Younger Membership of AMCA

[AFJ]

AFJ,

Now that you have contributed your own ad nauseum content.

What would you suggest is the best way to get non-motorcycle family kids interested in two wheeled machines?

I say non-motorcycle family kids, because the people that have bikes will likely introduce their kids to them and they would not be the target audience in my mind.

Don,

I think that trying to get children from non-motorcycling families interested in motorcycling or antique motorcycling is not relevant to the issue of “growing the AMCA membership” or even increasing the numbers of younger (adult) members in the AMCA. Motorcycling, of any sort, for young people has always been a tough sell to non-motorcycling families.

Antique motorcycling enthusiasts begin to a large extent as motorcyclists. They get interested in old motorcycles at some stage in their life. Perhaps early on because all they can afford is an old bike. Maybe they like the challenge of rebuilding/restoring a treasured relic. Or they have a desire to get back into motorcycling with a bike like they used to have (or would have liked to have had). Or they are looking for a hobby, investment, want to recapture lost youth – whatever. It is my contention that motorcyclists (current or former) - at all adult ages - are the AMCA’s best potential source for new members.

It is also clear to me that the AMCA has, for some years now, studiously neglected to encourage motorcyclists, in general, to become active in antique motorcycling by joining the AMCA. The statistics show this. There are over 8.5 million motorcycles registered for road use in the USA. The 2013 US membership in the AMCA was around 9,300 full members. That is 1 Antique Motorcycle Club member for every 914 street-licensed motorcycles. In Britain, with about 1 million motorcycles on the road and 17,000 VMCC members there is 1 Vintage Motor Cycle Club member for 59 street motorcycles. Even in Canada, where the climate in many areas discourages motorcycling for part of the year, there is 1 Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group member for 240 street motorcycles.

The conclusion that I make from these figures is that the AMCA’s current “market penetration” is very poor, compared to the two other Antique motorcycle clubs with which I am familiar. It is necessary, I think, that the AMCA has to look more closely at the current situation than it has with the strategic plan document in the May-June issue of The Antique Motorcycle (p49-53). It should look in detail at all particular aspects of the Club’s concepts of mission, its operations, its organizational structure and democratic representation, and as to what it does or does not offer existing and new members. I am not being critical of what the AMCA Board has put together and published, or of the individuals on that Board. But what is there is very generalized and not specific as to exactly how the AMCA, at all levels, Board, staff, Chapters, and individual members should, can or will have to work together to make the AMCA not only a growing more successful club, but also one which gives more back to each member in service and enjoyment of their old motorcycles and motorcycling.

AFJ

[rwm]

i think some of you have forgot the saying. it's an old one. older then the bikes you ride " you can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink" face book twitter instagram it wont mean **** if younger people don"t like the bikes.

[HD48FL]

true, HD48FL, they are a different crowd and the prices are out of reach for a lot of folks. Facebook works! (by the way that's good info on the jockey journal and you are right - why pay to advertise if you can get it for free. maybe trying to get on the blogs is a good start.)

one more thought for the older guys amongst us - were you into choppers first and then came around to antiques and stock bikes? maybe the younger crowd will do the same!

I'm not into Facebook and don't follow others on it, never liked the layout, etc. Blogs seem to be a thing of the past, instagram is what many are using these days. The forums still get a lot of traffic, but even then, times have changed.

I think blending the chopper/modified crowd with AMCA guys is tough, but not impossible. I would love to see random rides in my area that would be for '84 and earlier models, something like that to get others together, rather than trying to attend an actual meet here and there. Maybe an early Saturday or Sunday morning breakfast meet up and a 2 hour ride afterwards. Riders could come for breakfast or just the ride, keep it flexible.

I've always had an interest in antique motorcycles, choppers, bobbers, and stock bikes. About 10 years ago I started learning about them and like each of them for different reasons. I enjoy the history of antique machines and love seeing original bikes that have survived all these years. I like choppers and bobbers that are what guys were doing in the 50's and 60's.

