Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Evolution of Motorcycle Display Teams from WWI
Motorcycle display teams, like those from the CRPF and SSB, perform stunts during events like the Republic Day Parade.
These teams have a long history, starting in World War I when soldiers used motorcycles to deliver important messages.
Over time, these riders began performing stunts to showcase their skills.
While some people enjoy these displays, others criticize them for being too flashy and not serious enough for the military.
Despite the criticism, these teams continue to perform at major events, drawing both admiration and mockery from different groups.
Motorcycle display teams originated in World War I as messengers for the British Army.
The first official display team, 'Dare Devils,' was formed in 1935.
Teams perform at major events like Republic Day Parades and international games.
Critics argue the acrobatics are unmilitary and reduce the services to a caricature.
Pakistan used AI-generated images to mock the teams' performances on social media.
- Who
- Military and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
- What
- Motorcycle display teams performing acrobatics
- When
- During Republic Day parades and other events
- Where
- India, with origins in World War I
- Why
- To showcase skills and maintain historical traditions
- Origin
- World War I
- Primary Role
- Messengers for important despatches
- Initial Military Branch
- Royal Engineers
- First Display Team
- Dare Devils (1935)
- Notable Events
- Republic Day Parades, Asian Games, Military World Games
- Current Teams
- CRPF, SSB, Dare Devils, Tornadoes, Shvet Ashva
- Criticism
- Perceived as unmilitary and caricature-like
- Pakistani Response
- AI-generated images mocking performances