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Daredevils create new world record for highest human pyramid on moving motorcycles

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On 20 January 2025 Indian Army’s “Daredevils” motorcycle display rider team belonging to the Corps of Signals created a World Record for the highest human pyramid measuring 20.4 feet by putting together 40 men on 7 motorcycles and covering a distance of 2 kilometres from Vijay Chowk to India Gate on Kartavya Path in New Delhi.

This was the tallest human pyramid –ever created on seven moving motorcycles and is likely to be repeated at the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2025.

The performance demonstrated the high level of precision, skill and intricate coordination of each rider positioned strategically to maintain perfect balance and structural integrity. The latest record adds to the team’s impressive list of 33 spectacular achievements endorsed by the Guinness Book, Asia Book, and Limca Book of Records.

Significantly the previous world record for the “highest moving pyramid ride on seven motorcycles” was created by the ASC Tornado display team on 9th November 2020. The Tornado Riders led by Captain Shivam Singh had achieved highest moving human pyramid of 209 inch height by balancing 39 men on seven motorcycles and covered a distance of 1.2 km in 1 minute 11 seconds. This was mentioned as a new world record by the International Book of Records.

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The significance of the new world record for the highest human pyramid measuring 20.4 feet created by the “Daredevils” showcases the coordination, teamwork, discipline and training of the motorcycle stuntmen who practice for over 500 hours per year to perfect such complex formations. Each rider undergoes rigorous physical and mental preparation and is an example of the courage, dedication and discipline of the Indian Army’s brave hearts.

Prior to this, the Daredevil riders demonstrated their bravery and skill by putting together a seemingly impossible task by stacking 58 riders in a 7-level human pyramid at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. The feat – maintaining balance for a distance of 300 meters was witnessed by thousands of spectators and the Guinness World Records team which was also present on the occasion and recognized the achievement as a world record.

This pyramid was formed on a Royal Enfield motorcycle, driven by an experienced motorcyclist with 20 soldiers in the bottom row and finally 15, 10, 7, 5, and 1 soldier on the top. All the soldiers were trained to maintain balance through a special type of formation and exercise.

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The previous world records created by the Daredevils include:

  • 40 men on 07 motorcycles in 1991
  • 81 men on 09 motorcycles in 1994
  • 140 men on 11 motorcycles in 1996
  • 201 men on 10 motorcycles in 2001
  • 56 men on a single motorcycle in 2013

By creating these records, the Daredevils team has proved that the Indian Army soldiers have the ability to accept and win every challenge. With this record, the Indian Army has not only registered its name in history, but has also given every Indian another reason to be proud.

The Daredevils team of the Indian Army’s corps of signals known for its amazing performance in the country and the world was formed in 1935. It is the Indian Army’s oldest performing Despatch Rider Display Team. It has created many motorcycle stunt records and has been performing at over 1600 events like the Republic Day, Army Day parade stunts and other prestigious ceremonial occasions for over 85 years. This not only shows their physical strength and balance, but is also a proof of their mental toughness and teamwork. 

The team headquartered at 1 Signal Training Centre, Jabalpur comprise of volunteers who possess extraordinary skills, self-determination, mental alertness, courage, physical stamina, and precision in driving, maintaining and handling motorcycles.

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Congratulating the Daredevil riders for their historic achievement Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pandey said, “This achievement is a symbol of the courage and discipline of the Indian Army. The Daredevils have made not only the army but the entire country proud.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted, “The Indian Army’s Daredevils team has once again made the impossible possible. This is not only a victory for the army but for the entire country.”

The “Daredevils” Motorcycle Display Team, has a long history of accolades and is known all over the world for its outstanding performances.

The Daredevils were flagged at India Chowk by the Signals Fraternity by Lt Gen Kanwar Vinod Kumar the 29th Signals Officer-in-Chief who is the Head of the Signal Corps in the Indian Army, which is responsible for all military – radio, telephone, and digital communications.