[Knotthed]

AFJ,

Now that you have contributed your own ad nauseum content.

What would you suggest is the best way to get non-motorcycle family kids interested in two wheeled machines?

I say non-motorcycle family kids, because the people that have bikes will likely introduce their kids to them and they would not be the target audience in my mind.

[RichO]

Just a thought

The AMCA is not just about the preservation and restoration to "as came from the factory" machines. It is also is about the preservation of everything related to our two wheeled history. Be that the printed word, signage, aftermarket parts, historically modified machines, etc. Our museums, the judging field, and huge personal collections are full of " as come from the factory" machines. When Kevin and I got the "period modifieds" recognized it was because alot of historical modified machines were being restored and their history being lost. When the founders in 1953 started the club most the machines we have today didn't exsist. They were saving machines that mostly arrived before WW1 and were lost to the war's scrap drives. They later changed it to the thirty-five year rule to incompass more motorcycle history. We now are looking at 100 years and change of motorcycle history and their original window was rather small. What about the next fifty years? Most machines never stayed like they came from the factory. Most riders changed bars, seat, pipes, paint, etc. Everything that has to do with out motorcycle history is relevent and doesn't have to chance the tenets of our club. Change is ongoing. If it isn't or is restrained thing die. Life is strange that way. There's room for thought on this issue. After fifty years in the saddle and over thirty years a member of this wonderful club I think everything about motorcycles are part of it's history and has to be recorded and preserved for future generations.

[AFJ]

Not sure how this post got to be a slam on volunteer Board members but here is an idea I started last year and is now in it's second year. We held a Tiddler Tour. A short distance run with a barbecue for bikes 305 cc's and less that were 30 years or older. Of the 18 that showed at least 12 of the riders were 35 years old or there abouts. We bottled our own wine and put a honda dream on the label. Anyone who knows me knows I'm an old Indian and Harley guy but my little Francis Barnett came out for the first time in 20 years. We gained at least 9 new members in their 30's. They own small Villiers bikes, Honda dreams and many others and they can be had for a $1,000. All they needed was a venue where they didn't have to be beside a 1941 Indian four and they all came out. Last month we did the same event as last year with about the same results. Now we have a whole bunch of 30 somethings with at least 7 or 8 female. All who finished the run got the bottle of wine on the club.Just one suggestion a chapter could try.

Ross,

Nice to see some positive action rather than the off-the-wall comments about "bicycle motors", customs, choppers, "born-free", my-chapter-is growing-fast, National-is-no-good, etc., etc., ad nauseum, that have formed parts of this thread.

The very first "antique motorcycle club", the Old Tanks Club formed in 1911 required that the motorcycles of club members be 1904 or earlier and have cost them no more than $35 (new motorcycles costing then at least $200). Apparently most of their events consisted of helping one another get their "Old Tanks" running.
AFJ

[Spag]

Matt,
Good suggestion about Instagram. The AMCA has two Facebook pages, one for all old bike enthusiasts (AMCA Membership not required) and one for young old bike enthusiasts. More than 14,000 members to date. What about Twitter and a blog or two? We shouldn't underestimate the number of old bike enthusiasts, not just young people who embrace social media or will in the near future. Blogs on old bikes are exploding all over the Internet. An AMCA App is just one more way to connect to the AMCA website that young and older people use all the time to connect with other websites. The AMCA Board has been discussing using all types of social media to make the connection.
Richard

[Spag]

Bob,
Good comments. The AMCA is not changing its mission to attract younger old bike enthusiasts. But the Club needs to change its attitude and approach to these young people. Instead of ignoring them and their non-traditional bikes which are not AMCA original or restored motorcycles, we should welcome them personally and through all forms of social media and respect where they are in the motorcycle community and where they MAY end up, perhaps as an AMCA Member who will some day aspire to the mission of the AMCA. Just trying to sign them up as new AMCA or Chapter members won't work in my opinion. You have to make a good case why these young people should join the AMCA or a Chapter. That can only happen when young people feel the Club is sincere about its efforts to include them into the antique motorcycle community regardless of what they ride or aspire to create. Again just my thoughts.
Richard

