INTERMOT 2025 in Cologne, Germany

INTERMOT 2025 Cologne – the rare motorcycle exhibition that the industry never treats as “just another show”. It is Germany’s premier winter motorcycle show and one of Europe’s key platforms where brands, dealers, and riders meet face-to-face.

The event takes place at Koelnmesse exhibition centre in the Köln-Deutz district, right next to Köln Messe/Deutz station. For visitors this means easy logistics; for exhibitors – direct access to a massive flow of industry professionals and end buyers.

In December, INTERMOT transforms the Koelnmesse halls into a gigantic motorcycle park: new models, custom builds, riding gear, electric and hybrid solutions, accessories and services – all under one roof for four action-packed days.

Who should attend INTERMOT 2025 Cologne

If motorcycles are your life – whether you work with them or spend every free day in the saddle – INTERMOT 2025 is a must on your calendar.

• Owners of motorcycle dealerships, service centres and shops who want to see next-season models first and secure direct supply agreements.
• Importers and distributors of motorcycles, gear and parts looking for new brands and exclusive lines.
• Manufacturers and buying teams – for them INTERMOT is a working platform for negotiations, product launches and press conferences.
• Bloggers, content creators and moto-journalists – the show delivers the most “live” footage and personalities for reports.
• Everyday riders, beginners and those choosing their first bike or scooter – test rides, expert advice and side-by-side model comparison in one day.
• Custom culture and tuning enthusiasts who need to see unique builds and source parts for individual projects.

Importantly, INTERMOT is designed for both trade professionals and the general public, making it equally valuable for business and pure enjoyment.

History of INTERMOT: from IFMA to the winter motorcycle show

INTERMOT was launched in 1998 as an independent continuation of the motorcycle segment of the legendary IFMA exhibition. The first editions were held in Munich; later the show returned to its home city of Cologne and has been permanently based at Koelnmesse since 2006.

By the mid-2000s INTERMOT already attracted over 1,000 exhibitors and around 187,000 visitors. In 2014 the show crossed the 200,000-visitor mark, cementing its status as one of the world’s largest motorcycle exhibitions.

The 2018 edition drew approximately 220,000 visitors from nearly 100 countries and over 1,000 companies, occupying about 180,000 m² total area, including 68,000 m² of outdoor activities and test zones.

In 2022, after a pandemic break, INTERMOT returned in a refreshed format with around 100,000 visitors from 75 countries and roughly 500 brands and companies. Starting 2024 the show moved to an annual winter cycle and now takes place in December.

For many years INTERMOT has been regarded as the second most important motorcycle show globally after Milan’s EICMA, while remaining the primary gateway to the German market – Europe’s largest motorcycle market.

Scale and benefits of INTERMOT 2025 for exhibitors and visitors

The biggest advantage of INTERMOT is its sheer scale, backed by hard numbers rather than just slogans.

• Historic records: up to 220,000 visitors and more than 1,000 exhibitors in peak years.
• In 2018 the show covered around 180,000 m², of which 68,000 m² were open-air tracks and activity zones.
• In 2022 – around 100,000 guests, approximately 500 brands and companies from over 30 countries, with a high percentage of trade professionals.
• In 2024, on about 50,000 m², roughly 300 brands turned Koelnmesse into Germany’s largest motorcycle venue.
• Market coverage: in the 2024 winter edition, participating manufacturers represented over 70 percent of the German motorcycle market.

For exhibitors this means precise contact with the target audience and instant market feedback on new models. For visitors – the chance to see in one day what hasn’t yet reached dealership floors.

INTERMOT at Koelnmesse: atmosphere and show format

Unlike classic static exhibitions, INTERMOT feels like a living festival. Inside the halls you hear engines roaring, outside – the smell of rubber and petrol, in the custom zones – rows of bikes with people constantly sitting on them, taking photos and debating details.

In 2024 the focus was on new formats: CREATOR LOUNGE as a magnet for the younger community and influencers, a dedicated KICK STARTER 125cc zone for beginners, and INTERMOT live powered by Bering – a stage running interviews, shows and panel talks all day.

For racing fans the organisers arrange meet-and-greets with teams and riders – essentially an off-season paddock show. Add test-ride areas and the city of Cologne with its bars, Rhine promenade and old town, and you get the perfect destination for a short motorcycle trip with real business results.

Six major brands at INTERMOT 2025 and their participation

The exhibitor list varies year to year, but the key indicator is which names choose INTERMOT for their German premieres. Below are six brands that exhibited at the latest winter edition and are confirmed as core players for upcoming shows.

