The 1939 Miller-Balsamo owned by John Goldman was selected as “Best of Show” out of over 200 entrants at the 13th Annual The Quail Motorcycle Gathering presented by Medallia. The event’s highest honor was announced to over 3,000 attendees at Quail Lodge & Golf Club’s annual event. Over 26 awards were given celebrating the designs and legacies of the world’s most iconic motorcycles.

Three new featured classes for 2023 led The Quail Motorcycle Gathering’s exhibition. Italian and Single, 1970s Vintage Muscle and “Bring on the Baggers” joined 11 returning traditional classes, such as American, British, Italian, Japanese, Antique and Custom/Modified, in delighting motorcycle enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

Standout motorcycles on the grounds were three-time Grand Prix champion Wayne Rainey’s 1990 Yamaha YZR500 along with the first motorcycle Rainey piloted, a 1971 Yamaha Mini Enduro 60. In the lineup of famous race machines was this year’s Legend of the Sport, Bubba Shobert’s 1985 Honda RS750D, one of only nine ever built. Four-time Grand Prix world champion, Eddie Lawson, also had a selection of flat track bikes from Yamaha and Bultaco on display.

“There is a euphoria exclusive to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering as a result of the enthusiasm of the patrons and the support of our event partners,” said Gordon McCall, director of motorsports for The Peninsula Signature Events. “The passion for two wheels is alive and well, and this event represents such a wide range of the community, reminding us why we fell in love with motorcycles”

Motorcycle and lifestyle brands, including Yamaha, Bonhams, Corbin Saddles, Heidenau Tires and Mecum Auctions, displayed curated selections of bikes and new product and service offerings. Other highlight sponsors include Zero Motorcycles, Renard Motorcycles, Law Tigers, Gigi Montrose Moto Couture, AMA, Bring A Trailer, Combat Motorcycles, Oris Watches, Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, SDI Insulation/SDI Racing LLC, The Vintageant, Top 1 Oil, Why We Ride, Stellar Moto and Oxford Cigar Co.

“Best in Class” awards were granted to one motorcycle in each of the 14 featured classes, with the following honors also announced:

• Antique 2nd Place, Presented By Bonhams
  1935 Motoconfort M5C Grand Sport 500
  John Goldman
• Antique 1st Place, Presented By Bonhams
  1929 Indian Four Cylinder 402
  Mike Lynch
• American 2nd Place
  1959 Harley-Davidson Panhead
  Thad Wolff
• American 1st Place
  1946 Indian Chief
  Terry Kaluza
• British 2nd Place, Presented by Heidenau Tires
  1964 Triumph TR6SC
  Brandon Smith
• British 1st Place, Presented by Heidenau Tires
  1939 Triumph T100 Tiger
  Richard and Jill Scardigli
• Italian 2nd Place
  1974 Ducati 750GT
  Scott Somers
• Italian 1st Place
  1974 Laverda SFC
  Peter Richardson
• Japanese 2nd Place
  1966 Honda CA77 Dream
  Brad Yuill
• Japanese 1st Place
  1981 Yamaha RD350 LC
  Chris Upton
• Other European 2nd Place
  1973 BMW R75/5
  Kenneth Morris
• Other European 1st Place
  1937 BMW R5
  Scott Smith
• Competition On-Road
  1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma Walter Wolf Edition
  Thomas Adler
• Competition Off-Road
  1971 Bultaco PerSang M68
  Steven Poggi
• Choppers Award
  1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
  Richard Best
• Custom/Modified 2nd Place
  1947 Indian Chief
  Eugene and Mary Garcin
• Custom/Modified 1st Place
  Hazen Special Velocette Custom
  Marco Diaz
• Extraordinary Bicycles and Scooter Award
  1962 Vespa Gran Sport 160
  Rob Fuller & Megan Ful
• Arlen Ness Memorial Award
  1975 Honda 550 F
  Keith Young
• Hagerty HVA Preservation Award
  1961 Ducati Racer (Competition On Road Class)
  Frank Scurria
• Why We Ride Award
  1976 MV Agusta Mini Bike (Italian and Single)
  Marilyn Wiersema
• AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Heritage Award
  1971 Yamaha Mini Enduro 60
  Wayne Rainey
• “Bring on the Baggers”, Presented by Moto America
  1972 Moto Guzzi El Dorado
  Daniel Crowley
• 1970s Vintage Muscle
  1978 Honda 750 Seeley
  Paul Murphy
• Italian and Single, Presented by Top 1 Oil
  1956 Aero Capriolo Corsa 75
  Robb Talbott
• Spirit Of The Quail Award
  1956 Aero Capriolo Corsa 75 (Italian and Single Class)
  Robb Talbott
• Best Of Show Award
  1939 Miller-Balsamo 200 Carenata
  John Goldman

Other highlights of the occasion were AMA Hall of Famer and 2023 Legend of the Sport Honoree Bubba Shobert participating in a Fireside Chat and a selection of local fan-favorite food and beverage options, courtesy of Brother Bear BBQ, Marianne’s Ice Cream, MMMChurros, Nitro Cycle, R Truck Food Truck and Sabor Latin Fusion.

Fast Facts

• Over 3,000 attendees
• Over 200 bikes on display
• Three featured classes
  • Italian and Single
  • 1970s Vintage Muscle
  • “Bring on the Baggers”
• 11 traditional classes
  • AmericanBritishItalianOther EuropeanJapaneseCompetition On-RoadCompetition Off-RoadAntiqueCustom/ModifiedChoppers
  • Extraordinary Bicycles and Scooters Class