[BigLakeBob]

I think new members should change to fit the club, not the club change to bring in new members. I'll explain my thoughts. I see some suggestions that just because a chopped 450 Honda is what they can afford we need to welcome them in the club. I mean isn't the club about preservation and restoration of 35+ year old motorcycles. I am 48 and was 27 when I joined. I was told about the club from an AMCA member at a non AMCA swap meet. I had a pan chopper at the time. It took a while, but being in this club with like minded people made me want to move away from the chopper to more original machines. The club got me away from the 'chopper' mentality, (meaning changing parts to fit my taste instead of building a restoration or more stock machine). Welcome the person into the club with the chopped 450 Honda by all means, but encourage that person to restore the bike or more close original. I agree that if a person is unaware of the club he can't join, but all you have to do, (just like I do everyday when looking for something), is google antique motorcycles. I just did, 2nd & 3rd item came up with the AMCA. If a person wants to be what I thought this club was about(preservation and restoration of 35+ year old motorcycles), I believe they will find it. All I'm trying to say is, welcome them into the club, just don't change the club's mission. You can't force a person to have a restored or stock motorcycle if they don't want to, there are other forums and clubs for that. My opinion.

[Ross]

Not sure how this post got to be a slam on volunteer Board members but here is an idea I started last year and is now in it's second year. We held a Tiddler Tour. A short distance run with a barbecue for bikes 305 cc's and less that were 30 years or older. Of the 18 that showed at least 12 of the riders were 35 years old or there abouts. We bottled our own wine and put a honda dream on the label. Anyone who knows me knows I'm an old Indian and Harley guy but my little Francis Barnett came out for the first time in 20 years. We gained at least 9 new members in their 30's. They own small Villiers bikes, Honda dreams and many others and they can be had for a $1,000. All they needed was a venue where they didn't have to be beside a 1941 Indian four and they all came out. Last month we did the same event as last year with about the same results. Now we have a whole bunch of 30 somethings with at least 7 or 8 female. All who finished the run got the bottle of wine on the club.Just one suggestion a chapter could try.

[shelbyinparadise]

Most of them are NOT AMCA members and are more interested in custom bike shows like Born Free and motorcycle events like Sturgis and Daytona. I don't know how to attract new younger members however I do know that no one is going to join club if they have never heard of. I would suggest sponsoring custom bike shows and doing some type of display at larger motorcycle events. Also a free trail may be something

Matt you are right. The National has the money but not the experience, The local Chapters are all volunteer labor and pay out of their own pockets putting on events to get more members for the National so they can be part of local. 95% will never have a Motorcycle judged, they just want to be part of local scene. The Cherokee Chapter has spent lots of money setting up Meet and Greet Booths at car shows, swap meets and local events. A smaller chapter might get tired of this or not be able to afford it but our members use it as a way to socialize, meet new people and grow our base.

A few months ago I suggested a rebate to the chapters of $5 of every new member signed up from the first years $30 dues, to help defray our costs, and we get a contest that will cost the National nothing but a tax write off, while the chapters still do all the work.

How about an Antique Bike week in Florida? Some members think it is a good idea.

Our Chapter is working on creating a Regional Antique Motorcycle swap meet in the South, and it costs big money and time, while Board Members fly around and see the obvious and report it to each other. Relaxing the rules for swap meets, trial or guest memberships, seed money, lots of good ideas out there at the bottom of the ladder. Shelby

[Matt McManus]

I'm one of the young guys into old bikes and as mentioned before I am lucky enough to have a father that always had motorcycles and got into antiques in the mid 90's. I started riding dirt bikes at the age of 5 and I have been on 2 wheel ever since, I am now 28 and I do realize that I am much younger than most of the people at the meets. However there are a lot of people under 40 that I know that I know that have antique motorcycles. The guys that I know mostly have shovelheads and Panheads with a few sportsters, knuckleheads and flatheads thrown into the mix. Most of them are NOT AMCA members and are more interested in custom bike shows like Born Free and motorcycle events like Sturgis and Daytona. I don't know how to attract new younger members however I do know that no one is going to join club if they have never heard of. I would suggest sponsoring custom bike shows and doing some type of display at larger motorcycle events. Also a free trail may be something to consider as many younger people have limited funds.

