Younger Membership of AMCA

[skidshoe]

Great topic to discuss. I don't think it will be easy or even possible to attract a younger following simply because of the dominance of interest in vintage Harley and Indian motorcycles and the price the bikes and parts are bringing. I was fortunate to be raised in a Harley family with old parts to dig through and build stuff, but those boxes of parts were worth cents on the dollar to what they are now days. I am a young member in the 5% and have numerous friends who love to look at what I'm building and see our old bikes, however, they would never consider joining a club like AMCA simply based on the capital it would take to even simply consider a vintage build. The old guys with all the parts simply won't cut loose of anything. It's frustrating for a younger person like me to build anything because of this. That's why there's no interest from younger generations...money. But, when I decided I needed to join a club that would provide insight and avenues to contacts for parts and information, I looked to AMCA because, to me, they primarily represent American made bikes since turn of the century. If I were interested in a foreign bike, I would simply look elsewhere. The AMCA was formed by a group involved with Indian motorcycles and has evolved into Harley and Indian...American made! To me, that's how I view the AMCA, as a representative to American made iron. Makes me proud to say that, and I would bet a very large percentage of the AMCA member would agree to that. I agree with a previous thread that if you are into Japanese bikes and are frustrated that you don't see as much of that, join a club that caters more to that interest. As far as attracting younger interest, until the demand for original parts dries up and the parts prices fall, or the old guys decide to sell their parts for what they bought them for in the 60's and 70's, it's going to be tough.

[Spag]

Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread: "Younger Membership of AMCA" started by Nickel Norton and have ignored the personal attacks, name calling and Board bashing that contributes nothing to this very important issue which the Board is attempting to address when formulating its Strategic Plan for the future of the AMCA.

Because of the comments on this thread, I made it a point to talk to some of the younger people attending the Wauseon National Meet this past weekend. Although talking to individuals at National Meets or on the street is certainly not scientific, it never ceases to amaze me how much insight and information can be obtained just from talking to people about old bikes.

One group of young people, mostly in small groups of friends, said they arrived in modern bikes for the day to walk through the swap meet, see some old bikes and attend the dirt bike races Friday night. When questioned, this group said they knew the AMCA name but most had no idea what it stood for or what the Club did. After a short discussion, I gave them my card and directed them to the AMCA website for more information. Will these young people join the AMCA? Probably not, but maybe just talking to them may instill a spark which some day will become a passion.

Another group was at Wauseon because of the swap meet. Some in this group were AMCA Members. When asked how they joined, almost all said another person told them about the AMCA. Not one said they just "found" the Club on their own. This group exemplifies some of the points on this thread of the importance of mentoring a young or "older" person about old bikes and the benefits of becoming an AMCA Member.

Another smaller group were young people who were AMCA Members because of their association with a family member. A parent or relative was into old bikes and they just became a part of the sport that way. Some were even given an old bike (a few basket cases) by a family member. I classify this group as being a very fortunate to have an interested relative to expose them to old bikes and the AMCA.

I also spoke to individuals who certainly weren't "young people." My last column in the magazine, "Why We Don't Want To Lose The Next Generation," was mentioned many times with very positive support. Although the discussion about young people in the AMCA has been a major topic at Board Town Hall meetings at National Meets, I believe individual AMCA Members also have the same concerns. Just look at all the positive response on this thread.

I came away from this Wauseon experience with a better understanding of the importance of not just mentoring a young person but also engaging anyone who seems to have an interest in old motorcycles about being a part of a group, whether a local AMCA Chapter or the National AMCA, that also has a true passion for old machines. This is just one way to make sure the AMCA will survive for the next 60 years or more...
Richard

[Spag]

Mike (skidshoe), I agree there is a perception in the antique motorcycle community that the AMCA caters to owners of Harleys, Indians and other American Brands of old motorcycles. However, I think it is a mistake to tell a young person with a Japanese bike or other non American brand (which he or she can afford) to go somewhere else because the AMCA is not interested in your brand of motorcycle. Telling a young person who has an obvious interest in old bikes by owning one that he or she is not welcome in the AMCA is an invitation to a slow decline in the importance and relevancy of the Club in the antique motorcycle community.

