If you sell and service vintage motorcycles, then you may already understand the significance of Vintage Motorcycle Days. This gem of an event is held at the Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course in Lexington, OH, on July 5 through 7. But if you’re on the fence about going, or have never experienced the vintage scene before, then you’re in for a real eye-opener as this event encompasses far more than old crusty bikes and riders. The facility is now packed full of bikes and riders of all types, and vendors selling anything and everything related to the sport of motorcycling — both used and new. While you may not intend to purchase anything, there’s far too much “jewelry” to walk away empty-handed.
This year, the American Motorcyclist Association has linked up with Honda Motorcycles as the sponsor and featured marque of the event. It’s a fitting tribute to the iconic Japanese brand as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking CB750, which was introduced in 1969. AMA will also help mark the 60th anniversary of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., which was founded in 1959.
Honda’s CB750 was the original superbike that changed motorcycling forever. “That ingenuity and influence have driven innovation across the American motorcycle landscape for generations,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We’re excited to honor it all at the 2019 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, presented by Honda Motorcycles.”
Bubba Shobert, who was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998, is the Grand Marshall and is a long-time member of Team Honda. “Our factory teams in dirt track and road racing had a lot of success over the years,” Shobert said. “Coming back to Mid-Ohio for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will be a thrill for me — seeing a lot of old friends and fans and also all those vintage Hondas.”
In addition to “those vintage Hondas,” there will be original and restored CB750s and CBXs, and two bikes, in particular, will be on hand to thrill race fans: Shobert’s Factory Honda RS750, owned by American Honda, and his 1988 VFR750 championship-winning Superbike, owned by Superbike collector extraordinaire Brian O’Shea.
The Hall of Fame Bike Show, presented by Old Bike Barn, will feature dozens of spectacular restored or original vintage motorcycles. Classes will include first- and second-place awards. A limited number customizable, special merit awards will be available for bikes that may not fall within the categories listed. Also, there will be a Grand Marshal’s Choice Award and a Best of Show Award.
Bring your tie-dye shirts and cutoff jeans, and you’ll be transported back to another era for at least 72 hours.
Information on entry, registration and classes is available at amavintagemotorcycledays.com.
