[motorcycle.com] - 2014 Quail Motorcycle Gathering

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Now in it’s sixth year, the Quail Motorcycle Gathering just gets bigger and better. But not too much bigger. More than 250 machines were assembled on the green grass carpet at the Lodge, and between participants and spectators, there were some 2500 attendees. While not quite at capacity, there was still sufficient space to move about, and just enough time to fully enjoy the panorama of motorcycles and people. And both in such variety! Think Renaissance Faire for motorheads.

Given its tony location, and proximity to Pebble Beach, The Quail suffers some residual perception of gentrified exclusivity – but only among those who haven’t been there. This is largely a hands-on crowd, a homogenous mix of dirt bikers, touring riders, cafe racers and general motorcyclists with little concern for whatever category may be the fashion of the moment. It’s all good. Consider it a gathering of the clans. No dress code required.

Plus, throw in the added attractions of multiple world roadracing champions Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey, a half-dozen of the country’s most respected motorcycle collectors, several of the top designers and engineers, plus one of the best damn catered barbecues on the planet, and you get an idea of what it might be like in motorcycle heaven.

Rollie Free’s record-setting Vincent Black Lightning, 150 mph in 1948, with rider wearing an early Speedo and slippers. Now owned by California collector Chip Connor.


The glitches were few, though a number of bikes were entered in the wrong category, complicating the judging process. Over-amplified live music did little to complement the relaxed setting, but the complaints were far outweighed by the kudos. Even for veteran geezers like this old scrivener, the Quail Gathering continues to produce surprises. Just when it seems you’ve seen it all, you round the corner and holy cheese’ncrackers! What the hell izzat?! Some several of those appeared at the Gathering this year, and describing them all would seriously strain my reportorial skills.

Fortunately, God made cameras so that those who couldn’t attend might get some idea of what such a spiritual gathering is like. So, herewith is a semi-comprehensive pictorial overview of a May day on the lawn. Thus we invite the faithful to look upon some of these wonders, and rejoice in the knowledge that we are blessed to be among those who know the everlasting wonder of The Ride.

2014 Quail Motorcycle Gathering Award Winners

Best of Show
1932 Vincent HRD Python Sport
Gene Brown – ColoradoSpirit of The Quail Award
1925 Brough Superior SS-100
Herb Harris – Texas100th Anniversary of the
Bonneville Salt Flats Award
1964 Triumph Gyronaut X-1
Steve, Sandra, and Ally Tremulis – CaliforniaIndustry Award
2014 Triumph Scrambler
British Customs, LLC – CaliforniaInnovation Award
1920 Ack Attack Special
Mike Akatiff – CaliforniaCompetition Sport Award
1981 Yamaha XS 650
Jeff Palhegyi – CaliforniaDesign and Style Award
1974 Norton John Player Special
Gene Brown – ColoradoFIVA Preservation
1972 Ducati Imola
John L. Stein – CaliforniaThe Quail Ride Award
1927 Scott Flying Squirrel
Lynn Upham – CaliforniaCycle World Tour Award
2012 Magni R3
Brent Lenehan – CaliforniaSignificance in Racing Award
1950 Vincent HRD Barn Jon
John S. Stein – CaliforniaWhy We Ride Award
1973 Honda XR75
Clayton Benedetti – CaliforniaScooter Award
1950 Powell P-81
Alvaro Iaccopucci – CaliforniaAmerican 1st Place
1959 Harley Davidson FLH Pan Head
Kevin Goe – NevadaAmerican 2nd Place
1967 Harley Davidson-Aermacchi Sprint ERS
Jove Shapiro – CaliforniaAntique 1st Place
1932 Vincent HRD Python Sport
Gene Brown – ColoradoAntique 2nd Place
1936 Harley Davidson EL
Dr. J Craig Venter – CaliforniaBritish 1st Place
1958 Ariel Square Four
Robert Ives – CaliforniaBritish 2nd Place
1951 Vincent Black Shadow
Mike Begley – CaliforniaCompetition On/Off Road 1st Place
1972 Ducati Imola
John L. Stein – CaliforniaCompetition On/Off Road 2nd Place
1971 Ossa Stilleto
Blair and Kathy Beck – CaliforniaCustom/Modified 1st Place
2014 Triumph Mule Street Tracker
Konstantin Drozdov – RussiaCustom/Modified 2nd Place
2013 CDS SC3 Adventure
Jim Carducci – CaliforniaEuropean 1st Place
1950 Moto Rumi Turismo
Museo Moto Italia, LLC – CaliforniaEuropean 2nd Place
1966 Bultaco Metralla
Phil and Mary Blackburn – CaliforniaJapanese 1st Place
1979 Honda CBX
Peter Rose – CaliforniaJapanese 2nd Place
1981 Suzuki GS 1100 E
Trace St. Germain – CaliforniaThe World’s Fastest Motorcycle, Ack Attack, 376 mph. Powered by Suzuki, built by Mike Akatiff and piloted by Rocky Robinson. In the background, the BUB steamliner, built by Denis Manning, former record holder at 367 mph.


