL TOUR thrilled audiences several times a day with spectacular stunts during the Dortmund premiere of the DUST MOTO SHOW. The show program was complemented by a BMX flatland performance by Adam Kun. The REVIERBIKE SPECIAL SHOW added visual appeal with extraordinary custom builds, featuring elaborately customized scooters and mopeds for the first time. The exclusive HIDDEN CHAMPIONS exhibition further enriched the trade show: PS.SPEICHER, Europe’s largest classic car and interactive museum, showcased rare motorcycles spanning several decades and highlighted bold technical innovations beyond the well-known legends.

Here’s what exhibitors are saying about MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND 2026:

Constantin Heinemann, Head of Marketing Europe, Benda Motor Europe GmbH
“There are very few trade shows where manufacturers pull out all the stops quite like they do in Dortmund. That’s precisely why MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND is, for us, a collaborative project involving all stakeholders—one designed to offer visitors a truly memorable experience at the start of the season. The large catchment area not only ensures a large number of motorcycle-enthusiast visitors but also guarantees strong media presence and extensive coverage. For us, Dortmund is the perfect platform to further establish our position in the market, raise awareness of our products, and at the same time provide dealers with a strong showcase.”

Thomas Barankay, Head of Marketing and Product, BMW Motorrad Germany
“MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND is a key industry event for us because it directly links the end of the trade show season with the start of the new season. The fact that all the leading exhibitors from the motorcycle, accessories, and apparel sectors are represented here underscores the fair’s special significance. Add to that the welcoming biker community in the Ruhr region and the many authentic conversations about motorcycles at the booth. For us, Dortmund is thus both an industry gathering and the kickoff to the season.”

Peter Kleinhuis, CEO, Clubmotul (Clubmotul is responsible for shopde.motul.com)
“When you compare this trade show to other events, it’s much more diverse in terms of exhibitors. Both large and small companies are represented here, and at the same time, there’s something for the whole family. For us at MOTUL, the direct connection to end consumers is particularly important. MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND is the perfect place to engage directly with end consumers, gather important information about their needs and preferences, and really get to know our customers.”

Christian Kleß, Head of Sales for Motorcycle Tires DACH/EastCentral, Continental Reifen Deutschland
“MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND is an important platform for us to engage directly with the motorcycle community in the region. The fair’s diverse offerings—from the supporting program and free parking for motorcyclists to areas like the RACING AREA—create strong incentives for visitors and make Dortmund an established meeting place. It’s particularly valuable for us to showcase our products here and receive immediate feedback on how they’re used and perceived in real-world situations. It’s precisely this direct contact that makes the trade show so relevant for Continental.”

Ramona Foerth, Back Office and Sales, Ducati Düsseldorf
“MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND is THE trade show in Germany. The name carries weight in the industry, and you can really feel that on-site—in the atmosphere, the quality of the conversations, and the vibe in the halls. For us, the direct and authentic contact with customers is especially valuable, whether it’s about making initial contacts or engaging with existing customers who have specific questions. You can also tell from the visitors just how much the trade show has to offer—the atmosphere is fantastic.”

Albert Erlacher, Head of MC, Honda Germany
“MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND attracts a large crowd every year and is a must-attend event for us between the trade show season and the start of the riding season. We come to Dortmund every year with great anticipation and have never been disappointed here. For us, Dortmund is the central trade show for the motorcycle community because everything related to motorcycles is represented here—from manufacturers to tour operators to associations. Once Dortmund is over, the community knows: Now the season is starting up again.”

Steffen Walther, Sales Manager, LS2 MOTOGEAR EUROPE S.L.U.
“We are very satisfied with MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND. For us, the trade show is the perfect platform to showcase our evolution from a traditional helmet manufacturer to a 360° full-range supplier. Many visitors are taking the opportunity to check out our new products, such as the new X-Master Jacket. What’s particularly special for us is the mix of attendees at the show: here, the average motorcyclist from next door meets top international executives and business owners—this combination of B2C and B2B is something truly unique in Dortmund.”

Maria Scavuzzo, Consumer Marketing Specialist, Moto – METZELER Motorcycle Tires
“As a regular exhibitor, MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND has been a fixed date on our calendar for years. For us, the focus is primarily on direct customer contact, showcasing our products, and engaging in personal conversations on-site. At the same time, Dortmund gives us the opportunity to gather valuable feedback, provide comprehensive information, and offer targeted advice.”

Alexander Kolisch, Director/Head of Marketing & E-Commerce, POLO Motorrad und Sportswear GmbH
“MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND is a very special event for us every year because it’s where we can meet the community and engage in direct dialogue. The trade show is a fixture on the motorcycle scene’s annual calendar. So it’s a perfect fit that we can present our new slogan, ‘Soulmates to your ride,’ here—and, above all, bring it to life.”

