Classic Motorcycle Day 2024

The gray skies and forecast rain didn’t deter the sizable throng of motorcycle enthusiasts that gathered on the carnival grounds of Mount Airy, MD, for the Classic Motorcycle Day 2024 on May 19.

Fortunately, the rain never materialized, and the cloud cover kept the sun from completely scorching the crowd. In other words, it was an excellent day to gawk at vintage European and Japanese motorcycles.

And there were vintage motorcycles aplenty. Dozens of pre-1985 machines were already lined up on the carnival grounds as the event started at 10 a.m. As the day went on, new bikes kept steadily appearing, giving visitors something new to admire with each consecutive stroll around the event grounds.

All relevant major marques were represented, from BMW to Yamaha, alongside some rarer sights, such as a few Vincents. Between the motorcycles, various scooters and mopeds filled up the space.

Some bikes to highlight include a 1923 Norton Big 4 (officially titled Model 1). The black and gray-painted machine was in impeccable condition—and ran perfectly well, as its owner proudly demonstrated. Many Moto Guzzi and Ducati owners had brought their bikes along.

A bright red 1956 Ducati Gran Sport 125 cut a dashing profile with its curiously shaped fairing and suede-covered (if not particularly plush) saddle. One truly rare treat was a 1983 Bimota SB4, built around a Suzuki 1100 Katana engine.

Speaking of the Bimota, that motorcycle earned its owner Aaron Meisner the Best in Show award in the annual Classic Motorcycle Day concours. More awards were handed out in 19 additional categories, covering specific marques, competition bikes, vintage and veteran (pre-1952) bikes, and customs. All in all, 34 motorcycles received an award by the end of the day.

If you happened to catch the owners standing by their motorcycles, they were eager to tell curious onlookers about their treasures. That said, most were off chatting with other motorcyclists or browsing the bounty of the swap meet and vendor stalls.

All kinds of components were up for grabs, from seats to single spring coils. Of course, there were also many motorcycles for sale (some clearly more well-loved than others). Visitors could also purchase vintage moto manuals and magazines, or even a WWII-era British motorcycle courier’s jacket. That said, modern riding suits and gear were available as well.

Riders seeking some divine protection could get their bikes blessed (and receive a sticker to prove it) at the Christian Motorcyclists Association tent. Once your stomach got rumbly, local food trucks were at attention to serve barbecue, ice cream, and hot dogs.

If you find yourself traveling through Mount Airy, make sure to stop at Cryin’ Johnnies and try their famous Crabby Dog smothered with homemade Maryland crab dip.

The Classic Motorcycle Day 2024 showed that motorcycle enthusiasts will not let such pesky things as the threat of downpour keep them from their passions. Good times were had by all—except one very young (and loud) moto fan whose father wouldn’t let him climb on the vintage Moto Guzzi he so admired.

2024 Concours Results

One of the most anticipated parts of the Classic Motorcycle Day is the annual concours. Awards were handed out in 20 categories.

The Classic Motorcycle Day 2024 Concours winners are:

Best in Show - Aaron Meisner—1983 Bimota SB4

Best of Marque, Italian - Roy Kidney—1956 Ducati Gran Sport 125

Ducati

1. John Esposito—1985 F3 400
2. Roy Kidney—1956 Gran Sport 125

Moto Guzzi

1. John Cannon—1973 Eldorado
2. Brad Field—1978 Le Mans

Other Italian, Singles

1. RL Brooks—1959 Mondial Scugnizzo
2. Ken Bauer—1978 AMF/Aermacchi 250SX

Other Italian, Multi-Cylinder

1. Aaron Meisner—1983 Bimota SB4
2. K.A. Browne—1974 MV Agusta Elettronica 350

Custom

1. Jordan D.—1985 BMW K100

Competition

1. Billy Worthington—Triumph T100 Flat Tracker
2. Chris Newton—BSA A50 land speed bike

Veteran, Pre-1952

1. Larkin Little—1938 Norton CS1
2. Mustafa Tehrani—1923 Norton Big 4

Vintage, 1952-1966

1. Toby Forrester—1963 BMW R90S
2. Dave and Cindy Thomas—1952 BMW R25/2

Triumph

1. Chris Newton—1972 T120R
2. Dave Rupp—1974 T150

Norton

1. Tim Morrow—1972 Commando
2. “Skip”—1972 Custom

BSA

1. RL Brooks—1969 Lightning
2. Greg Edwards—1966 Spitfire

Other British

1. Harry Kraemer—1912 AutoCarrier Delivery Trike

BMW

1. Louis Dahl—1978 R100RS
2. David Rouse—1966 R60/2

Other European

1. John Stark—1975 Montessa Rapida 250
2. Jason Tucker—1969 Lambretta D.C. Police Special

Honda

1. Dave Miller—1965 CR450
2. James Knowles—1975 CB250

Yamaha

1. Tom Eppler—1978 XS1100
2. Dalton Carbaugh—1968 YR2C

Kawasaki

1. Jason Tiede—1977 KN400

Other Japanese

1. Sean Skinner—1973 Yamaha SRV540