Boyertown, Pennsylvania – The harshest winter in years has regularly left motorcycle dealerships devoid of traffic as enthusiasts and potential customers have tended to more immediate needs like clearing walkways, shoveling driveways and simply just staying warm. All that changed on Saturday, March 1st as Martin Moto, of Boyertown, Pa rolled out its Fourth Annual Modern Classics motorcycle show.
As in the three previous years The Modern Classics attracted well over 1000 guests to the spacious Martin Moto showroom in order that they might take a close look at some 100 epic motorcycles primarily from the decades of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Bikes representing over 30 manufacturers were on display including museum quality restorations, a sampling of mild customs, and competition machines. There were even a handful unrestored “Pioneer” bikes on hand in order to help tell the history of this year’s featured class, motorcycles with two stroke engines. The oldest bike in the show came from England and was an original Scott Flying Squirrel, a remarkably advanced two cylinder, water cooled two stroke bike from 1936. At the other end of the spectrum, visitors marveled at the mid 1980s road-going replicas of grand prix race bikes like the 1986 Suzuki RG 500 Gamma that was on display. Between those two “bookends” guests found a wide variety of nostalgia provoking motorcycles as well as like-minded enthusiasts with which to share stories and memories.
The Modern Classics is a “by invitation only” show and does not feature judging. Rather, attendees are asked to vote for their “People’s Choice” in each of two categories, the featured “two stroke” class as well as the other “classics” from the era. For 2014 the class winners were as follows:
People’s Choice – Classics (presented by Arai Helmets)
1st: Norvin Custom — A stunning, and period correct, custom from the 1950s-1960s era created by transplanting a 1955 Vincent V-twin engine into a Norton Featherbed Frame. Shown by David Tompkins/Classic Cycles, Ltd., Baptistown, N.J.
People’s Choice – Two Stroke (presented by Power Seal USA)
1st: 1974 Kawasaki 500 Mach III — A beautifully restored example of what was, at the time, one of the world’s fastest production motorcycles. Presented in completely stock, as original, condition. Shown by Franco Steffanatto, West Chester, Pa.
In addition to the two People’s Choice awards, for 2014, The Modern Classics has added a third award – The Exhibitors’ Choice. This trophy is presented to the bike that best represents the entire 1960s to 80s era considering condition, rarity, craftsmanship, and historical significance as voted by the owners of the 100 bikes on display. The first winner of Modern Classics Exhibitors’ Choice award is:
Exhibitors’ Choice (presented by The Grisafi Insurance Agency)
1978 Moto Morini 3 ½ — A lightly customized Italian Exotic from the 1970s, created from what was once the owner’s daily commuter. This same bike also captured 2nd place in the People’s Choice-Classics category. Shown by Keith Turner, Bethlehem, Pa.
Immediately following the 5 p.m. awards presentation, exhibitors began the process of moving out the 100 show bikes, and by the beginning of business at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, the transformation of the 10,000 sq. ft. Martin Moto showroom back to a normal motorcycle dealer showroom was complete.
The Modern Classics “Museum for a Day” will return once again on Saturday, March 7, 2015, for the Fifth Annual show. Motorcycle enthusiasts should mark their calendars now, and hope for more typical March weather.
Martin Moto is a full service new and pre-owned motorcycle dealership in Boyertown, Pa. A franchised dealer for Triumph, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki, Martin Moto has been a member of the Boyertown area business community for nearly 18 years. Martin Moto serves the motorcycle enthusiast population with sales, service, parts and accessories as well as by sponsoring riding and community events like its annual Modern Classics Motorcycle Show. Learn more at www.martinmoto.com
