![]() With remarkably long forks, formed from sinuous expanses of chrome, that blend seamlessly into streamlined handlebars, this elegant execution combines beautifully curved metalwork with bold color combinations of a teal hombre and gold. “Stardust” is Richard Best’s incredible Harley-Davidson Knucklehead-a custom chopper for folks who don’t like custom choppers. 1947 Harley-Davidson “Stardust” Knucklehead. ![]() Owner John Goodman says he only knows of three such bikes, making his award-winning machine all the more remarkable. Unfortunately for the boutique firm, World War II brought a swift end to production before it could gain notoriety. Interestingly, “Miller” was incorporated to the manufacturer name because the company’s Italian founders thought the British-sounding moniker would make their motorcycles more sellable. Presenting a monocoque frame and streamline art deco bodywork enveloping a 200 cc two-stroke engine, this motorcycle was uniquely advanced and expensive for its time. The bike that earned Best in Show honors this year is an exceedingly rare example from short-lived Italian manufacturer Miller-Balsamo. This rare stateside-market bike is an ultra-clean and original example that deserved distinction from the crowd. Scott Smith’s 1937 BMW R5 took first prize in the Other European class, distinguishing itself from an array of entries from other notable manufacturers.įeaturing a number of innovations for its time-including the first use of telescopic forks, overhead engine valves, and adjustable damping-the R5 was a watershed motorcycle whose appeal continues to this day. Owned by John Goldman of France, the bike is noteworthy for its lavish details, scalloped chrome, and intricate pinstriping that all recall a long-lost era of imaginative motorcycle design.īMW was easily the most well-represented marque at this year’s Quail Motorcycle Gathering, constituting what motorcycle historian Paul d’Orleans half-jokingly suggested could be a full 30 percent of the field. That rarity lent it an air of intrigue amidst the many household names which were featured on the fairways of the Quail, especially since its styling hints at stalwarts like AJS and Triumph. ![]() The French manufacturer’s obscurity might be explained by the fact that it existed for a mere five years before being acquired by Motobecane. The beautifully tidy example on display received a well-earned top prize in the Antique Class 1935 and Earlier category, bolstering the reputation of these once underappreciated bikes.Įarning second place in the same category as the Indian Four Cylinder 402 is this far-lesser-known 1935 Motoconfort. Powered by an inline-four engine that’s descended from the 1911 Henderson, this model features elaborate engineering and premium craftwork that priced it out of reach for most enthusiasts in the 1920s. Mike Lynch’s 1929 Indian harkens back to a great American era of manufacturing in the same way that Cord and Duesenberg set new standards for automobile building. bike builder on record, having been founded in 1901. While Harley-Davidson earns props for being one of the original stateside motorcycle manufacturers, Indian Motorcycle actually claims credit for being the first U.S. With an eye towards the intricate beauty of these old school two-wheelers, here our favorites from the day. While the featured hardware was stunning, a fireside chat with McCall and race legends Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, and Bubba Shobert cemented the camaraderie and rich history that binds moto enthusiasts in this shared passion. On May 6, the 13th annual edition drew around 3,000 spectators who enjoyed an eclectic array of over 200 classic bikes, including the 1939 Miller-Balsamo 200 Carenata named Best in Show. That feeling permeates the motorcycle world, and that’s why we come back every year.” “This is a brotherhood, there’s no doubt about it, and enthusiasm amongst motorcyclists is really what keeps us going.” He adds, “I haven’t met a person yet that finds their treasure, rolls it into the garage, shuts the door, and enjoys it in a vacuum. “The event is a reflection of the motorcycle community,” he told Robb Report. The Carmel resident and motorcycle lover sees bikes as a common tie that binds. The event is spearheaded by Gordon McCall, the Quail’s Director of Motorsports, who also founded the Motorsports Gathering. The Quail Motorcycle Gathering is like a two-wheeled equivalent of the hot indie rock band opening for the headliner-lesser known, but no less cool. While the Quail, A Motorsports Gathering commands steep ticket prices and jam-packed crowds amidst the hullabaloo of Monterey Car Week, another gem of an event slips quietly into Carmel Valley every spring with far less fanfare.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |