35 year rule has this finally reached a limit of what is an antique? 1985 is it?

[KNUCK]

Didn't one of the surveys a few years back say that only 14% of the members ever has a bike judged? I'll stick with "preserving" my junk if ya don't mind, judging has zero appeal to me.
People (ANTIFA? & others) are tearing down statues & monuments in an effort to change history. I don't see how that will change the meaning of the word.
Many of US are antiques, we won't be around much longer.

So if only 14% have had a bike judged, likely less than 7.5% will be negatively impacted. Whose ox will be gored next???. Will be funny to see a 1984 Kawasaki Ninja, or 2 stroke blow by your preserved junk, your words not mine, on an AMCA road run next year.

Don't think it will happen, think again. Do you love the smell of premix fuel in the morning?? This will affect everyone at all levels!!

[T. Cotten]

Seriously, Folks,..

Who's gonna judge Aermacchi to Zundapp, at every Meet?

If it was in a lap-top you might get away with it.

(Hell,.. then you could sell it.)

....Cotten

[midman]

Five bucks an hour! In 1976 I thought making 3.75 was something! And I remember really wanting a Vincent Black Shadow back then.
Couldn’t afford it then, can’t afford it now. I guess things haven’t changed much after all.

Chuck

[Paps]

Many do not wish to see the past become ancient history.

[Bills37]

Some have mentioned the price of old motorcycles and that older members may have paid little compared to prices being asked today. I might remind them that back in the 70's when I bought the majority of my bikes, $500 dollars was a princely sum to someone making $5.00 dollars an hour. I would also add I don't think that there was nearly the demand for vintage bikes.

[jellywrestler]

people ride bikes for several reasons
A unfinished business on something they sold years ago

B great memories of something they rode years ago

C that model they couldn't afford or dreamed about years ago

D an interest in how the old stuff operates etc

E money hungry seeking a status in an inanimate object

there's a large chunk of my bikes are from the period of when i was buying new and want to visit that era again, that's around the 1980 period, and rolling in these periods will cater for way more people than leaving the period shut down at one date, otherwise your hobby will die, additionally depending on where you are it's just not safe to run the older stuff, then their usage options gets slaughtered, then they're just show ponies. may suit some but not a lot.

[T. Cotten]

Give it a rest.

So other opinions are no longer allowed?

Asking if we have import judges up to the task was offensive, Rich!

I apologize for the discomfort I may have caused.

....Cotten

[RichO]

At the first AMC meet held at Henry Wing's farm in the Berkshires of Massachusetts there was only eight machines. 1906 Indian, 1908 Yale, 1909 MM, 1916 Excelsior, 1917 HD, 1918 Pope, 1919 ABC, and a 1926 Scott. The Scott was only twenty-six years old at the time. The 1954 Panhead would be brand new. They called it The Antique Motorcycle Club then because Antique to them back then meant a really old motorcycle. Motorcycles were only starting to appear fifty years plus then and now they're over a hundred plus. Things change, things move on, like spring will turn to winter after summer and fall. If it's not broke don't think it needs fixed. Watch what you wish for you might get it and it won't be what you thought. I used to love putting many, many miles on my Super X and my 101 but I had to work a lot harder. Now after 50 + years in the saddle I like my 40 EL to my 81 FXB because it's a lot easier and I like to ride. The AMCA as it is now called includes all of these. I'm passed 70 so the Bud Catlett rule applies so I could if I chose to ride any year machine to see and ride with my friends on National road runs. Isn't that what it's all about. People, old motorcycles, and more. just my thoughts. This thread sure has legs. Rich

[frichie68]

Give it a rest.

So other opinions are no longer allowed?

[exeric]

Give it a rest.

[T. Cotten]

Didn't one of the surveys a few years back say that only 14% of the members ever has a bike judged? I'll stick with "preserving" my junk if ya don't mind, judging has zero appeal to me.
People (ANTIFA? & others) are tearing down statues & monuments in an effort to change history. I don't see how that will change the meaning of the word.
Many of US are antiques, we won't be around much longer.

That might be an analogy, Rich,..

But please let us focus upon AMCA politics only!

Restoration rules have already decimated American Historical machines, but newer imports enjoy an advantage in the rules.
(Especially with ebay.)

But why will they bother? Got judges?

....Cotten

[frichie68]

Didn't one of the surveys a few years back say that only 14% of the members ever has a bike judged? I'll stick with "preserving" my junk if ya don't mind, judging has zero appeal to me.
People (ANTIFA? & others) are tearing down statues & monuments in an effort to change history. I don't see how that will change the meaning of the word.
Many of US are antiques, we won't be around much longer.

[T. Cotten]

Thank you Mike, I will work something up for the board to consider on this issue.

I just find it hard to understand how I spend a few years and $$$$$ to restore a bike and my buddy's late 80's Evo he uses to go to work on, that he has kept stock for no reason other than he is thrifty, can roll in and maybe have a 100 point bike soon. Just for the sake of a full field of show bikes and a few hundred members more??

1984 is the first year for a Kawasaki Ninja I can't wait for 2019!

Perhaps, Knuck,..

Getting judged won't be the thrill.

Most don't give a hootie now.

....Cotten

[KNUCK]

Thank you Mike, I will work something up for the board to consider on this issue.

I just find it hard to understand how I spend a few years and $$$$$ to restore a bike and my buddy's late 80's Evo he uses to go to work on, that he has kept stock for no reason other than he is thrifty, can roll in and maybe have a 100 point bike soon. Just for the sake of a full field of show bikes and a few hundred members more??

1984 is the first year for a Kawasaki Ninja I can't wait for 2019!

[T. Cotten]

Replying to Cotten's question about AMCA mission Statement, here it is quoted from the Club's Policies and Procedures Manual -

AMCA Mission Statement
“The purpose of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America Inc. shall be the collection, restoration, preservation, use and enjoyment of antique motorcycles at least 35 years old as well as parts, accessories and literature pertaining to the history of these motorcycles. The AMCA shall encourage members to form Chapters anywhere there is interest in the hobby/sport. It shall also provide for and regulate National Meets, Road Runs and the Judging Program. Through the avenue of common interest in antique motorcycles, the AMCA shall encourage good fellowship, brotherhood, respect and camaraderie among all men and women.”

I would say as written it has been fulfilled. There are a number of other places specifically in the P&Ps where the 35 year identification of antique is mentioned. I would say that if members want to change the way "antique" is defined then a draft of a proposed mission and other areas of the P&Ps need to be developed and sent to the board for official club discussion.

Mike Love
AMCA Forum
Moderator

Thanks Mike!

That's pretty wide open on hardware, even using the paradox of "restoration" and "preservation" in the same sentence; Yet it honors History.

The vintage limit may be arbitrary, but it works.

The mission statement is about people, not hardware.

....Cotten