You stated: "The AMCA was formed by a group involved with Indian motorcycles and has evolved into Harley, Indian...American made!" After researching this very issue of the types of motorcycles owned by the Founders of the AMCA, I discovered they owned all types of old motorcycles. American, British, European, but no Japanese bikes because that wave had not yet arrived. The Founders may have been concerned with the arrival of "modern" more appealing and faster motorcycles, the old bikes would be lost and forgotten. We should all be thankful they had the concern, determination and insight to encourage the preservation of all the old bikes for future generations by forming the AMCA. I have said this before. If the Founders were alive today, they would be the first on this thread to embrace the inclusion of all brands of old bikes into the AMCA.
Richard

[exeric]

I have to agree more with Skidshoe regarding the wind direction in the AMCA. The AMCA is heavily slanted to American bikes because that is the magnet that attracted owners of American bikes in the first place. American bikes have been the legacy, and focus of the AMCA for many years. Other nationalities have always been welcome but an AMCA meet is not a great place to look for Panther parts, or Zundapp stuff. There are niche' clubs for that, and the serious collectors of those bikes go there. I have recently become very interested in Hondas but I don't consider the AMCA to be a good source for parts, and info. I plan to join the VJMC for my increasing interest in Japanese motorcycles. I think the AMCA needs to protect it's core American legacy, or risk alienating long time members, and future members who prefer vintage U.S. bikes. I don't mean this in any xenophobic way as I love all nationalities of motorcycles, but the AMCA has to stay true to it's 60 years of prevailing American motorcycle history.

[Spag]

Eric,
I think Japanese motorcycles are mentioned in this thread because these and other and non-American bikes are the ones young enthusiasts can afford. I don't think anyone is advocating that the AMCA become the VJMC#2. I think by welcoming owners of all brands of old bikes into the AMCA, young people who are able to afford Japanese or other low entry cost bikes MAY join the AMCA. No guarantee. But if they are not welcomed, in my opinion, they will not join the AMCA. I think the AMCA Member experience is not the same as the VJMC experience. Each organization offers its Members different experiences. And rightly so.

Some in the AMCA and some in past leadership were very vocal in their opposition to non-American brands of old motorcycles. In retrospect, this attitude proved to be counterproductive. An entire group of old bike enthusiasts was alienated by this attitude. Personally, I think this negative attitude is changing in the Club when Members see so many young people owning, modifying and riding these motorcycles.
Richard

[duffeycycles]

Amca is Antique motorcycle club of america -Foreign bikes have always been a part of it-these pics from first davenport meet
amca 3.jpgamca 4.jpgamca 5.jpg

[rwm]

ever stop to think that the younger crowd might be there? just not signed up and part of your age study.

[IRON]

We had our annual chapter bike display at a Winter show. The bike that drew the crowds of younger folks, and also had the most photos taken, was a low mileage '72 Honda 350 Scrambler! Not the Knuckleheads, Indians and Boardtrackers, etc. that were also there. I asked some of the spectators why the big interest in the Honda - they said it's the bike they grew up with, or their Dad owned, and it brought back a bunch of good memories. I didn't really have to ask; you could tell from all the smiles and great stories.

Of course this interest in the bike was often a strong lead into interest and discussion of the AMCA and our chapter.

IRon

[Knotthed]

Knotthed,
I set up and vend in the swap area at Wauseon and have for several years. I am all for restrictions on motorized toy and the age of the operators. In fact judging from this year it isn't being enforced. In past years I've seen people hit, tables ran into, rooster tails of gravel sprayed over people and parts. All by under age people that just took off with no idea who their parents are. The clouds of limestone dust I'll save for another time.

Old daze,
First let me say thank you for being a vendor. I am on the other side of the table as I don't have stashes of parts but I am in need of parts for my project.

I am not advocating in anyway that anyone of any age ride Inappropriately in the vending area!!!

What I am advocating is that the sure fire way to get someone interested in riding and bikes is to let them experience it first hand. That is the common theme In this thread. The memories of the bikes as a child are what people are talking about.

Trying to attract someone that is 18-35 is too late in the game to have a big long term impact. Now providing an opportunity to someone that is maybe 6-16 to have a chance to ride a motorbike no matter the make or model is something that is going to make memories and lead to long term success.

This should of course all be done in a designated area with proper instruction and PPE in a designated location.

For the flamers of my use of the word motorbike......that is the heritage of our motorcycles. They had to start somewhere and adding a motor to a bicycle is where it started. Most kids 6-16 can ride a bicycle, so it would not be a big step to go to a motorbike.

