Definition of Period Correct.

[Ohio-Rider]

I’ve heard a lot of folks describe their vintage motorcycles as being “period correct”. To me that has always meant that the bike consisted of parts with-in a few years from the date it was manufactured. I’m curious as to what others would consider that phrase to mean?

[Hrdly-Dangrs]

Any bike, 'modified or 'stock' with added accessories close to the year of production would be considered 'Period Correct'.

At least that's how I interpreted Kevin's explanation from an earlier post. (see 'Judging' post 'Curious To Know' 5-6-2008)

If you want to really challange yourself, keep the bike period correct to the models end of production year. So that would mean only parts, accessories available to that specific year and earlier and be able to prove it thru motorcycle magazine accessory ads, after market manufacturers catalogs, Dealer accessory/parts books that are dated NO LATER then your bikes given year.

No brownie points for your effort, just self satisfaction that you did it and likely proving to your wife and friends that you probably realy are nuts. Hrdly

George
#3232

[Barry Brown]

that interpretation seems ridiculous since new aftermarket parts and accessories would have invariably been added in the year or even many years AFTER purchase just as they are today.
by trying to keep it all within a year we are misinterpreting or distorting the past

[Magic]

I'm not the final answer

Yes Period correct applies to accessories added to a Motorcycle available at that time or just after. (Cheese Grate bumper grilles, Wheel covers, Buco trim, extra marker lighting, etc. I believe for judging accessories are not looked upon or judged as long as they are "Peroid correct" Restored Motorcycles usually don't have too many accessories on as those Period correct parts maybe hard to find NOS. I personally don't consider new aftermarket accessories as period correct and more like copies of. Merlin in Pa.

[bobdo]

I'm with Barry's thinking on this. I don't know what the official AMCA judging take is on this, but my feeling is the accessories were added after the purchase of the new bike. I'm sure guys added used accessories that would be manufactured earlier. But, I'll bet most would prefer to buy new added later. I opted to put the 49 type spotlights on my 47. But of course the earlier type was available in 47 also.
When & if I ever have it judged as period correct, I'll find out. Bottom line is, I like it.
Have a good year, Bob

[Hrdly-Dangrs]

Don't blow a gasket man. You can add all the aftermarket parts you want. Hell add 1960 parts to your 1950 bike, I don't care. Hrdly

that interpretation seems ridiculous since new aftermarket parts and accessories would have invariably been added in the year or even many years AFTER purchase just as they are today.
by trying to keep it all within a year we are misinterpreting or distorting the past

[redfred84]

period correct

No need to blow a gasket at all over this one. I'm just thankfull that we, and the AMCA recognize Period Modifieds now! Period! From Long Beach Cut-Downs (altered wheel based JDs), Bob Jobs (abreviated fenders & excess crab disgarded), Baggers (needing an additional generator to get the job done for the added lights), and the family wagon with, perhaps, a set of Flanders risers & bars;..........It's all good!
Myself, which is of no consequence here (it's my day off, and we're not on the judging field) is that any period modifications, should consist of only year of manufacture parts, or NEWER! I realize that this isn't always the case, but most sidewalk commandos wouldn't be caught dead with something older on his ride than the year of said ride. Definately goes for the car scene too.
The only objections I've witnessed are folks who apply feathered face horns on thier '40s & '50s Indians, or '50s trim on thier Evos. And we wouldn't want to have anything to do with them would we? Although, I do remember an Electro-Glide Shovel with a ULH engine. Had electric start too!!!!
Having fun with rusty parts, RF.

[Glenn]

I've got a set of super shape saddle bags that were on my 50 that Worsham is doing over for me they are not the 50 bag but 53 originals. I understand that they are ok to leave on if I were to get judged.

they are the speed king bags

[Magic]

different meanings

Period correct terminlogy is different then Period Modified. Period Modified is a class in it's own that consists of Bobbers, choppers, and dressed up accessoried Motorcycles restored or original (period correct). The Period correct terminology as I see it and mentioned earlier would be accessorized original Motorcycle and I may be mistakin somewhat. Also accessories sold at the time of or before only because of that there were differences in design that wouldn't be correct in judging for an original motorcycle. example would be 1961 H-D FLH Spot lights bulb type on a 1962 FLH that had sealed beam lights or visa-versa. So many changes especially on H-D's, as well as other models. This is a touchy subject with many. I like the period modified class as it shows the expression people put into their motorcycles during an period of time. Kevin would definately have this answer.

[William McClean]

Period Modified is one of the National Recognition Awards that the National allows the Local Chapters to recognize at the National Meets, just like Longest Distance Riden, Oldest, Most Unique. It is not a Class. Period Modified machines are not judged using the AMCA 100 point judging system.

Is this correct ?

[Magic]

yes two different things

Yes I didn't mean to sound like it was a judged catagory because it's more like a judges favorite selection. I did mean judged catagory about the Period correct accessories on Motorcycles though. Merlin in Pa.

[exeric]

It would still be nice to see an accessory catagory on the AMCA forum. As a number of us said before, it's a mysterious segment of the hobby and everyone has some weird thing that they would like identified.

[Glenn]

so back to the question I guess I should just leave the bags off if I want to get it judged?

[Magic]

there is a reason I don't judge

Glenn, That is one of those areas I don't really want to put a stamp on...meaning that accessories are not to be part of the judging process and saddlebags fall under accessories. I believe that the accessory is to be the correct one though and on an original unrestored should not matter on condition. On a restored Motorcycle I would think it should be the correct year like new or as long as it doesn't take away from the appearance of the Motorcycle. I wouldn't mention it although.... I went through this many years ago with a motorcycle being judged and after having a small deduction for the said accessory being wrong I took it off the next time and all was good. Very few people make it the first showing with an award and I don't mean that a a downer as I'm all but that. This Judging stuff I've seen people really get upset and then I look at their motorcycle and it was beautifull...It's fun and alot to learn and do alot of listening too...Patience is key. Merlin in Pa.

[redfred84]

Period Modified

On the question of the saddle bags; I'm not an HD guy, but if the bike was originally a model that would have had the bags (An Indian Roadmaster would have the bags), and the bike is being judged as restored, then the bags should be of the correct style for that year. I'm not up on the HD lingo used here, but it sounds like you're trying to use newer bags on your bike? If it's entered in the restored catagory, then it well be scrutinized by the judges (which is an excelllent way for us to all learn about our bikes.....sign up as an apprentice judge.....it's an entire different world). But if you are entered as a Period Modified, which is a great class made possible by Kevin, then you are at the mercy of the hosting chapter of the event. Sorry I don't speak HD so well, so I'm a little off base on your situation.
I've heard that these Panheads have the valves installed up-side down. Must be just a fad, it'll never catch on! Flat is where it's at!
Have fun, RF.
PS. I have seen some HD bags that are colored though. Pretty cool. There was a green, or blue pair at the NY Road Run last year. Way Cool!