26 January,2026 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal Ashar
Yorik D’Abreo with the award at the fiesta. Pics/Atul Kamble
When Yorik D'Abreo, 44, won an award for the âBest Maintained Indian Heritage Motorcycle' at the ongoing annual vintage car fiesta at the World Trade Centre Cuffe Parade it was a mixed emotions moment for him. His 1964-manufactured Jawa 250 bike, a real eye catcher at this fiesta, was his late father Anselm D'Abreo's vehicle. Senior D'Abreo passed in November 2025.
His son, Yorik maintained the bike and entered it in this exhibition. Yorik said, "This award is not just for me, it is for dad. I could literally âhear' dad applauding when I went up on the dais to claim the prize on Saturday night. I look in the sky, and amidst the stars I see his face, smiling with pride. That is why the award evoked mixed emotions - happiness at getting it and slightly sad too as I wish dad was here to accept it."
Yorik, an Andheri resident, said, "This bike was bought by dad second hand from a church priest in the early 1970s, when dad was in his early 20s. He knew the bike like the back of his hand. He did all the repairs, upkeep on his own. Dad's friends who owned bikes often visited when their machines needed repairs⦠his popularity zoomed," laughed Yorik. Today, the bike has stood steadfast amongst generations. Yorik said, "Dad rode with a couple of his buddies, and today the sons of those [his] buddies are friends, which means me and the other guys, we still have our dad's bikes."
Yorik's late father and his bike. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Wheels and wisdom go together. "My father taught us it is not just fun riding but also maintaining the bike yourself and understanding it. That philosophy has stayed with me, and I do most repairs and maintenance myself," said the oil and gas industry professional. That maintenance spans engine overhauling, basic upkeep and tuning.
Yorik's younger brother Kyffin is also an avid biker and runs a motorcycle workshop called Kyff's Customs in Goregaon. Yorik added, "I restored this bike in my brother's workshop and it was done last in 2022. Though we have changed the colour of the bike several times, 2022 was the last time we did so."
As a sign off, Yorik stated that the days the bike has been exhibited, "has been a real honour for me. This is the first time that I have participated in a car fiesta, which, of course, has bikes too. There are so many young people coming to the exhibition. I see curiosity, excitement and mobile cameras flashing everywhere with the ubiquitous selfies," smiled Yorik.
"To young riders and enthusiasts I say, and through this bike prove I practice what I preach: Do not discard something simply because you can't fix it at once. Try and repair it. Even if you cannot, do understand and take the pain to cherish what you have till it becomes priceless. The same philosophy applies to life. Learn to build, repair, and have patience. Do not simply give up," said Yorik.
