Younger Membership of AMCA

[IRON]

Nickel Norton writes:
"As an example, I've read articles and seen blogs showing high school vocational programs that bring in a vintage bike, such as a Honda CB or a similar "cheaper" donor bike that is not running. According to recent articles, these "non-college" programs are on the rise with the skyrocketing price of college tuition. The students learn about the bike, work on it, and present their work to the public. Seems like a great opportunity for some AMCA advertising and get kids interested who are already into the more mechanical side of things."

The Badger Heritage chapter of the AMCA is very fortunate to have one of these vocational programs in the community. The chapter is beginning to become involved in a local high school program that "Pairs high-school kids with vintage bike building mentors"! The kids love it, the mentors really enjoy it, and it provides the opportunity for these kids to enjoy our restored and stock antique motorcycles. Both fun and educational for ALL involved!

Like Nickel Norton says, its a great opportunity to improve AMCA awareness among our youth while getting them interested in the old bikes.

Ride Free
IRon

[rwm]

in 1984 i took my 28 model b to shop class. i wanted to get the frame brazed. long story short. someone told the principal that an antique motorcycle was in the shop class. he put an end to the repair real quick." no motor vehicle repair aloud in shop class"
your waiver for kids riding will do nothing for the bystander who is run over while standing in line for ice cream. i'm shocked nobody has sued wauseon over the pea gravel that gets shot from the racetrack. it's sad to live in a sue happy world.

[Spag]

Eric,
No reason to catch hell. Your opinion on this subject is held by many in the AMCA. I may agree with you if I saw an influx of young people into the Club. But I don't see that happening and many others agree with me. The AMCA is a niche club but in my opinion for ALL antique motorcycles not just a few brands. That definition encompasses a lot of owners of old bikes. Don't get me wrong. I don't think the AMCA is on the verge of demise. It is not. But assuming that owners of old bikes will always "find" the AMCA is a mistake that other vintage vehicle clubs have made. Some are now struggling to slow the decline in membership. We should always try to appeal to all ages of enthusiasts and owners of all brands so we don't have to worry about a slow or perhaps faster slide in membership that is sure to come if we are complacent, particularly if we lose a generation of old bike enthusiasts. Again, thanks for your input.
Richard

[Spag]

Drew,
I understand your dilemma and it's not just the NY school systems. Our Chapter considered buying an old Honda and donating to the local school system "shop class" in Western PA. I made a call to the school administrator with the idea and you would have thought I was calling from Mars. He said there are no shop classes anymore or at least "hands on" automotive classes. I expected that there would not be a motorcycle shop class but maybe fit the motorcycle into the automotive class. I was told that the school system only teaches "Automotive Technician" classes which deals with training students to use computers to diagnose problems with cars since most cars are now set up for computer diagnostics. And because that is where the jobs are in demand. I still remember shop class. I guess the administrator was thinking: Who is this old guy on the phone:-)
Richard

[Spag]

Excellent point "fciron." The target group for the AMCA is any motorcyclist in the age bracket 18-35 regardless of the brand of motorcycle they own or ride. Most in this group already have a motorcycle license. It then becomes a question of how to convince these young people that the AMCA is a place for them to feel welcome and the bikes they like and ride are appreciated.

As far as children under the age of 18, isn't it the parent's decision whether a child rides any type of motorcycle and not the decision of any AMCA Member, Chapter officers or the AMCA? I can assure you that any parental release signed at a Chapter or National Meet could easily be challenged in court and perhaps expose all of the above to potential liability if the release were declared void. Not trying to be lawyer-like here but just practical.
Richard

[exeric]

At the risk of catching hell; where is all of this going? This is the AMCA, the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and our mission is to preserve, and promote the antique motorcycle. In all of the years I have been a member, this club has always been inviting to the young, and dare I say, irresistable to the young. Motorcycles are as magnetic to young people as sex, so why does this club think it has to do something extraodinary to lure youth. I'll repeat what I said before, keep the AMCA a welcoming, and inviting place for everyone, but remember this is suppose to be about old motorcycles and a place where people who do love old motorcycles can associate with like minded people. It hasn't happened yet, but if you want to make this a happy place for everybody who breathes, you'll water it down to the point where no one will care. Antique bikes are a niche interest and they always will be. This club is like a corn stalk; it's only going get so big; and what's wrong with that?

[DanM]

Actually, the AMCA policy and procedure doesn't allow us to let little kids ride their bikes around. Even kids of amca members should not. Bob and I will need to try something like starting them or perhaps not riding them. But the parents must be involved either way- although I've never seen a kid show up alone on his bike. Although once a mother drove an older boy down... AShe called to find out where to go...

