My mental vacation interest in vintage motocross cranked up a few notches today with a visit to a nearby vintage show. The show featured many old school motocross and other dirt bikes that remind me of my era of involvement "back in the day" of riding every weekend with like minded friends.
The show was held at a large motorcycle dealership in Renton (that be Washington) - Harley, Japanese brands, indoor track, pub - big complex. I learned of the show after poking around a vintage motocross site I frequent occasionally. There appears to be quite the vintage motocross scene here in the Pacific Northwest.
1974 Yamaha YZ250 that appears to be set up for current day vintage racing, though from super clean appearance - not sure if actually ridden. This thing is impressively clean and well done. Modern aluminum swingarm and Work Performance shocks in the rear. Newer, undamaged expansion chamber, perfect tank - very nice.
1968 ('69?) Suzuki Twin Pipe 250. If my history is correct, the first production motocross bike for Suzuki and pretty rare to find one today. This one completely restored. Some old school history in the flesh, uh - metal.
Hodaka Road Toad 100 - either completely restored, just unsealed from secret basement, or arrived via time machine from the '70s for the show. Looks brand new. Hodaka started many on their dirt bike adventures starting in the late '60s and up 'til 1980 or so, when they folded up shop. The company was based out of Oregon and is still fondly remembered to this day. I've never owned a Hodaka, but knew people that did back in the heyday. I always thought they were a cool, underdog, fun company - with model names like Super Rat, Combat Wombat, Thunder Dog and yes, Road Toad.
1976 Bultaco Sherpa T 125 looking as it did in '76, not restored, but ready to ride. During the '70s dirt bike boom, the sport of observed trials was reported to be the "next big thing". That never happened, but for awhile it was growing in the U.S. with many bikes available, the best from Spain - Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa. I dabbled a bit with trials at the time, so I'm pretty familiar with the old iron. Been decades since I've seen any of these bikes up close however.
Mid '70s Bultaco 250 Pursang. The blue paint, the down pipe, the old school stance - yes please. During my riding days, a local rider named Greg owned a '75 Pursang just like this. Very fast smooth rider, I can still picture him battling my old pal Todd on his '76 Suzuki RM125A at our local practice track. This is probably the first time I've stood next to a Pursang since those days.
Very clean, nicely restored - and currently raced - Ossa 250. I spoke to the owner for a bit and he gave me the lowdown on vintage motocross racing. It all sounds very tempting to old school me. However, time and money won't allow such festivities for the foreseeable future. He mentioned a three moto race day is possible with a single bike - by displacement size, age of rider, etc. He also mentioned riders 70 and older race for free. That gives me something to look forward to...
Another Harley-Davidson dirt bike, though this one a bit more capable. During the '70s, the Harley AMF years, they put out various dirt bikes, including this full motocross model in '78. The dirt bikes were actually manufactured in Italy by Aermacchi, that Harley-Davidson owned at the time. This one appears to be the super sano museum piece, first time I've seen one for real, though I remember reading about them during that era. The '77 model (if I'm not mistaken) used front forks for the rear suspension.
The CZ days were basically over during my involvement with motocross. You'd occasionally see one at the track, usually super modified with laid down shocks, longer travel fork, snail pipe and other mods. I've never ridden one, but they always fascinated me with their cobbled together look, aluminum coffin tank and MX history. I always wanted a CZ - and when I visit Fantasy Island, where time and money allow such tomfoolery as vintage motocross racing - that would be one of my main choices of machine to hurt myself on. A boy can dream can't he?
More vintage trials bikes to observe, including this Montesa Cota 172. During the '70s, a friend of mine and his family were very into observed trials. In their garage was a Montesa Cota 123, very similar to this one, that they loaned me at times. It was cool to see this one today.
1981 Maico 490 looking capable as ever. Air cooled two-stroke, drum brakes, yet serious suspension. Call me crazy, but with a talented rider - I think something like this would still be competitive today. And if not competitive against modern motocross technology - still damn cooler looking.
1978 CZ 125 - a rare bird indeed. By '78, CZ was totally out of the picture, for production bikes anyway, especially for smaller displacement models. That be a really interesting bike to own today.
1978 Bultaco Pursang 250 in the familiar blue color. By '78, Bultaco motocross bikes were no longer as competitive as previous years, but I've always dug 'em. Their observed trials bikes were still world leaders during that era however.
1977 Can-am 250 MX in orange and black. Back in the day, Can-ams were known for serious power, but sub-par handling. I still wanted one. During high school, my school bus would pass a small boat dealer that carried Can-am for a short while. They'd have 'em lined up outside in front of the shop. Every trip home I'd have my face glued to the bus window checking 'em out.
1974 Yamaha YZ 125 twin - yes, twin cylinders. I've read a few million magazines back in the day, but have no memory of anything like this. I'm not sure what the history of this bike is. Something I've forgotten about? Some home brew special? Whatever the story, probably the most interesting bike of the show.
