The growing popularity of vintage motorcycles can be attributed partially to the establishment of vintage racing clubs across the United States. Vintage racers believe restored bikes belong back on the track and not in a museum. Many of the vintage racers are plus 40 years old and are still riding bikes with incredible enthusiasm. Personally in the 70's I was never able to break away from the novice 125 class and vintage racing gave me a second chance to continue where I left off when I retired my RM 125 B and replaced them with college books.

  At 48 years of age I was able to win a National Vintage title and come in 5th overall in one of the most competitive AHRMA vintage motocross classes. Vintage racing bikes are pre-1975. Another class was developed for post vintage bikes 1975 to mid 80's. These classes are further broken down into classes like the classics, premier classics, sportsman class historic, open class, etc etc. This is further broken down into rider skill levels like novice , intermediate and expert riders. It sounds complicated but basically the older your bike is the cooler you are and vintage bikes are still fairly cheap in comparison to newer ones. It's a big contrast between current day motocross where the more you spend on your bike the cooler you are. Don't get me wrong vintage riders hop up their bikes to the max as long as it was technology of the day a rider could change suspension electrics etc etc.

  A typical American Historic racing Motorcycle Association event would be held over a three day period starting on a Friday with cross country races. Similar to GNCC and Hare scrambles but the tracks are supposed to be vintage friendly and preridden by an individual on an ATV. On Saturday the venue hosts the vintage motocross racers. Up to 1,000 riders may pre enter for the more than 12 classes available. On Sunday the more competitive Post Vintage bikes take the stage and jumps,whoops and rhythm sections dominate the track.

  Vintage racing and post vintage is still more laid back than current day motocross and great for people who want to begin riding or get back into the saddle at a later age. Vintage tracks are vintage bike friendly with very few jumps, whoop sections. Post vintage can have jumps and is a bit more technical than a vintage track. The best tracks in fact are natural terrain tracks. Since vintage bikes have limited suspension, less skill is required for jumps and the onus is on your abilities to pick fast lines and negotiate technical sections. Consistent winners also have reliable bikes. Mechanical failures will cost you trophies.

  For those guys who own old vintage bikes. You should give vintage racing a shot. It brings back memories, is a great workout and the comradery is unmatched. I've raced AHRMA for 4 yrs now and have not met a better group of people anywhere out of all my travels and bike experiences. Vintage racing is addictive and can become a passion so beware. One old bike in the garage turns to twenty within a few years. Nothing matches the adrenalin rush of racing and this is compound by the excitement of running an old bike you built yourself.

  Vintage motocross is growing in popularity and I suspect Canadians may be able to take part in their own vintage series within the next few years. Keep an eye out for a vintage series coming near you and get out of that lawn chair this summer and give it a shot.