[D.A.Bagin]

Thanks for the direction, Richard. I was thinking this could be used as a crowd-sourcing opportunity. We have so many members that use this site, and I'm sure some have very valid and interesting ideas to increase the younger population of the club. Any ideas should be considered. As an example, I've read articles and seen blogs showing high school vocational programs that bring in a vintage bike, such as a Honda CB or a similar "cheaper" donor bike that is not running. According to recent articles, these "non-college" programs are on the rise with the skyrocketing price of college tuition. The students learn about the bike, work on it, and present their work to the public. Seems like a great opportunity for some AMCA advertising and get kids interested who are already into the more mechanical side of things.

Interesting thought about donating a bike. I tried for 3 years to donate a 1970 running bone stock XLH Sportster to the Orange County, New York, B.O.C.E.S. trade school system. It needed a correct carb put on, (which I was providing), light disassembly and cleaning up, couple correct nuts and bolts, and I mean just a couple, and locating an original 70 paint set and it was a Winners Circle O.P. bike. I got the slow you know what and ended up giving it to a contractor friend of mine for some work around the house. I offered to help with figuring out and finding what they need and anything else that I was capable with. It never went beyond yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll call you next week, ok, ok, ok., I'll call you tomorrow. It was like I was trying to take advantage of THEM. I figured they could fix up the bike, sell it and get another one, and perpetually have something to teach people with.

[Robert Luland]

I found the answer to the liability issue. A little modification in the lab and we're solid!

[fciron]

Educating children about motorcycles and getting younger adults interested in the AMCA are two very different things. Both are worthwhile, but one does not necessarily lead to the other.

[Steve Swan]

The no license -no ride thing is an important thing.My first motor bike was a 3 HP Briggs that my 12 year old brother and I[age 8] mounted on my bicycle.With belt drive to rear wheel.My first big bike ride the same year 125 Sachs race bike[major jump and crash immediately].Riding friends Vespas,Lambrettas,Honda 50s and 70CTs and many no names.Many years before legal.Can the AMCA insurance cover a grass ride on little bikes for kids to get em going?Even mopeds and cushmans are fun stuff-would make for a cool video!!Kiddy slow race 1 gear only or centrifical clutches only

if insurance has an issue, then have parents sign a waiver. and have adult who signed waiver present, when kid rides. it's going to be the simple practical action that makes a difference. and, there should be no excuses or reasons why simple practical things can't be done. we put a man on the moon in '69; getting kids involved isn't rocket science.

[duffeycycles]

The no license -no ride thing is an important thing.My first motor bike was a 3 HP Briggs that my 12 year old brother and I[age 8] mounted on my bicycle.With belt drive to rear wheel.My first big bike ride the same year 125 Sachs race bike[major jump and crash immediately].Riding friends Vespas,Lambrettas,Honda 50s and 70CTs and many no names.Many years before legal.Can the AMCA insurance cover a grass ride on little bikes for kids to get em going?Even mopeds and cushmans are fun stuff-would make for a cool video!!Kiddy slow race 1 gear only or centrifical clutches only

[Nickel Norton]

Thanks for the direction, Richard. I was thinking this could be used as a crowd-sourcing opportunity. We have so many members that use this site, and I'm sure some have very valid and interesting ideas to increase the younger population of the club. Any ideas should be considered. As an example, I've read articles and seen blogs showing high school vocational programs that bring in a vintage bike, such as a Honda CB or a similar "cheaper" donor bike that is not running. According to recent articles, these "non-college" programs are on the rise with the skyrocketing price of college tuition. The students learn about the bike, work on it, and present their work to the public. Seems like a great opportunity for some AMCA advertising and get kids interested who are already into the more mechanical side of things.

[Spag]

This thread started with Nickel Norton asking Forum members to address an issue which has been on the front burner of discussion within the AMCA for several years. He stated in part: "There should be a concerted effort toward younger potential members that they (and their bikes) will be welcome and supported within the club. I am interested to hear how others feel about this situation as I want to see the club thrive for decades to come and wonder what ideas others may have on this topic."

For the most part, the discussion has been on topic with the expected different points of view expressed. Let's ignore the name calling and continue this very important discussion.
Richard

[rwm]

I hope Hebron is ALIVE with the sounds of farts, and we can set up a special riding area down the back end where the long "drag strips" go, and kids CAN ride there. Let's hope some show up!! I will put my little Yamaha there and we can let the kids kick start it or ride it too. I let a kid kick it at a promotional and he was pretty stoked.

todays kids grow up in a different world. let one ride your bike and crash. see what he or she owns 2 years later. i know you say special area but it wont happen if they are not licensed to drive a motorcycle. sad is it not? although it would solve the problem of a not for profit club with a profit..