Editorial (Photographs: Alexander Woodbury)
Bike Show!
What, just exactly, comes to mind when someone mentions the term show bike? For this writer it’s memories of trips to both Munich and Milan for Moto-Euro magazine; gazing in awe at factory prototypes and one-offs too amazing to reach production. Putting more thought into it, the realization came that like so many, I’ve enjoyed many and different kinds of transportation-themed shows my whole life. At fifteen I was goofing all over John Milner’s American Graffiti Deuce (and Falfa’s 55) at the old ‘World of Wheels’ show in Phoenix, and back into the context of motorcycles, years of rally bike shows since. It was an honor when So Cal speed ace (and WMM contributor) Bill Ross offered this young journo a judging position at the historic Dar Mar Motorcycle Show, and on assignment for M-E in 2007, I rode a new 1200cc Guzzi Norge along the coastline from LA to Half Moon Bay for the seaside Concourse ‘d Elegance. Unforgetable times. So, while some enjoyment and satisfaction is gained by recalling all this, my intention is to inspire the reader to do likewise. What’s your idea of a real show bike? Gleaming retrorods, mega-muscle HiRiders…or perhaps it’s the mechanical elegance of the Vincent dominating your dreams? Whatever the case, it’s fair to conclude the proper show atmosphere exists to illuminate the best there is to offer, yet understanding always that better is highly subjective. Or is it?
Creating inspiration, Arizona’s Antique Motorcycle Club of America first annual bike show was a roaring success, but here’s admitting some lingering doubt after accepting an invitation to join the judging team. Heading the local RoadRunner Chapter are the rather fabulous team of Tom and Nancy Hetrick, who also recruited TJ and Pam Jackson, Chuck Sherman and Steamin’ Steve McIntyre to pick winners from over ninety different vintage motorcycles. Far more than were expected. Each established as acclaimed restoration experts (except me) we worked under a strict mandate from above to keep this kickoff event fun, and I’m thrilled to report it was. If I’m reading the AMCA club guidelines right, had this been a sanctioned event the judging process might take weeks or more to complete – starting with running VIN numbers, then inspecting every component against a critical declining scale. Meeting at Steve’s for a pre-show dinner, our judging form emerged far more streamlined – focusing on basic categories like originality, clean/finish, fasteners, componentry and historical significance. Judging the various pre-and-postwar American bikes I leaned hard on longtime builder Sherman, but lessons learned as a DIY bodger made sniffing out incorrect hardware and other telltale bits easy. On a team filled with talent and experience, it was the inherit goodness of our judging form that made those trophies fair and justly awarded.
That fab-tabulous show now weeks past, what’s been rattling around in my brain since has collected into a mini epiphany. Not surprising considering the experience behind it, our makeshift judging list literally reads as a blueprint for vintage motorcycle excellence. Honestly? My head’s been spinning since Mecum’s ‘feast or famine’ auction last january in Vegas; a condition shared by many who follow the vintage moto-market. What’s a good investment in 2026? Your guess is as good as mine, but some timeless classics continue to ascend…if maybe a bit more slowly. Whatever you want to ride, own or keep a quality build will keep the machine safe on the road for you and the next guy. Original or restored, clean motorcycles not only look better they are better – and make it easier to spot issues before they become problems. Having a deep love for modified superbikes I’ve grown to loathe home spun wiring because I suck at electrics and it renders the manual useless. Get engaged! Learn all you can; collect the ads and brochures, lube all the cables and pivot points and whether it is historic or not, keeping a bike as original (as possible) pays resale dividends. Some don’t care, or have a specific vision for their remade classic and these are the dudes that usually reach out to me. Editorially and almost always, this writing is aimed at those keep real road bikes that are used as intended. Still; even if you choose not to risk your prized showstopper, it’ll be more desirable if kept operational. Now you know why most advise to purchase enthusiast-owned classics.
Remembered among the most profound things I’ve ever heard, my pal TJ sums it up perfectly. “People always ask ‘what should I buy?’ Jackson said as I roamed about Garage Mahal. “I always respond by asking: ‘What do you want to do with it?’ Museum pieces should be documented by the people who know those motorcycles best, but if your 1970 XLCH runs better with an aftermarket carb and modern shocks, laugh at the critics. Perhaps you know someone who flips or buy/sells actively. If so, ask them? Don’t be surprised if they tell you the cheapest bike is always more expensive. For riders who simply want a classic that’ll appreciate while being ridden, buy a Le Mans 850 or a R90/S. There’s others, but nearly everything made after 1970 will work, and The List applies to every single one of them. Here’s admitting I’m a bit obsessed with the whole sorted thing, but my personal quest for happiness had led me to demand excellence through all of my builds, and as my budget allows. You have to expect a little attention when riding a vintage classic today. Make it worth looking at. Nolan Woodbury
