2016 The Quail Motorcycle Gathering

The eighth annual "The Quail Motorcycle Gathering," held May 14, 2016, at the Quail Lodge and Golf Club in Carmel Valley, California, was a rousing success by all accounts.

The event saw a record-breaking turnout: approximately 3,000 spectators enjoyed the nearly 400 motorcycles, scooters and bicycles on display.

2016 'The Quail Motorcycle Gathering' a Hit

This year’s event celebrated pre-1916 motorcycles, a notable period in motorcycling history due to the hundreds of manufacturers in existence at the time. More than a dozen machines graced this class, which comprised early examples from Harley-Davidson and Indian, as well as lesser-known manufacturers like Militaire, Thor, and California.

The other featured categories of 2016 included BMW Classics, the 40th Anniversary of Superbike, and Extraordinary Bicycles: an homage to the motorcycle’s two-wheeled predecessor.

2016 'The Quail Motorcycle Gathering' a Hit

The show field was also supplemented by dozens of rare and interesting motorcycles from private collections, both restored and unrestored. Italian motorcycle manufacturer Energica chose this venue to unveil its Eva electric streetfighter motorcycle.

Honda’s 2016 Africa Twin was also on display, accompanied by its 1988 counterpart, along with a range of other historic Hondas. Kawasaki’s exhibit included their new 150cc street bike aimed at new riders, and Indian Motorcycle of Hollister showed off their customized “Stealth Edition” of the new Indian Chieftain Dark Horse.

READ MORE: World's Fastest Triumph Heading to the Quail | RideApart

2016 'The Quail Motorcycle Gathering' a Hit

Just before noon, a group of riders on the Cycle World Tour arrived on the event field. Spectators also enjoyed live music by local artist Delany Ann, and a southwestern barbecue lunch was included in the $75 admission fee. Later, 2016 Legend of the Sport and three-time AMA National Superbike Champion Reg Pridmore took the stage for a conversation with the event's organizer Gordon McCall. Pridmore then joined his book's co-author, Geoff Drake, in the Mert Lawill Concepts booth for a book signing and meet-and-greet. Fellow racing legend and Daytona 200 winner Don Emde was also on hand, signing copies of his new book: Finding Cannon Ball’s Trail.

Under a sunny afternoon sky, spectators were treated to complimentary ice cream from Marianne’s Ice Cream. Local band Vent kept the mood upbeat with a mixture of classic rock standards and contemporary hits.

2016 'The Quail Motorcycle Gathering' a Hit

The awards ceremony began with the presentation of the AMA’s Dudley Perkins Award to former racer and one of this year’s Quail judges, Craig Vetter. Tom Holthaus’ 1910 Pierce Four took the honors for the Pre-1916 Motorcycles class, while Danny Stewart’s 1941 Columbia Clipper won the Extraordinary Bicycles class.

The 40th Anniversary of Superbike class was topped by the American Motorcyclist Association’s Wayne Rainey #60 Kawasaki. Robert Talbott’s 1925 BMW R37 earned two awards, winning the BMW Classics category while also being selected as Best of Show.

READ MORE: The Story of Cannoball Baker and the Ridiculous Vintage Race He Inspired | RideApart

2016 'The Quail Motorcycle Gathering' a Hit

The Spirit of The Quail Award was given to Virgil Elings for his 1964 MV Agusta Triple. The Quail Motorcycle Gathering has become the premier motorcycle show in North America. The 9th Annual event is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2017.

 

Best of Show

1925 BMW R37

Robert Talbott - California

Antique 1st Place

1931 Moto Guzzi Sport 15

Mark Leonard - California

Spirit of The Quail Award

1964 MV Agusta Triple

Virgil Elings - California

Antique 2nd Place

1929 Moto Guzzi Sport 14

Mark Leonard - California

Pre-1916 Motorcycles

1910 Pierce Four

Tom Holthaus - California

American 1st Place

1949 Indian Arrow

Jason Hartje - California

Extraordinary Bicycles

1941 Columbia Clipper

Danny Stewart - California

American 2nd Place

1942 Harley-Davidson XA Prototype

Jim Farley - London

BMW Classics

1925 BMW R37

Robert Talbott - California

British 1st Place

1952 Vincent Touring Rapide

Gene Brown - Colorado

40th Anniversary of Superbike

Wayne Rainey #60 Kawasaki

American Motorcyclist Association

British 2nd Place

1965 Royal Enfield Interceptor

Albert Catelani - California

Industry Award

2009 Ducati Monster/“Leggero”

Walt Siegl - New Hampshire

Italian 1st Place

1963 Malaguti Olympique

Vincent Schardt - California

Innovation Award

1973 Vincati 1200cc

Mitch Talcove - California

Italian 2nd Place

1955 Devil 160 Super Sport

Stewart Ingram - California

Design and Style Award

1960 Velocette

Revival Cycles - Texas

Japanese 1st Place

1972 Honda CL350 K4 Flying Dragon

Don L. Stockett - California

HVA Preservation Award

1910 Pierce Four

Tom Holthaus - California

Japanese 2nd Place

1966 Honda 305 Scrambler

John Zuffi - California

The Cycle World Tour Award

1948 Indian 648 Big Base Scout

Matt Black/Iron Horse Corral - California

Other European 1st Place

1969 Bultaco El Montadero

The Delamore Family - California

Significance in Racing Award

1957 Harley-Davidson KR

Michael Taggart - California

Other European 2nd Place

1951 NSU Konsul 500

Ziggy & Lisa Dee - California

Why We Ride Award

1947 Salsbury Scooter

Donald Orosco - California

Competition Off Road 1st Place

1989 Honda XRC650 Africa Twin Marathon

Sam Roberts - California

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Heritage Award

Wayne Rainey #60 Kawasaki

American Motorcyclist Association

Competition On Road 1st Place

1964 MV Agusta Triple

Virgil Elings - California

Scooter Class Award

1967 Vespa Sears

Gianluca Baldo - California

Custom Modified 1st Place

1952 Triumph Thunderbird

Bryan Thompson - California

Chopper Class Award

1951 Harley-Davidson Custom

Joe Brown - California

Custom Modified 2nd Place

1980 BMW R100

Chris Canterbury - California

 

Learn more about RideApart's staff here: The RideApart Team

 

 


2016 'The Quail Motorcycle Gathering' a Hit
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