1972 models in a few weeks

[RSmith]

A whole new group of Japanese motorcycles, and their owners,
will be eligble for A.M.C.A. events/membership in just a few weeks,
(January 1, 2007 = 1972 models).

All bikes, manufactured in 1972, will be A.M.C.A. "Legal" and that includes - large displacement Kawasaki's (500 & 750 triples), Honda's (500 & 750 four cylinders), Yamaha's and Suzuki's (750 Triple), that are still ridden every day. And they have tremendous performance - including handling, acceleration and reliability.

Thousands of these motorcycles are still available right now and
they are affordable! In 2007, they will be allowed at A.M.C.A. events.

The A.M.C.A. is a great resource for all Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts and it is an extremely well funded organization that was established to help and is open to all types of motorcycles.

Welcome 2007 and 1972 models!

[AdminGuy]

Yup - time rolls on. Lots of guys still have those bikes kicking around.

Considering all the negative stuff that I could say.....ummmmmm.......
I really look forward to the kid that shows up with a 1972 Honda and considers it to be just about the oldest motorcycle on the face of the earth. The pride and enthusiasim catch me off guard everytime. I love it. I look forward to corrupting these youth with the beautiful lines of much older bikes and cut down bobbers with straight pipes. The sound of a flat head or really unique engine or machine gets under your skin given time. With exposure, guideance and knowledge the foundation is created and the passion grows.

...and so, I welcome this with great curiousity. Will it change the fundamental core of the club? nope.... I don't worry about it. A path of degression is eventual given time.

[RSmith]

"A path of degression is eventual given time." ??

The vast numbers of Japanese motorcycles is what
is most surprising and impressive.

The A.M.A. Museum, in Pickerington, Ohio had an exhibit
showing the history of Honda. It showed that in 1972,
U.S. Honda dealers sold over 68,750 Honda 350's.
Almost 70,000 of a single model, sold to American
motorcyclists, 35 years ago, in 1972.

Add to that number, the hundreds of thousands of
other Japanese models, from Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki,
Marusho, etc, plus the 16 other models Honda sold in
the U.S. in 1972 ... and you can see the massive numbers
Americans, suddenly owning 35 year old motorcycles
this year, 2007.

[LouieMCman]

What's nice is with every increasing year, more and more what I consider "modern" bike become 35 year "antiques". For example I can now ride my '72 electric start BMW on the national road runs. I consider the bike one of my modern bikes but most people see it as an old bike. I'm also looking for a nice original pre 1975 Jap bike for my collection.

As far as newer bikes "taking" over, I remember seeing lots of belt drive bikes twenty years ago at the meets. Maybe in another twenty years we would'nt see many hand shift bikes cruising at the meets.

[DWN]

Thanks for the compliment, I think. I'll likely be the kid on the '72 Honda.. Except I'm a 53 year old grandpa with no hair, and my CB750 is affectionately called the CB836Kafe. I hope I don't offend any purists with my modified bike.
In a few years, my '79 CBXs will qualify for the meets too.
For now though, I'm concetrating on my wifes Henderson. She's never ridden a foot clutch/hand shift bike. But then, neither have I.

[RSmith]

Well put!

Great point rickeieio. AMCA is going to enjoy having new members
with their Japanese bikes. The Japanese bikes
are ultra reliable and their owners are as passionate as
any in motorcycling.

The AMCA's future is bright. Someday, the
membership might be allowed to participate in open officer
ELECTIONS and club meetings may be OPEN to all dues paying
members, who wish to attend. Imagine that!

[Paps]

Still looking for a 1971 Honda SL 350. Paps

[DWN]

Re: Well put!

Originally posted by RSmith
Great point rickeieio. AMCA is going to enjoy having new members
with their Japanese bikes. The Japanese bikes
are ultra reliable and their owners are as passionate as
any in motorcycling.

The AMCA's future is bright. Someday, the
membership might be allowed to participate in open officer
ELECTIONS and club meetings may be OPEN to all dues paying
members, who wish to attend. Imagine that!

I am a state (Indiana) director for the ICOA (International CBX Owners Assoc.) We went through the whole open membership/democracy/etc thing a few years ago. It resulted in a new director who has many members helping him. We also now have published financials.
Only problem is....the new director stated that he'd serve for 5 years, and his time is nearly over. Nobody's stepping forward to provide relief.