Stephan Richter, Head of Press and Public Relations, ps-speicher
As a museum, PS.SPEICHER naturally brought historical vehicles to the show: twelve motorcycles, each with its own unique story. We received many positive, friendly, and knowledgeable responses from visitors at our booth. Overall, it was a successful start for us at MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND. We look forward to continuing our collaboration.”

Christian Kühnen, Product Development Manager, RACEFOXX
“The MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND show was very well attended; things were really busy at our booth, especially over the weekend. What really stood out to us, though, was how many genuine motorcyclists were at our booth—more than we’ve ever seen before, including many young people. That’s exactly what makes Dortmund special for us: Most of the people who come here are true enthusiasts who really know their stuff and are specifically interested in motorcycles, not just casual spectators. The mix at the show is also strong—the booths are exciting, the exhibitors are interesting, and even newcomers are welcomed very warmly. For us, Dortmund is clearly the leading trade show in the region from a logistical standpoint. We’ve been coming for 16 years and always look forward to returning.”

Gregory De Goes, Junior Marketing Manager, SCHUBERTH GmbH
“MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND is the premier trade show for us in Germany. That’s why we’re especially excited to present the S5 ANC—a helmet with active noise cancellation—here as a German premiere, and at the same time to introduce the S3 Carbon, our lightest touring helmet with a pre-installed communication system. The feedback on both new products has been amazingly positive so far, which makes us very confident about the product launch. We especially value the direct interaction with customers here—and that’s why it’s clear to us that we’ll be back.”

Martin Anderson, Marketing Manager for Events & Motorsports, Triumph Motorcycles Ltd
“MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND attracts a large number of visitors, and it’s precisely the clear focus on the motorcycle target audience that makes the show so valuable to us, because it allows us to engage directly with customers and receive immediate feedback from the community. That’s why, in addition to other new models like the Tracker 400, we also brought the new Trident 800—which visitors could not only experience at the show but even win as part of a contest.”

Noah Wilbers, Sales Manager, Wilbers Products GmbH
“For us, MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND is a natural part of our annual calendar. The program is very well put together, the organization is fantastic and pleasantly uncomplicated—which, in this context, is anything but a given. With features like the TEST & RIDE AREA, the Stunt Show, and the RACING AREA, the trade show is also very visitor-friendly and appeals to a younger audience, which is reflected in the overall very positive feedback. The fact that visitors know we’ll be there, seek us out specifically, and seek direct contact precisely because of the advice and trade show discounts underscores just how important this event is to us. That’s why we’ve already booked our spot for 2027.

Kathrin Wunderlich, Head of Marketing and Communications, Wunderlich GmbH
“MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND has been a fixture on our trade show calendar for two decades. Often coinciding with the start of the motorcycle season, it’s an event we all look forward to. In the open, warm atmosphere of the Ruhr region, we are happy to present our latest components for BMW, Ducati, and Harley-Davidson to the knowledgeable audience. Our lineup this year—led by the Wunderlich BMW R 1300 GS EDITION X—and our innovative accessories generated considerable interest, making MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND a resounding success for us once again.”

Irene Seidler, Certified Driver Safety and Mental Coach & Motorcycle Instructor Trainer, Kurven Räubertochter/Heels on Wheels
“The response to the KIDS PARCOURS and the TEST & RIDE Area was really great. That’s exactly what sets MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND apart. The show has almost become like a little family reunion—and this is already my tenth year attending. You see people again who were there last year, and they proudly tell you everything they’ve tried since then, what’s worked, and where their journey is taking them. At the same time, there’s a fresh energy coming in without losing that warm, welcoming feel. And the open booth designs are just cool because they really draw people in and spark conversations. This spirit is what makes MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND so incredibly valuable to the community—and clearly sets it apart from a purely trade-focused fair.”

TRADE FAIR AT A GLANCE

MOTORRÄDER DORTMUND Once a year, the Dortmund Exhibition Center transforms into a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts when MOTORRÄDER Dortmund—one of Germany’s largest motorcycle trade shows—opens its doors. Here, everything revolves around the thrill of riding on two wheels: Leading manufacturers showcase their latest models, complemented by a wide range of motorcycle accessories, apparel, and services. An action-packed supporting program featuring spectacular stunt shows, test rides, and special exhibitions gives the fair its unique, immersive character. Whether you’re discovering the latest innovations or simply letting yourself be swept away by your passion for motorcycles—the fair is the ideal meeting place for all two-wheel enthusiasts.

DATE: March 5–8, 2026; March 4–7, 2027 OPENING HOURS: March 5–7, 2026: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. March 8, 2026: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. MOTORCYCLE PARKING: Free parking for visitors arriving by motorcycle (Parking Lot A3)

VISITORS: 102,000 motorcyclists EXHIBITORS: Approximately 300 companies and brands ORGANIZER: Messe Dortmund GmbH