9:00 to 4:00: It is the invasion of the Euro riders from ten states headed into the Larz Anderson Classic European Motorcycle Day in Brookline, Massachusetts. The "Classic" is the region’s largest and most prestigious rider sponsored motorcycle event, now in its 16th year. We feature an all-European bike show and concourse judging, raffles, swap meet, displays, and an all around noisy good time. Bring the kids. Bring the dog. See nearly a century of European motorcycles and over a decade of celebrating them at Larz Anderson Park. Join the Melanoma Foundation of New England at their tent for a free skin damage screening and children’s activity. Step back in time and experience a day in the life of a one-room schoolhouse, while visiting the interactive 1768 Putterham School Museum on site. Begins at 9:00 this show is open to motorcycles produced in Europe. Registration is $ 10.00 per motorcycle. Walk-in admission is $10.00 per adult. $5.00 per senior, student and children 6-16. Active military and children under 6 are free.
Larz Anderson Auto Museum
15 Newton  St
Brookline, Ma 02445 

www.larzanderson.org

  

The 2007 Larz Anderson Classic European Motorcycle Show
by Don Sucher

Autumn in New England is a motorcyclist's delight:  Crisp fall air. Brightly painted landscapes. And the Larz Anderson Classic!

Held at beautiful Larz Anderson Park, Brookline, Massachusetts, the Classic brings together hundreds of riders from across New England and beyond, and an enormous collection of motorcycles by almost every European marquee.  The show is a combined effort of the Museum of Transportation and the Yankee Beemers Motorcycle Club.

The collection of BMWs -- from the earliest classics to the latest oil-head models -- would alone be worth the trip. Since the Beemers -- like most BMW riders -- really like to put on the miles, many of these bikes are equipped for that purpose. Among the custom features to be seen are enlarged gas tanks, custom saddle-bags and carry-cases, and even the occasional side car.

British bike enthusiasts also call 'the Classic' their own, and the turn out of these beauties is a thrill to see.  This years "Best in Show" went to a British bike: A rare and exquisite Rickman/Triumph.

Other great British marquees to be seen, admired and enjoyed, included BSA's, Royal Enfield, Triumph, Norton, Vincent and Matchless.

Italian bikes, too, play a big part in the Classic.  Since New England is the home of several Ducati enthusiast groups -- including Ducati's Unlimited Connection -- it is no surprise that the greatest number of Italian bikes were Ducks.  Included in the show were several nice 'bevels,' a couple of lovely singles, and a host of modern 'belt drive' models.  In fact, for the first time, a belt drive bike was chosen by attending DUC members for this year's  DUC Bowl. That went to Hannu Korhonen's 1991 851 Superbike.

What made this bike stand out -- other than its relative rarity -- was the way Hannu rides it. As a member of a Maine BMW touring group a typical day in the saddle for Hannu is 700 miles. And, despite the low, low, handle bars that make most riders think of an 851 as a 'rack,' Hannu views his as a "touring bike" Go, Hannu!

Among the many awards given out yearly at the Larz Anderson Classic, none is more special then the Tom Hickey Memorial Bowl. Tom -- a passionate collector of rare automobiles and bikes -- was a fixture at MOT events, and most every regular attendee came to view him as a friend. Since Tom had a  particular passion for Italian singles, this year's winner of the award bearing his name was very appropriate: A truly lovely Moto Parilla. Tom would have loved it!

All of the many hundreds of exhibitors and visitors at this year's Larz Anderson Classic are thankful to the Museum of Transportation and the the Yankee Beemers for making it possible. There are few motorcycle shows it's equal.