Classic Motorcycle Day in Maryland

It's been 9 years since the last time I attended the Classic Motorcycle Day event in Mt. Airy, in Maryland. Weather permitting, I am planning to attend this year on May 17, 2026, in Mt. Airy.  I am looking forward to it.

Independent "Mom & Pop" Motorcycle Shops To The Rescue

Typically, dealerships don't work on older motorcycles. Could that be because technicians are not familiar with old technology, or because bike parts are no longer available?

A quick internet search tells me that motorcycle dealerships refuse to work on bikes (older than 10-20 years old), because parts are difficult to source, and motorcycle technicians lack the training on obsolete technology. 

A friend of mine purchased a 1993 Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 from overseas. After the motorcycle arrived, he realized that the bike slips out (popping out) of second gear. To make matters worse, Kawasaki no longer makes or sells the parts needed to complete the transmission repair. Now is a matter of waiting to see if the parts become available in the used motorcycle parts market (Ebay, etc.)

Thanks to "Mom & Pop" used motorcycle repair shops, older motorcycles are very much still on the road. The good news is that there is hope for many vintage and older motorcycles for years to come. 

Vintage Motorcycle Prices are Out of This World

This morning I was looking at a 1982 Kawasaki GPz-550 in pristine condition that was offered for sale at no reserve and sold for $12,500. 

The original manufacturer's suggested retail price for my bike (2010 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14) was approximately $12,399 when it was brand new in 2010. These days, bikes similar than mine are sold between $4,950 and $6,999, depending on condition and mileage.

In the early 1970's I purchased a blue 1972 Kawasaki 750 two-stroke triple. After years of riding and a ton of fun, in 1979 I made the biggest mistake of my motorcycle life by selling my beloved bike for $650.00 dollars. 

To my shocking surprise, the cost for these bikes are taking off. I have been blown away at how much people pay for these old Kawasaki two-stroke triples these days. Kawasaki (H1 500cc, H2 750cc) often exceeds $30,000 - $55,000 at some auctions nowadays. I'd love to buy another one, but these days they cost an arm and a leg.

Vintage Motorcycle Event

The 27th Annual Gathering of the Nortons was held this past Sunday at Washington Crossing Park, after a two-year hiatus thanks to the pandemic.

This vintage motorcycle event pretty much marks the start of the motorcycle season here in Philadelphia. Most types of bikes are welcome but they are mostly Norton's and British bikes. The value and demand for vintage motorcycles is at an all time high.

I read somewhere that this motorcycle event started after a group of friends began to meet after breakfast at the Washington Crossing Park, more than 20 years ago. This event has become the biggest Norton's vintage motorcycle gathering of the East Coast.

The 76 year young gentleman was very proud talking about his orange Harley Davidson XR-1200. In ten years when I get to be his current age, I hope I have the same energy he has.

The blue Kawasaki shown in the picture looks just like my first street bike, a 1972 Kawasaki H2 750 triple, "the widow maker". In my opinion, this year's event was a complete success. Enjoy the pictures!