My personal favorite bike of the show - super clean '74 Suzuki TM100. I am biased though, since I owned a '74 Suzuki TM125 back in '76. Just seeing that yellow tank and green graphics clinches it for me.
Another Hodaka, this time a 125 Combat. Once into the mid '70s, no longer competitive racing wise, though that didn't stop some people from modifying 'em and giving it a go. I'd like to own one of these now, just to keep saying "Combat Wombat" over and over.
The kids may not know that during the '70s, KTMs were imported under the Penton label - as in the famous Penton family - that contains much dirt bike history, especially in the enduro and ISDT arena. This 250 a great example of '70s euro motocross goodness.
1974 Maico 400 looking vintage race ready. Also really similar to a '75 Maico 400 my old pal Kevin rode back in the day. Maico, similar to CZ, at least the older ones, always looked a bit crude to me - but they worked well.
1972 Maico 400 ready for old school action. Man, look at the pipe and silencer. This was a just a few years before my era, but I remember reading about 'em in magazines, from a pile given to me from a riding pal's dad. I wish I had that pile of mags now, would be cool to thumb through 'em again.
1966 Matchless - now we're really talking old school. This was the tail end of the four stroke era, before the lighter and faster two-strokes took over the world of motocross. Of course, now that four strokes once again rule the world of motocross, things have come full circle. However, as us old school dudes know - the modern game is rigged for various reasons, all but eliminating two-strokes from the scene. That debate for a different time and place.
No one else in the family was interested in looking at "old motorcycles" and elected to stay home. My neighbor who also is interested in two wheeled moto devices was out. Another old two wheeled pal, pedal and moto powered, already hit the show earlier in the day. So I visited the show solo, which turned out to be kind of cool and I enjoyed some rare time to myself.
Some pictures and notes from the day.....
1974 Yamaha YZ250 that appears to be set up for current day vintage racing, though from super clean appearance - not sure if actually ridden. This thing is impressively clean and well done. Modern aluminum swingarm and Work Performance shocks in the rear. Newer, undamaged expansion chamber, perfect tank - very nice.
1968 ('69?) Suzuki Twin Pipe 250. If my history is correct, the first production motocross bike for Suzuki and pretty rare to find one today. This one completely restored. Some old school history in the flesh, uh - metal.
Hodaka Road Toad 100 - either completely restored, just unsealed from secret basement, or arrived via time machine from the '70s for the show. Looks brand new. Hodaka started many on their dirt bike adventures starting in the late '60s and up 'til 1980 or so, when they folded up shop. The company was based out of Oregon and is still fondly remembered to this day. I've never owned a Hodaka, but knew people that did back in the heyday. I always thought they were a cool, underdog, fun company - with model names like Super Rat, Combat Wombat, Thunder Dog and yes, Road Toad.
1976 Bultaco Sherpa T 125 looking as it did in '76, not restored, but ready to ride. During the '70s dirt bike boom, the sport of observed trials was reported to be the "next big thing". That never happened, but for awhile it was growing in the U.S. with many bikes available, the best from Spain - Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa. I dabbled a bit with trials at the time, so I'm pretty familiar with the old iron. Been decades since I've seen any of these bikes up close however.
Mid '70s Bultaco 250 Pursang. The blue paint, the down pipe, the old school stance - yes please. During my riding days, a local rider named Greg owned a '75 Pursang just like this. Very fast smooth rider, I can still picture him battling my old pal Todd on his '76 Suzuki RM125A at our local practice track. This is probably the first time I've stood next to a Pursang since those days.
Very clean, nicely restored - and currently raced - Ossa 250. I spoke to the owner for a bit and he gave me the lowdown on vintage motocross racing. It all sounds very tempting to old school me. However, time and money won't allow such festivities for the foreseeable future. He mentioned a three moto race day is possible with a single bike - by displacement size, age of rider, etc. He also mentioned riders 70 and older race for free. That gives me something to look forward to...
Early '70s Husqvarna CR400 in perfectly restored state. It probably didn't look this good off the showroom floor when new. Insanely clean, right down to the custom stand cover. My old riding pal Don rode a '75 Husky CR250, similar looking to this one, years ago.
Honda 50 memory flashback machine. A few of these buzzed around my neighborhood during my childhood. Bumming the occasional ride was always a thrill.
Frankenstein BSA with Harley-Davidson motor. You gotta wonder what this thing sounds like. The cool thing is the recent dirt and vintage racing plate - meaning it's ridden and raced.
Another Harley-Davidson dirt bike, though this one a bit more capable. During the '70s, the Harley AMF years, they put out various dirt bikes, including this full motocross model in '78. The dirt bikes were actually manufactured in Italy by Aermacchi, that Harley-Davidson owned at the time. This one appears to be the super sano museum piece, first time I've seen one for real, though I remember reading about them during that era. The '77 model (if I'm not mistaken) used front forks for the rear suspension.