Indian Army motorcycle display teams

The Indian Army has several elite motorcycle display teams, each with its own unique identity and history. Some of the notable ones include:

  • Daredevils (Corps of Signals) – the oldest motorcycle display rider team – raised in 1935 and known for its breath taking performances
  • Tornadoes (Army Service Corps) raised in 1982, known for performing high-speed stunts,  precision and teamwork
  • Shwet Ashwa (61 Cavalry)- raised in 1957, known for equestrian skills and motorcycle stunts
  • Thunderbolts (Corps of Engineers) – raised in 2000, Known for their precision, high-speed stunts and teamwork
  • Royal Riders (61 Cavalry)- raised in 1957, Known for their horse riding skills and motorcycle stunts
  • Shwet Ashwa (Presidential Bodyguards) known for its precision riding and intricate formations.
  • Rajputana Rifles motorcycle display team famous for its daredevil stunts and formations
  • Corps of Military Police – motorcycle display team, known as the “Shwet Ashwa” (White Horse)  

These motorcycle display teams due to their exceptional riding skills, teamwork heart-stopping daredevil stunts are pride of the Indian Army. Each of these teams is capable of riding in close formations, jumping over obstacles, wheelies, drifts and precision riding formations, such as weaving in and out of each other, and riding in perfect synchrony.

Here are some records created by the Army display teams:

Records by the ASC Tornadoes

  • Guinness World Record for most motorcycles in a pyramid – 25 motorcycles in a pyramid formation (2018)
  • Longest duration riding in a pyramid formation – 1 minute and 30 seconds (2019)
  • Most people riding motorcycles in a circular formation – 20 riders (2020)

Records by the Shwet Ashwa

  • Guinness World Record for most motorcycles in a dome formation – 30 motorcycles in a dome formation (2015)
  • Longest distance covered by a motorcycle team in a single day- 1,200 km in 24 hours (2017)
  • Most motorcycles in a spiral formation – 25 motorcycles (2019)

Records by the Rajputana Rifles Motorcycle Display Team

  • Guinness World Record for most motorcycles in a tunnel formation – 20 motorcycles in a tunnel formation (2016)
  • Longest duration riding in a tunnel formation- 2 minutes and 15 seconds (2018)
  • Most people riding motorcycles in a zig-zag formation- 15 riders (2020)

These records demonstrate the exceptional skills, precision, and bravery of the Indian Army’s display teams.

Why Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles are used for performing stunts?

One common feature of all the Indian Army’s display teams, including the ASC Tornadoes, Shwet Ashwa, and Rajputana Rifles motorcycle display team, is that they all use Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles for performing their stunts. The main reason behind this is that the Royal Enfield Bullet is a classic Indian motorcycle that has been in production since 1932 and is known to be rugged, reliability, and simple, making it an ideal choice for the Army’s display teams.

But each of the Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles used by the display teams are specially modified to perform stunts and formations. The modifications include:

  • Customized exhaust systems: To enhance the sound and performance of the motorcycles.
  • Specialized tires: To provide better grip and traction during stunts.
  • Reinforced frames: To withstand the stresses and strains of performing stunts.
  • Customized seats and handlebars: To provide better control and comfort for the riders.

Training and induction of crew members

The training and induction of crew members in the Indian Army’s display teams is a demanding and rigorous process in which only the most skilled and dedicated riders are selected to join the elite teams. The length of training can vary depending on the individual’s experience and skills. Here’s an overview of the training and induction process:

Initial Selection

Soldiers from various Army units volunteer to join the display teams. These volunteers undergo a thorough physical and medical examination to evaluate their fitness and suitability for the role. The volunteers are also assessed for their riding skills, including their ability to handle motorcycles and perform basic stunts.

Training

  • Basic Training (3-6 months): Selected volunteers undergo basic training, which includes – motorcycle handling, maintenance, basic stunt riding, as well as safety procedures and emergency response
  • Physical conditioning (3-6 months): Recruits undergo physical conditioning training to improve their strength, endurance, and flexibility.
  • Advanced Training (6-18 months): Volunteers who complete basic training move on to advanced training, which includes: complex stunt riding including jumps, wheelies, and precision riding, formation riding, including pyramids, tunnels, and other complex formations, and precision riding
  • Specialized Training (3-6 months): Volunteers may undergo specialized training in areas such as pyramid riding which require precise timing and coordination, tunnel riding, and fire riding in which recruits learn to ride through flames, which requires specialized training and equipment.

