Source: American Rider –
[[{“value”:”Pesky rain showers couldn’t dampen the spirits of more than 1,000 motorcycle enthusiasts who showed up for The Quail Motorcycle Gathering. Held near Carmel, California, the concours-style event is unlike anything else in motorcycling.
Our friends at Mecum Auctions displayed this pristine Henderson Four. (Photos courtesy Kahn Media)
Now in its 14th year, The Quail Motorcycle Gathering consistently brings amazing two-wheeled machinery to the lush lawns of The Quail Golf Club. It’s an event that celebrates the evolution of motorcycles and motorcycling. The diversity of motorcycles on display is unparalleled, with vintage American bikes joined by dozens of other brands from around the globe.
This wild build began life as a humble 1980 Harley-Davidson Sportster but was transformed years ago by Arlen Ness into a wild custom digger. Fittingly, it earned the Arlen Ness Memorial Award for owner Richard Best.
“The enthusiasm for riding and unbridled passion within the motorcycling community never ceases to inspire, and it particularly shines through on a rainy day like we had this year,” said Gordon McCall, director of motorsports for The Peninsula Signature Events, organizer of The Quail.
The Honda CB750 is one of the most significant motorcycles of the past half century, so selecting this pre-production CB750 from 1968 as Best of Show was a solid choice. It was a proud moment for owner Vic World (far right).
The 2024 edition was highlighted by several milestone anniversaries, including the centenary of the American Motorcyclist Association and the 30th anniversary of Ducati’s iconic 916 sportbike.
A King Of The Baggers Indian Challenger sat in front of the MotoAmerica tent.
Also in the spotlight was famed motocross racer Ricky Johnson, who received the Legend of the Sport honors this year. He was joined on stage by 2013 Legend of the Sport and three-time MotoGP world champ, Wayne Rainey, for a “fireside chat” with McCall.
Famed motocross/supercross racer Ricky Johnson was awarded Legend of the Sport honors. “Motorcycles have never let me down,” he told the crowd. “If I’m feeling down, I get on a motorcycle, and I feel better. If I want to go have fun, I get on a motorcycle, and I have fun.”
This year’s Quail had four featured classes alongside 11 returning traditional classes. As always, we’ll concentrate mostly on American machinery. Winner of the Antique class was a 1930 Indian Big Chief for owner Mike Lynch. John Ventura and his 1979 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide won top honors in the American class.
Jason McElroy’s 1964 Duo-Glide was the runner-up in the American category.
Posed next to Best’s digger was his long-forked Knucklehead chopper built by Rick Bray, which won the Choppers class.
The Custom/Modified category was one of the most interesting ones. Multitime show winner Max Hazan brought a superlative custom built around an incredible supercharged 1,000cc JAP V-Twin, which surely deserved some kind of award for its audacity. Hazan’s bike is owned by actor Jason Momoa (Aquaman), but even with that Hollywood shine, it only finished 2nd in class to an intriguing homage to Harley-Davidson’s board-track era.
The winner of the Custom/Modified class was this 1920s-styled homage to the board-track era for owner Chris Ranuio. It’s powered by a 1970 Sportster motor featuring exposed rocker arms, with nickel-plated cylinders that have had several cooling fins removed for a vintage appearance.
The word “unique” is often overused, but it perfectly applies to this Seeley-Norton Commando built by Johnny Green and Evan Wilcox, which won the Spirit of the Quail award. According to emcee Paul d’Orléans, owner Barry Weiss requested “a Raymond Loewy Art Deco toaster with speed whiskers.”
Find more moto-events at American Rider‘s Events Calendar
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