Erstwhile photographer neglected to identify this bike, but calls it the Anteater.


The Buddfab streamliner, built by John Buddenbaum and Eric Noyes, holds records in the 50, 100 and 125cc FIM classes, the latter at 187.6 mph.



Two Harleys of different conceptual frameworks: A 1928 JD 74-inch V-Twin and 1919 Model W Sport Twin, patterned after the British Douglas, with a 584cc inline opposed twin. Both from the Craig Venter collection.


Author’s Honorable Mention award goes to the 1961 BSA Gold Star owned by Craig Stegall of Vancouver, Wash. Delicious.


Craig with storage warrior and Triumph T100 owner Barry Weiss.


Last of the mighty British 4-stroke motocrossers prior to the 2-stroke era. Clews Competition Motorcycles (CCM) were purpose-built racers with BSA engines.


Evan Bell (left), owner of Irv Seaver Motorcycles in Orange, Calif., commissioned Larry Romestant to build a custom BMW for the dealership’s 100th anniversary. The “Bell Kaff” is a nod to the cafe racers of the 70s, using an ’04 K100 RS engine and drivetrain. Bell saw the motorcycle for the first time at the event. He was impressed.


Also from the Mike Taggart collection, a 1969 Triumph-powered Wasp roadracer. Company was sued by Rickman brothers and went back to sidecar production.


Blair Beck’s pristine 1971 Ossa Stiletto won the second place award in the Competition class.


Owner/builder Jim Carducci showed two of these Harley-powered dual sporties. The components, craftsmanship and detail work are top shelf. Tank built by Evan Wilcox.


Displayed in the Antique class, a 1918 BSA owned by Budd Schwab.


Owner Vincent Schardt presented a 1948 James, powered by a Villiers engine with distinctive respiration system.


Two Indians that troubled Milwaukee for decades, the Scout and Chief.


Jeff Palhegyi’s steet-legal version of Kenny Roberts’ Yamaha 750 dirt tracker drew more than a few admiring looks.


The latest Triumph-powered LSR shell, the Castrol Rocket, employs two turbocharged Rocket III engines and makes 1000 horsepower. The 25.5-foot bullet will shoot for 400 mph with racer Jason DiSalvo at the controls.


The event would be incomplete without a Vincent Black Shadow.


Serious intent is displayed by the 1949 Vincent Rapide dragster entered by John S. Stein.


Tim Stafford tidies up his 1966 BMW R50.


Competition class Judge Richard Yamane looks over a rare 1930 Excelsior factory hillclimber entered by Bob and Linda Primmer.


The only 1910 Winchester known to exist. Owned by Jerry Morrison, who also has a 1909 model.


Lynn Upham heads for the show ground on his 1927 Scott Flying Squirrel. The water-cooled two-stroke won the Quail Ride Award.


Robert Eggers builds neat little motorized bicycles. He’s working on an electric motor version, but is tight-lipped on the details. He works for a specialized bicycle company of some sort. His business card says “Trouble Maker.”


The 2014 Sterling Autocycle features 1920s style with a modern engine. Built in Italy by the Black Douglas Motorcycle Co., this was its first stateside appearance.


The 1972 Ducati 750 Imola racer was winner Paul Smart’s backup bike. Raced for a few years thereafter in various countries, it settled in Santa Barbara with devout Ducatista John L. Stein.


John Goldman’s neat little 1950 Rumi 125 twin was awarded first place in the European class.


The very first Brough SS100 of 1925, owned by Herb Harris of Texas, received the Spirit of the Quail Award.


When all the hardware was visible; the Brough engine is a collage of bits and pieces.


Director Gordon McCall (left) introduces MC Paul d’Orleans, moto-historian and fashion maven. One wag tagged his ensemble – stingy brim hat, gold-flamed leather jacket, flood pants and gold shoes – “Michael Jackson meets Pee Wee Herman.”


Bevelhead John L. Stein won both first place in the Competition class and the FIVA Preservation award, for the bike best representing a “significant cultural artifact.” Of which he is also one.


First place in Custom/Modified went to the Mule/Triumph street tracker, built for client Konstantin Drozdov of Russia.


Former World Champion Wayne Rainey presents the Significance in Racing Award to John S. Stein for the 1950 Vincent HRD drag bike.


Best of Show: Smiles all around for Gene Brown’s 1925 Vincent HRD Python Sport, which was also awarded the top prize in the Antique class.


2014 Quail Motorcycle Gathering appeared first on Motorcycle.com.



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