The CZ days were basically over during my involvement with motocross. You'd occasionally see one at the track, usually super modified with laid down shocks, longer travel fork, snail pipe and other mods. I've never ridden one, but they always fascinated me with their cobbled together look, aluminum coffin tank and MX history. I always wanted a CZ - and when I visit Fantasy Island, where time and money allow such tomfoolery as vintage motocross racing - that would be one of my main choices of machine to hurt myself on. A boy can dream can't he?I didn't catch the year, displacement, or why a rubber weapon is affixed to the front fender of this fine example of CZ.
One area, of a few, from the show. Many examples of old school iron to gawk at. Impressive number of bikes and people showed up.
There were a few nice Elsinores on display, including this very clean 250. Yes please, I'll take it.
More vintage trials bikes to observe, including this Montesa Cota 172. During the '70s, a friend of mine and his family were very into observed trials. In their garage was a Montesa Cota 123, very similar to this one, that they loaned me at times. It was cool to see this one today.
1981 Maico 490 looking capable as ever. Air cooled two-stroke, drum brakes, yet serious suspension. Call me crazy, but with a talented rider - I think something like this would still be competitive today. And if not competitive against modern motocross technology - still damn cooler looking.
Nicely set up 1978 Suzuki RM250 - sweet. I'd dig riding one of these today, no question. Reminds me of my '79 Suzuki RM125N that I rode and raced years ago.
1978 CZ 125 - a rare bird indeed. By '78, CZ was totally out of the picture, for production bikes anyway, especially for smaller displacement models. That be a really interesting bike to own today.
1978 Bultaco Pursang 250 in the familiar blue color. By '78, Bultaco motocross bikes were no longer as competitive as previous years, but I've always dug 'em. Their observed trials bikes were still world leaders during that era however.
1977 Can-am 250 MX in orange and black. Back in the day, Can-ams were known for serious power, but sub-par handling. I still wanted one. During high school, my school bus would pass a small boat dealer that carried Can-am for a short while. They'd have 'em lined up outside in front of the shop. Every trip home I'd have my face glued to the bus window checking 'em out.
Fantastic looking '75 Kawasaki KX250 with aluminum swingarm, Works Performance shocks, black rims - wow.
1974 Yamaha YZ 125 twin - yes, twin cylinders. I've read a few million magazines back in the day, but have no memory of anything like this. I'm not sure what the history of this bike is. Something I've forgotten about? Some home brew special? Whatever the story, probably the most interesting bike of the show.
See? Would I lie? Two, count 'em - two. It almost looks like a mini RD motor. Amazing. So, depending on actual displacement - two 60cc cylinders. What does this thing rev to?
Dual expansion chamber set up. Wild stuff. I'd love to hear this thing run.
1974 Yamaha TY80 looking new. Mini observed trials bike for kids, very cool at the time. My friend Todd owned one during that era. I still remember riding it to this day.
My personal favorite bike of the show - super clean '74 Suzuki TM100. I am biased though, since I owned a '74 Suzuki TM125 back in '76. Just seeing that yellow tank and green graphics clinches it for me.
Another Hodaka, this time a 125 Combat. Once into the mid '70s, no longer competitive racing wise, though that didn't stop some people from modifying 'em and giving it a go. I'd like to own one of these now, just to keep saying "Combat Wombat" over and over.
The kids may not know that during the '70s, KTMs were imported under the Penton label - as in the famous Penton family - that contains much dirt bike history, especially in the enduro and ISDT arena. This 250 a great example of '70s euro motocross goodness.
1974 Maico 400 looking vintage race ready. Also really similar to a '75 Maico 400 my old pal Kevin rode back in the day. Maico, similar to CZ, at least the older ones, always looked a bit crude to me - but they worked well.
1972 Maico 400 ready for old school action. Man, look at the pipe and silencer. This was a just a few years before my era, but I remember reading about 'em in magazines, from a pile given to me from a riding pal's dad. I wish I had that pile of mags now, would be cool to thumb through 'em again.
Museum quality restoration of a side pipe CZ. I'd bet it didn't look this shiny when first shipped from Czechoslovakia in 1970. Still fun to look at today however.
1966 Matchless - now we're really talking old school. This was the tail end of the four stroke era, before the lighter and faster two-strokes took over the world of motocross. Of course, now that four strokes once again rule the world of motocross, things have come full circle. However, as us old school dudes know - the modern game is rigged for various reasons, all but eliminating two-strokes from the scene. That debate for a different time and place.This now concludes yet another trip down motocross memory lane. The show was not a bad way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon. There were many bikes on display, more then I pictured and described. I haven't ridden dirt bikes since 1981, but still get a kick out of seeing and talking about this old era of motocross and other dirt bike action. It truly was the golden age of the sport, even if we (or I) sounds like old dude saying so. It really was a great era with many good memories.
Thanks for reading and checking out the pictures. Smell the Bel-Ray. Let the two-stroke sound ring in your head forever.
P.S. Update - attended 2012 version of this show. If interested, click here.
P.S. Update - attended 2012 version of this show. If interested, click here.