Skip to main content

History’s Greatest Bikes are Headed to the 10th Annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering

Classic car lovers are spoiled by events throughout the calendar year as history’s greatest vehicles circuit around the globe. This past August, The Manual indulged in a number of prestigious automotive events — all located in Monterey, California. One of our favorite showcases was also one of the newer displays: The Quail Motorsports Gathering. Perhaps a quarter the size of Pebble Beach’s Concours D’Elegance, and featuring vehicles of a more contemporary median age, The Quail has become a must-visit for Monterey Car Week attendees.

But car lovers aren’t the only ones to benefit from The Quail’s hosting talents. For the last 10 years, the world’s rarest, fastest, and most beautiful motorcycles have rolled onto the Quail Lodge’s perfectly manicured grounds – just three months before Carmel turns into car county, USA.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering will return in May 2018 with more bike marques and classes than ever before – including more than 300 classic motorcycles. Everything from cutting-edge electric bikes to pre-war restorations will share a field and unite enthusiasts young and old. This year, The Quail will also honor Arlen Ness, who is credited with building the chopper and show bike industry. Arlen, his son, and his grandson will display the Ness Museum’s most unique motorcycles at the show.

Recommended Videos

“The Quail Motorcycle Gathering is proud to present these new special classes for our 2018 show,” said Gordon McCall, director of motorsports for The Peninsula Signature Events. “We love the idea of featuring bikes that not only pay homage to the timeless purity of motorcycling, but also give insight into the future of the motorcycle industry. We are also thrilled to feature some of the wildest bikes ever built straight from the minds — and collection — of the Ness family, who are legends both in the bike world and here in Northern California.”

The 10th annual event is scheduled for May 5 and pre-sale tickets are available now at Quail Lodge Events. Food, drinks, and parking is included. Oh, and if you’re local (or looking for an excuse to ride across country), The Quail includes valet service for anyone who rides their motorcycle to the event.

As is often the case with these types of gatherings, the cars and bikes in the parking lot are almost as cool as the event itself!

Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
BMW’s ‘new’ R motorcycles are the most retro-cool bikes we’ve ever seen
These limited edition BMW motorcycles are a blast from the past
2023 BMW R 18 and R nineT 100 Years Editions in front of a villa during sunset and parked on a dirt parking lot.

BMW may be known for its upscale sports cars, but the German brand’s motorcycle division is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2023. The company has released two rad bikes to commemorate 100 years of motorcycles from BMW Motorrad. The 2023 BMW R nineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years Editions (no one said the bikes would have easy names) celebrate BMW Motorrad’s centenary with designs that make them look like they’re from a different era.
For BMW Motorrad fans, the new limited-edition nineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years Editions resemble bikes from the brand’s early days. The most noticeable design elements on the motorcycles include a black-and-white paint scheme with white double-pinstriping. The motorcycles also utilize a liberal amount of chrome as a nod to motorcycles of the past, which came with loads of the shiny stuff. The special motorcycles feature paint on some of the chrome components thanks to a process called “paint on chrome” that was very popular five decades ago. While the process was straightforward back then, it’s far more complicated now because of the use of REACH compliant Chromium III. It may have been difficult to pull off, but the look of the black and gray metal tank is sublime.

Previous

Read more
10 Essential Motorcycle Gifts for Dads in 2022
best motorcycle gifts for dads two friends riding motorcycles together on country roads  santa barbara county california usa

In case you forgot, Father’s Day is on June 21, which is right around the corner. Instead of ordering your dad a tie or a mug that says “Best Dad Ever,” why not get a gift he'll be able to use for his motorcycle? Riding a motorcycle is an incredibly personal thing, as is choosing one's gear. From companies to designs, we recommend staying away from motorcycle gear like helmets, gloves, and jackets, because finding the right size, style, and company that your dad likes will be tricky.
Related Guides

Best Motorcycle Types
Best Motorcycles
Fastest Motorcycles

Read more
This Sidecar Motorcycle Is the Ultimate off-Road Adventure Bike for Couples
Ural 2021 Geo Sidecar Motorcycle

Even if you’re not a fan of two-wheelers, there’s something undeniably cool about sidecar motorcycles. Their vintage World-War-era-inspired designs exude a timeless appeal that’s near-universal. Plus, road trips are always best shared with your SO or friends (or dog). Ural is no stranger to crafting eye-catching, one-of-a-kind bikes, but its latest Geo sidecar motorcycle promises to take you and your co-pilot farther off the beaten path than ever before.

Washington-based Ural cut its teeth building sidecar motorcycles nearly 80 years ago. Its first models were used by the military during World War II. But, after the war ended, it found a niche market among two -- er, three -- wheel enthusiasts looking for something truly special. The brand fast became legendary for its Russian-built, go-anywhere sidecar motorcycles designed to tackle the world’s most challenging terrain.

Read more