So what’s the allure of classic and vintage motorcycles anyway? You know quite often you hear horror stories about some old nasty and unreliable bike (Zundapp super zippo 125 ect...) that has soured some on them forever. At events like this, you can find marque faithful types that would have devised a solution to all the problems that have turned so many off. They really get great satisfaction from educating fellow XYZ owners about all the little nuances. This stuff brings an extra element of character to classic motorcycling but it’s only maybe a spoke and not part of the hub that makes them so interesting.

Character is a really large part of it to be sure. From the people who ride and collect them (we all know of some "real characters" out there) to the grace of line of certain models that just drip artistic flare and presence. Even the "modern" bike owners turn and look when a classic bike passes by.

At an event like this it might be the only time in your life that you get to see and hear a Mamunt Munch or a Flying Merkel ride by. Heck, when I took a brief tour around on our pit bike, I got passed by a 1914 Indian, in original un-restored condition, and a wonderful little  Scott Flying Squirrel tiddler. Their riders were grinning big time!

The vintage and classic element gives you an outlet to exercise your mechanical abilities and display your knowledge, ideas and tastes. They can be a perfect ice breaker when meeting new people or potential mates. It’s a cinch that when meeting a partner on a similar bike that you’ll have loads of stuff in common and the expression of their spirit is pretty much completely exposed. You get up close and personal with the divisions between the different makes and origins of bikes and for sure you can develop a complete wardrobe that is mark specific. The Moto-Guzzi people out there know a thing or two about dressing with STYLE. They seem to utilize just the right amount of retro and taste that just makes me smile and wish I had a Guzzi. Well Done!

 I don’t know about you, but I have a great deal of fun just watching people and their bikes pass by wearing all the exotic garb imaginable. There seems to be no limits to how much gear that can be worn or accessorized. Heck, they even outfit their pets! Did you ever wonder what goes on in the mind of a dog that is sporting a leather hat and goggles? I’ve got to believe that they just enjoy getting to go along to smell new smells and see new things. I let my active imagination run a little wild sometimes and try to get into their heads and think that maybe they might be dressed completely in opposition to their actual personalities…Hmm…That kind of applies to the humans as well doesn’t it?

The AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event has it all and should not be missed!