VMOL attends the 2011 MidAmerica Auction

Generally regarded as the largest, best attended event of its kind in the USA, MidAmerica's Vegas event is the perfect mid-winter getaway for snow blind motorcyclists. However, due to a rather uncommon blast of Arctic air that blew in the week before, Vegas was unseasonably cold, with snow-capped peaks surrounding this normally temperate desert valley. As if on cue I met JJ and our band of locals (A.K.A 'The Usual Suspects) after checking into my accommodations and treating myself to a well deserved hot shower. Friday is always a great night with lots of catching up, a hearty dinner and plenty of beverage sampling. One topic of conversation was the concrete surface for the now-traditional round of flat track racing. I have to admit, the dust raised by the racers down in the depths of the South Point Hotel was just a little better than miserable, and there were additional complaints when the cloud reached the exhibition hall. For what it's worth, the display this year looked better than ever.

The ongoing chatter from the auctioneer and shouts from his spotters make for an unending din emanating from MidAmerica's PA system. Hundreds of auction participants move purposefully about the building; inspecting machines, taking pictures and lining up for another cup of coffee. Those not near the stage could study one of many hi-def monitors placed around the hall. Some of the high rollers hire 'fill in' bidders, allowing these deep pocketed decision makers to roam in search of the next potential purchase. The event is streamed on the internet as well, and I personally watched as various cyber shoppers swept in to blow reserves clean out of the water. As you might expect there was the ever-popular (pre-and-post war) American twins, with a smattering of military and specialty builds that sold for higher than I anticipated.              

Missing both the Thursday night and Friday rounds of the action, my top priority when entering the fray on Saturday was finding the pair of Rickman CRs listed on MidAmerica's manifesto. Fearing they had already taken their turn on the turnstile, I was relieved to find them parked together with 100 motorcycles ahead in the rotation. It didn't surprise me when I spotted my old friend T.J. Jackson (www.eastsideperformance.com) hovering nearby. Rapidly gaining both interest and appreciation in vintage bike circles, these Rickman specials are desirable for all the right reasons. Intent on taking the pair home, T.J.'s focus was on a beautiful Honda-powered CR, while a close friend had his sights set on the lime green example stuffed full of Z1 horsepower. "We're telling everyone who stops all the things that are wrong with them" laughed T.J. It didn't work, as later that day both had combined to produce over $40.000 in bids; a huge step up from what they were selling for just six-months ago. Unfortunately for him, T.J.'s offer fell just $250 short, but the green Rickman/Kawi rode home with them.   

The usual show stoppers were there, the line up featuring a pair of utterly stunning Brough Superior SS100s that each approached $250.000 in price. One sold, one didn't. Other notables included a very tasty Munch Mammut from Michael's Motorcycles in Saint Louis, a nicely sorted MV Agusta 850SS and five Vincents in Shadow, Rapide and Comet form. Curiously, the big inch Italians were few and far between, with only one (!) Moto Guzzi included in the docket this year.

I'm still not sure what to make of that.

Expanding an ongoing trend, the number of vintage Japanese motorcycles grew yet again in Vegas. Easily the offering some of the best value, I saw more varying brands, models and types this year than ever before. With no early Honda Fours available, the big inch Kawasakis drew the highest bids, although a number of nicely preserved Yamahas and Suzukis made a nice showing on stage...no doubt giving the vintage motorcycle enthusiast a peek at coming trends. Case in point was a very clean RE-5 rotary selling for $9000, a pristine Z1R for one hundred more than that and a very nicely preserved GT 750 two-stroke that eared more than $4000 before the hammer dropped.

Finding a chair and sipping coffee with good pal Ron Starling, we studied the crowd and took some mental notes. Using 50 as the median age, I'd say seven out of every ten in attendance at MidAmerica this year fell on the plus side of that number. Believe it or not, that's actually lowering the average slightly, but the fact still remains that the vintage motorcyclist is an aging demographic. Watching a run of post war big twins roll off the stage unsold, I asked Ron if he felt the recession was still affecting sales. “I don't think it's just the economy” he answered. “It's hard to imagine riding some of that stuff on the street. Plus, the younger crowd isn't into old Hendersons and Indians. They're after the bikes of their youth. Before long, the stuff from the 70s is going to take over these auctions.”

I agree, although I'm not sure exactly when 'before long' will arrive. Statistics from VMOL polls and what we saw in Vegas this year proves there's still plenty of interest in the classics. With necessity remaining the mother of invention, tomorrow's classic ride may very well have to provide more to its owner than a convenient place to place his cognac. No matter what it says on the tank, it better have the brakes, suspension and engine to at least keep pace with the current fleet. Heading home with four-hundred miles to go I'm feeling ahead of the game, upshifting my 25-year old Le Mans at redline and making time. If Ron is right and rideable classics are vintage motorcycling's future, then the future is bright. Nolan Woodbury