The latest edition of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is over and, as always, it was an excellent gathering of people and machinery, though also, unfortunately, wet. Saturday, the day I was there, began overcast, then threatened rain most of the day before turning into a downpour in the afternoon. Bikes were out in force but, my eyeball estimation is that attendance and bikes were down from their usual levels. Coupled with that, when I turned on my camera, the rechargeable batteries, I had charged the night before, were completely dead. However, as an excellent example of the type of folks you find at Vintage Days, Carl, from Michigan, saved the day with some batteries to get me going again. Thank You Carl!
In past years I’ve tried to focus on certain bikes to show you who and what was there, but it becomes more difficult each year. It’s hard to give you an impression of the numbers and variety of bikes by showing only a few.
For instance, the Ohio chapter of the Honda CBX club was there with a tent full of perfect bikes in both stock and highly modified form.
Many Honda CB 750s, all great, from perfect sandcast originals to modified cafe racers and everything in between.
Matthew Biberman was there with the Vincati. It looks like the engine belongs there and unless you know something about bikes, it would look like any of the other fine vintage rides on display, except, this bike and engine were never intended to mate.
If your idea of a cafe racer is something a bit older and less common, how about a Velocette?
A very nice example of the Craig Vetter designed Triumph Hurricane.
Of course, without the batteries from Carl, seen here on the far right, none of these photos would have been possible. Thanks again, Carl! I truly appreciate it.
Stan says
I know how you feel. I am a freelance photographer and at events of this size, you can’t shoot every bike. I follow the idea of the best and the most extreme. I try to get an overview of the event to show just how large the event is so when some one asks “how come you didn’t get a shot of my bike?” I blame the editor. I wish I was able to be there. You did a fine job , seeing Murphy struck. I say WELL DONE.
Chris says
That Hurricane has *the* best pipes in the history of motorcycling. Three is a magic number.
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skadamo says
I learned first hand what you guys go through trying to report on events like this. Trying to take notes, take pictures, track down people you want to talk to etc. I went there to cover TTXGP eGrandPrix. Did you see the electric bikes there?
Seeing the vintage bikes was a great learning experince. Saw a Nimbus bike / side car with exposed valves. http://www.flickr.com/photos/skadamo/3762623826/ New to me. I only had time to walk a few rows. I’m sure you could spend a week talking and looking. Did bikes race this weekend? 😉
hoyt says
That Rickman & Velocette are excellent. Thanks Paul & Carl.
It would be interesting to see the Hurricane next to the CBX 6 while in the same side-stand pose.
FREEMAN says
My old roommate had a CBX from his father that he was restoring. That’s a scary bike. Nice sound, though.
Matthew Biberman says
Nice meeting you at Mid-O! Thanks for the support! The Vincati ended up winning best Modern Cafe Racer in the Cafe Racer show. If you ever make it down to Louisville look us up. Next up: Leno’s Garage (August 13), Signing at Glory, LA (Aug 14th) and we will be showing the Vincati at Pebble Beach on the 15th and 16th in the Mid-America Auction tent.
steve says
rode the heck out of a Red and white 441 like the one pictured and pulled many a wrench on the red lightnings. Love those old brits!
julie says
Could you please let me know who won the raffle of 59 & 09 Bonnevilles.
Regards,
Julie Australia
Antony says
Hey look!! a 441SS like mine but with an engine in the middle, damn main bearings.
Michael says
Sweet!!
Robert Payne says
Loved the Vintage Days.Attendance was a little low but still good.I take a camera every year and come home with no pictures. How can you choose what to shoot first.Sit on top of the big hill,road racing to the front,vintage motocross to the left and a swapmeet on the right.Oh yea, those great sounds of tappets and two-strokes you can only get at Mid Ohio….
JohnR says
Nice Hurricane!
I bought mine brand new in 1973 and still have her. Mine is one of around only 50 which were originally sold in the UK and I can’t believe there are many one-owner bikes left. The owner’s club (TR3OC) don’t know of any one-owner bikes over here across the pond and I’d be interested to hear of any others anywhere in the world. Let me know on thehurricane3@hotmail.co.uk if you know of any – thanks JohnR