The total training duration can range from 18 to 36 months, depending on the individual’s progress and the team’s requirements. 

Induction

New recruits undergo a probation period, during which they are closely monitored and evaluated. Recruits who complete the probation period are integrated into the display team, where they work closely with experienced riders and trainers. Even after induction, team members undergo continuous training to refine their skills and adapt to new stunts and formations.

Safety

Riders wear safety equipment, including helmets, gloves, and protective gear. The display teams follow strict safety protocols, including regular safety briefings and emergency response plans. Medical support teams are always present during training and performances to provide immediate medical attention in case of an emergency.

Team Leaders

Here are some important team leaders of the Indian Army’s display teams:

Dare Devils:

  • Havildar (Honorary Captain) Srikant Prasad (2011-2014): Led the team to set a new Guinness World Record for the most motorcyclists performing a simultaneous pyramid.
  • Subedar (Honorary Lieutenant) Mahabir Singh (2014-2017): Under his leadership, the team performed at the 2015 Republic Day celebrations and set a new record for the longest duration of a motorcycle pyramid.
  • Subedar (Honorary Lieutenant) Rajesh Kumar (2017-2020): Led the team to perform at the 2018 Army Day celebrations and set a new record for the most motorcyclists performing a simultaneous wheelie.
  • Havildar (Honorary Captain) Deepak Kumar (2020-present): Currently leads the team and has performed at various events, including the 2022 Republic Day celebrations.

ASC Tornadoes

  • Major General R S Chand: Former Colonel Commandant of the Army Service Corps (ASC) and founder of the ASC Tornadoes.
  • Colonel R K Singh: Former Commanding Officer of the ASC Tornadoes and a renowned motorcycle stunt rider.
  • Major Vivek Jaggi: Current leader of the ASC Tornadoes and a skilled motorcycle stunt rider.

Shwet Ashwa

  • Colonel Anil Kumar: Former Commanding Officer of the President’s Bodyguard and founder of the Shwet Ashwa motorcycle display team.
  • Major General Ravi Kumar: Former Colonel Commandant of the President’s Bodyguard and a renowned motorcycle stunt rider.
  • Captain Rohit Kumar: Current leader of the Shwet Ashwa motorcycle display team.

Rajputana Rifles Motorcycle Display Team

  • Colonel H S Bawa: Former Commanding Officer of the Rajputana Rifles and founder of the motorcycle display team.
  • Major General R K Karwal: Former Colonel Commandant of the Rajputana Rifles and a renowned motorcycle stunt rider.
  • Major Amit Kumar: Current leader of the Rajputana Rifles Motorcycle Display Team.

These team leaders have played a crucial role in shaping the Indian Army’s display teams into the world-class formations they are today.

Qualities of team leaders

The team leaders must:

  • Possess exceptional motorcycle riding skills, including precision and control.
  • Have strong leadership qualities to motivate and guide their team members.
  • Be able to assess and manage risks associated with the team’s performances.
  • Be able to think creatively and come up with new and innovative stunts and performances.

Conclusion

The Indian Army’s display teams, including the Daredevils, ASC Tornadoes, Shwet Ashwa, and Rajputana Rifles motorcycle display team have created a name for their exceptional motorcycle riding skills, precision, coordination and bravery. These teams have thrilled audiences worldwide with their death-defying stunts and intricate formations. With a rich history and tradition, they showcase the Indian Army’s discipline, skill, and excellence. Their performances are a testament to the army’s values and traditions

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Neeraj Mahajan
Neeraj Mahajanhttps://n2erajmahajan.wordpress.com/
Neeraj Mahajan is a hard-core, creative and dynamic media professional with over 35 years of proven competence and 360 degree experience in print, electronic, web and mobile journalism. He is an eminent investigative journalist, out of the box thinker, and a hard-core reporter who is always hungry for facts. Neeraj has worked in all kinds of daily/weekly/broadsheet/tabloid newspapers, magazines and television channels like Star TV, BBC, Patriot, Sunday Observer, Sunday Mail, Network Magazine, Verdict, and Gfiles Magazine.

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