There is not much to excite my 5&10 year olds at the swap meets, so I leave them at home. They like many other aspects of motorcycling, I just wish the amca could be part of that. By the time they are 18, the amca will be the last thing on their mind.

I am 40 and fit into Spags category of getting a basket case from a family member. The people that mention the mentoring are spot on. That is what I need most. Although I got a basket from family, the family has not provided the mentoring necessary to bring one of these relics back to life. I was surprised to be approached by Spags to say hi at davenport dinner a couple of years ago. I also think that goes a long way. There are a lot of great people In the club and that is great, but there could be a better way to get in touch with more local people to help with questions etc..

The prices of bikes and parts are high and it's a difficult balance between family, a demanding job and trying to get the old basket together.

I have been steadfast and am getting closer but it takes immense dedication to collect the pieces necessary to put a machine back together. I am sure this is a major conflict with some of the younger generation that expects instant gratification.

[shelbyinparadise]

Mike (skidshoe), I agree there is a perception in the antique motorcycle community that the AMCA caters to owners of Harleys, Indians and other American Brands of old motorcycles. However, I think it is a mistake to tell a young person with a Japanese bike or other non American brand (which he or she can afford) to go somewhere else because the AMCA is not interested in your brand of motorcycle. Telling a young person who has an obvious interest in old bikes by owning one that he or she is not welcome in the AMCA is an invitation to a slow decline in the importance and relevancy of the Club in the antique motorcycle community.

You stated: "The AMCA was formed by a group involved with Indian motorcycles and has evolved into Harley, Indian...American made!" After researching this very issue of the types of motorcycles owned by the Founders of the AMCA, I discovered they owned all types of old motorcycles. American, British, European, but no Japanese bikes because that wave had not yet arrived. The Founders may have been concerned with the arrival of "modern" more appealing and faster motorcycles, the old bikes would be lost and forgotten. We should all be thankful they had the concern, determination and insight to encourage the preservation of all the old bikes for future generations by forming the AMCA. I have said this before. If the Founders were alive today, they would be the first on this thread to embrace the inclusion of all brands of old bikes into the AMCA.
Richard

I personally believe this is one of Richard's best, well thought out, posts. The founders had a common bond but were not cookie cutter lookalikes, they had their preferences, likes and dislikes, and tolerance of thought. They came together around this common interests, and created a Club that has lasted 60 years. There will always be issues that need to be worked out by consensus. There will always be the rarest examples of Antiques Motorcycles, then the Vintage, then the Classics. This club must embrace the concept of any Motorcycle attaining 35 years of age qualifies by definition and anyone with an interest in Antique motorcycles is welcome. We all can have our favorites while admiring others. Shelby

[Knotthed]

Amca is Antique motorcycle club of america -Foreign bikes have always been a part of it-these pics from first davenport meet
[ATTACH=CONFIG]13618[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]13619[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]13620[/ATTACH]

Duffeycycles,

Wow!!!!! That's the kind of stuff that should be in the amca library........

Judged machines completing laps.

Love that tiny 4.

[shelbyinparadise]

Great post Duffey, history keeps everyone honest. Shelby

[BigLakeBob]

I live in SW Ohio and just went for a 3 hr ride through the country. We would have it made if we could just harness the expressions on the faces and the thoughts of the 5-10 year olds that were out playing on this smoldering Midwest day, but completely stopped what they were doing to look at the person on the motorcycle. I'm sure you remember this feeling as a kid and have experienced it over and over as I just did. Boy, their expressions are priceless. Get out and be seen, true spirits will take motorcycling upon themselves.

[exeric]

Amca is Antique motorcycle club of america -Foreign bikes have always been a part of it-these pics from first davenport meet
[ATTACH=CONFIG]13618[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]13619[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]13620[/ATTACH]

Of course non American bikes have always been part of the AMCA, and I have never, in 40 years of going to AMCA meets, seen discrimination against the owners or the bikes. I really don't know where you're going with this, but I was just stating the fact that the AMCA is overwhelmingly American based. That is neither good, or bad; just a fact.

[duffeycycles]

Eric I was responding to Richard's comment about seeing discrimination against foreign bikes.Knothead: this is from the amca magazine winter '72--also '74 program cover
amca 72.jpgBlackhawk program.jpg