2009 Brand X Vintage Motorcycle Show

By Jacqui Van Ham
Published on February 16, 2010
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Kawasakis, BSAs, Ducatis, Triumphs and more filled the streets of New York City Aug. 23, 2009 as classic fans gathered for the 6th Annual Brand X bike show.
Kawasakis, BSAs, Ducatis, Triumphs and more filled the streets of New York City Aug. 23, 2009 as classic fans gathered for the 6th Annual Brand X bike show.
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Kawasakis, BSAs, Ducatis, Triumphs and more filled the streets of New York City Aug. 23, 2009 as classic fans gathered for the 6th Annual Brand X bike show.
Kawasakis, BSAs, Ducatis, Triumphs and more filled the streets of New York City Aug. 23, 2009 as classic fans gathered for the 6th Annual Brand X bike show.
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A little impromptu “action painting” from Naoki Iwakawa.
A little impromptu “action painting” from Naoki Iwakawa.
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Works Engineering's own rat Honda and Triumph.
Works Engineering's own rat Honda and Triumph.
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Little Honda Cub behind Works Engineering.
Little Honda Cub behind Works Engineering.
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Isle of Man winner Dave Roper gives our gal Jacqui Van Ham a hug.
Isle of Man winner Dave Roper gives our gal Jacqui Van Ham a hug.
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Bikes lined up down the street.
Bikes lined up down the street.

As the morning of New York City’s 2009 Annual Brand X motorcycle show dawned, the gloomy clouds hanging overhead as rain splattered the streets had me queasily wondering if this was an omen for the day.

I’d come to New York just for this show, but now I had to wonder: Would the Big Apple’s motorcycling community turn out in bum weather, or would the city slickers be “too cool” to bother? Silly me. Showing a resiliency and creativity that must come from living — and surviving — in the largest city in the U.S., the crowds turned out in force. After a few sprinkles passed, the sun flittered through and dark skies gave way to a scorching hot August day with bikes to match.

Presented by the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, “Exhibition of Vintage Motorcycles, Brand X” was held at Works Engineering in Brooklyn. My invite promised a free shot of Jägermeister to the person with the most creative answer to “Why Brand X?” Allegedly, Dave Roper (the only American to ever win at the Isle of Man TT) knew the answer, but I couldn’t get it out of him, so sadly, no Jäger for me. Instead I cruised the vendor booths. Vintage race guy Tex Mawby was on hand, selling Rev’It! gear, and the fine folks at Zero Motorcycles, MotorGrrl, Smith & Butler, Moto Borgotaro and NYC VinMoto had set up shop.

As the temps crept up, more and more bikes arrived, many signing up for the bike show to compete for top honors in the coveted categories of EuroTrash Award, Saved from the Jaws of Death, Compressed Disc, Best Desecration of Japanese History, Best Expression of Mid-life Crisis, and What is That?!? After some friends from the Brit Iron Rebel and TonUp clubs arrived, we quickly moved to find some shade and some beer, and let the tire kicking begin in earnest.

There were easily 500 to 600 bikes coming and going throughout the day, and attendance was in the thousands. There were a lot of creative, unexpected bikes, and a very “Ride ’Em, Don’t Hide ’Em” vibe — lots of projects, choppers, café bikes and more than a few beautifully restored pieces of eye candy. The mash-up of bikes had a fantastic neighborhood feel, complete with a free barbecue and free Asahi beer (it was a VJMC event, after all). Finally, I started to get the “Brand X” part — it really was an open invitation to the entire motorcycle community, a summer celebration of motorcycles, art, music and friendship. 

Brand X beginnings

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