AMCA Judging, Running Condition

[BNSONS]

I don’t think it’s about the trophy at all. I see it as a way to put a bigger value on an otherwise basketcase bike. Whenever an amca judged bike is for sale that’s the first thing that is mentioned. It’s the owner’s badge of honor which incidentally raises the value of the bike.
Dave

[c.o.]

You bring up a good point Dave. I believe there's something wrong with an "owner's badge of honor". I thought our responsibility was to preserve these machines and their history for future generations. It should be all about the bikes. The fine people in this club are just an added bonus. If it's propping up egos and bragging rights there could be something awry. If it comes down to best restored or original owner, I'm running for the hills!!!

[talbot-2]

I believe that a motorcycle, regardless of age, that is presented for judging, should be able to run as our current rules require.

However, when it comes to getting more pre-1920 motorcycles present at the meets there are many issues that the club might need to consider from the owners standpoint.

Aside from an owners transportation issues of a trailer, trailer security, and motorcycle insurance that any motorcycle owner has to consider, the issue of a suitable display area at motorcycle meets that provides the motorcycle owners with a place for display should the environment be less than satisfactory, i.e., rain, dust, etc. A daytime secure display area as well as an overnight secure storage area at a meet are other issues that also have to been taken into consideration.

It was really nice and a true life saver when we took our early Indian to the Rhinebeck meet this year that they had on-site buildings for the display and judging of cycles since it rained on Saturday and Sunday at the meet. The buildings also served as an over night storage area with security.

Addressing these concerns might make the meets a more desirable venue for owners of early motorcycles to share their preserved machines.

[parkerize]

Hey guys, thank you for all the thoughtful responses. I was so happy to see all the constructive, not divisive commentary. There is merit to everyone's responses. This is the exact type of dialouge I believe our club is all about.

For me its certainly not about the trophy or value as I have a disease of never selling anything (my wife is seeking professional help here). One real concern is the learning and education I and many others I know personally receive from judging. I was just trying to foster a way where we see more pre-16 bikes not only at the meets but also for judging. Look at Oley this year- not one pre- 16 bike to judge; in fact not even one pre-30 bike for that matter. Many of the owner's of these machines (at least that I know) could care less about value but do care about correctness and the joy that the judging system brings. Maybe there is another category of hobbyist/collector/enthusiast that places significant respect for truly "untouched original"; again not at all from a "value" perspective but rather from a virtue perspective. Different strokes for different folks, that's all.

Nonetheless, I am a team player and it seems most here agree for judging "running" requirement is appropriate. Although I respectfully disagree a bit with the comments regarding how easy it is to get some of the non 3 or 4 brand pre 16 bikes running without disturbing history (against lack of parts supply, floats etc.) without disturbing original factory equiptment, but there is always display only; albeit display only does not foster the same learning and education that our judging system affords.

I also agree with the security issue one raised earlier as a matter the AMCA should look into. I presume its boring as hell sitting next to a machine all day preventing theft of gas caps, shifter knobs, etc; but maybe that's the unfortunate reality in today's world.

Again thanks to all for your great thoughts and Happy Holidays! Anthony.

[ricmoran]

Best preserved barn find, worst preserved barn find, best preserved field found, worst preserved field found and any number of combinations from hen house, to out house if you prefer. The class would be noted as
non-operational and for those who bring the mils to life a seperate category for that. Now try finding a judge to take all that on..........

[fillibuster]

Best preserved barn find, worst preserved barn find, best preserved field found, worst preserved field found and any number of combinations from hen house, to out house if you prefer. The class would be noted as
non-operational and for those who bring the mils to life a seperate category for that. Now try finding a judge to take all that on..........

people's choice

[longhorn]

Why not just give everyone who brings a motorcycle to a meet for showing a senior first. That way they can ask more for it on Ebay or some motorcycle auction. Will also get more bikes to the meets. Jus sayin.

[johnnyfire]

Merry Christmas to All,I agree with Kevin and I like Carls '' Display Only '' category!

Johnny Milwaukee/Daytona Beach

[LouieMCman]

Display Only has always been there!