• Yamaha Yamaha uses INTERMOT for high-impact launches. In 2024 the brand unveiled 2025-season models, including the German debut of the sporty R9 and refreshed touring and adventure bikes. It’s a perfect chance to reinforce the sporty image in a country where track days and touring are hugely popular.
• Ducati The Italians traditionally bring their star models to Cologne – from Panigale and Streetfighter to Multistrada. The Ducati stand is always packed with fans and photographers, and new-model reveals often turn into mini-shows with presentations and autograph sessions.
• BMW Motorrad The home-brand actively uses INTERMOT to showcase the direction of its lineup – from road-oriented F 900 models to GS family concepts. BMW frequently brings race bikes and training partners, turning the stand into an entry point to a complete ecosystem of riding courses and adventures.
• Kawasaki The Japanese manufacturer presents both updated bestsellers and future-tech – hybrid and electric models plus prototypes running on alternative fuels. At INTERMOT 2025 Kawasaki puts one of the strongest emphases on sustainable mobility.
• Honda Honda combines classic models with electric concepts. Visitors see new electric prototypes, large-displacement engine concepts and affordable A2 bikes with retro charm – a rare chance to experience “the future of Honda” in one hall.
• Royal Enfield The brand blends heritage with modern trends: at INTERMOT 2025 it premiered electric concepts referencing wartime classics and new road scramblers for the German market. Royal Enfield confidently uses the show to strengthen its image of “affordable classics” with contemporary technology.

In addition to these marques, INTERMOT regularly hosts Suzuki, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Zero Motorcycles, Sym and dozens of other brands – from premium to niche players.

Products and services showcased at INTERMOT

In terms of assortment, INTERMOT 2025 is a complete showcase of the motorcycle industry – from heavyweight tourers to garage accessories.

• Motorcycles of all classes: sport bikes, tourers, naked bikes, cross and enduro, scooters, 125 cc beginner models and retro classics.
• Electric motorcycles, hybrid models, electric scooters and urban mobility solutions.
• Riding gear and apparel: helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, rain suits, protective gear and smart equipment with airbag technology.
• Accessories and tuning: exhaust systems, suspension, brakes, lighting, luggage systems, custom parts and styling elements.
• Workshop solutions: tools, lifts, diagnostics, software and consumables.
• Travel and service companies: worldwide motorcycle tours, insurance products, clubs, riding schools and training centres.

Separate areas are dedicated to custom builds and individual projects where visitors can find both finished bikes and suppliers for their own creations.

Tips and life hacks for INTERMOT 2025 visitors

To avoid getting lost across tens of thousands of square metres at Koelnmesse, a little preparation goes a long way.

• Download the official INTERMOT app. It lets you browse exhibitors, products, event schedules, plan your personal route and save favourites – a massive time-saver on site.
• Plan at least one full day, ideally two. One day for major brands and test-ride zones, the second for customs, gear, negotiations and quieter halls.
• Bring your own helmet and gear. Some test rides require personal protection, and queues move faster when you’re fully equipped.
• Check out CREATOR LOUNGE and the INTERMOT live stage. Meet bloggers and racers, watch live interviews and catch insights into how motorcycle culture is evolving.
• Use the KICK STARTER 125cc zone if you’re choosing your first bike. Dozens of 125 cc models are gathered there with consultants on hand so you can calmly compare fit and ergonomics.
• Don’t skip weekdays. On weekdays big stands have noticeably shorter queues – it’s easier to talk to engineers and managers and ask non-marketing questions.

Inside Koelnmesse there are cafés, food courts and rest areas, so you can comfortably spend the entire day without leaving the exhibition grounds.

How to exhibit at INTERMOT 2025 and the role of a professional stand builder

To become an exhibitor at INTERMOT 2025, register on the official website, choose your stand type and calculate the cost per square metre. Base rental rates, marketing packages and additional services are detailed in the “Facts and figures” section.

Koelnmesse offers various formats – from standard inline stands to fully custom designs, plus services for logistics, visitor management and more. Dedicated sections cover stand construction, build-up and dismantling deadlines, passes and extra options.

If you don’t have your own production facilities, it makes sense to entrust the stand to a company specialising in European exhibitions. For example, ESBAU – professional exhibition stand builder in Europe – can design a stand tailored to INTERMOT 2025: taking into account Koelnmesse hall specifics, visitor flow and organiser requirements.

A fast option is exhibition stand rental “turnkey” from ESBAU with branding in your corporate style. You select configuration and size, the team prepares the design, handles all approvals with Koelnmesse and delivers a ready-to-use stand on opening day so your staff can focus solely on client meetings.

Why include INTERMOT in your marketing plan

INTERMOT stands out from many motorcycle events by combining huge public popularity with a serious B2B agenda. The world’s biggest manufacturers, thousands of riders, influencers and buying teams are all present at once.

For brands it’s the opportunity to unveil new models before the season starts, gather instant rider feedback, strengthen presence on the German market and conduct dozens of negotiations in one go. For visitors – the chance to see, touch and sometimes test ride motorcycles they’ve only read about in the news.

If your business goal is to be highly visible in the motorcycle world and reach a focused European audience without random contacts, exhibiting or visiting INTERMOT at Koelnmesse is one of the most effective – and genuinely enjoyable – marketing tools available.