According to reports, motorcycle theft has been increasing in Italy, with over 31,000 bikes stolen in 2022 alone. Nonetheless, at the world’s biggest major motorcycle show, EICMA 2023, a group of individuals attempted to steal a Kawasaki KX250X while the event was being taken down.

Two individuals, a father and his 18-year-old son, attempted to take advantage of the chaotic environment of the teardown to make off with a new Kawasaki KX250X. They posed as workers and tried to move an extra bike off the show floor on Monday, November 13, 2023.

At around 9:30 a.m. local time, the pair, accompanied by two others, arrived at the Kawasaki stand and claimed to be there to transport four bikes. They then proceeded to take the four bikes and exit the area. However, it was soon discovered that only three bikes were scheduled to be transported at that time.

After the theft was reported, members of the military conducted a search and found the stolen bike inside a truck. The pair were apprehended for questioning, and the bike was returned to Kawasaki.

Why Take a KX250X?

The motivation for targeting the KX250X remains unclear. The bike is valued at about 11,000 Euros in Italy and approximately $9,000 in the US. It is not particularly expensive compared to other new motorcycles. The reasons for choosing this specific bike can only be speculated at this point.

• They may have wanted it for a specific purpose.
• They could have been enthusiasts familiar with the bike.
• They may have taken it simply because it was convenient and nearest to the other scheduled bikes.

Unless this incident is part of a larger organized motorcycle theft operation, the true reasons may never be known. The boldness and audacity of attempting to steal a bike from the EICMA show floor remains a matter of judgment.

Show photos courtesy of EICMA.