As far as the app suggestion, my personal opinion is that it would not yield any new members and only a few of you tech savvy baby boomers will use the app. If you want to increase awareness through social media I would suggest Instagram, its an app where you share pictures and people can comment on them. You can follow users and every picture they post will show on your feed. Original and customs vintage motorcycles pictures are posted constantly everyday. I would suggest finding someone to manage an Instagram account for the AMCA and CONSTANTLY (at least 5 times a day) post vintage motorcycle pictures it will spread and people will follow. After you get followers you should start throwing in an advertisement for the club and notices about upcoming swap meets and events. People will pay attention to this and more people will attend, I don't know if they will join the club but they will at least be aware of it and what it has to offer

[shelbyinparadise]

Like most things, the local level is where change happens. Only the chapters and members can change things. Reading new ideas from corporate training manuals, sounds good but actions on the street makes a difference. Dan M. had good ideas. Our Chapter has hit the street and went from 38 to 170 members and our average age is going down. Shelby, membership director Cherokee chapter

[Spag]

Good comments on the future of the AMCA and the need to attract younger motorcycle enthusiasts who may one day become members. After attending the huge Born Free show in California a week ago, I believe many young people have never heard if the AMCA or what it has to offer. If they have heard of the Club, they may think we are "a bunch of old guys with expensive old American bikes." Quite frankly, the AMCA has done very little to create the impression that it is an all brand motorcycle organization. Granted, some Chapters have a history of being inclusive and Chapters sponsoring National Meets have tried to encourage diversity, but we need to be more proactive. The Club has had a Youth Coordinator for several years trying to reach out to a younger demographic, but without much success.

If I were a young person today who had an interest in old bikes and owned a less than stock Triumph, Honda or other brand of bike, I would first ask: "What does the AMCA have to offer me and my friends?" If we have no answer other than we have 58 Chapters, 11 National Meets, judging system, 4 National Road Runs and 6 issues of a great magazine, and we are a bunch of friendly guys and gals, I may just ride on without a second look at the AMCA. But if we say: "We like what you are doing with the bikes you can afford. We want you and your friends to hook up with some of our Chapter Members on a local level and come to our National Meets in your area. We'll make room for you and your motorcycles and ask you to tell us about your journey into old bikes. Tell us how you worked on your bike to get it the way it is today. We may have more in common than you realize. Thirty or forty years ago, many of us were where you are today. Maybe we can learn something from you and your friends. Let's talk..."

Yes, this will take an effort by many current Members but I think it is worth a try. And to all AMCA Members like myself who have gravitated to original and restored stock old bikes, there will always be room in the AMCA for us and the next generation. Our 60 year history has proven that all demographics and all brands of old bikes can exist under the same umbrella without losing their identities. Just my thoughts. Let's keep the conversation going...
Richard

[surfdude]

true, HD48FL, they are a different crowd and the prices are out of reach for a lot of folks. in sales there is a saying that goes something like 100 for 10 for 1 - make a 100 calls to get 10 meetings to make 1 sale. if we can get 100 people to look at an event listing then maybe 10 show up and 1 signs up. even for a local vintage show that we put on we had about 2000 people show up throughout the day - way more than expected. Facebook works! (by the way that's good info on the jockey journal and you are right - why pay to advertise if you can get it for free. maybe trying to get on the blogs is a good start.)

one more thought for the older guys amongst us - were you into choppers first and then came around to antiques and stock bikes? maybe the younger crowd will do the same!