The 2024 VJMC of North America National Rally

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The 2024 VJMC of North America National Rally

In 2024, starting on Thursday, May 30th and running through June 1st, the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of North America hosted its annual National Rally at the beautiful General Butler State Resort Park in the hills of Northern Kentucky. Wait a minute, what’s that you say? What is the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club and why should I care? Let me explain a minute and if you don't mind I'll switch to the abbreviation VJMC to avoid so much typing. First let me say that the VJMC of North America is not the only such club, there’s also a VJMC of the United Kingdom in the British Isles and also a VJMC of Australia. All are similar groups with similar aims; to preserve the fantastic heritage of Japanese motorcycles. Here in the U.S. and Canada the VJMC of North America was founded in 1977 and we just celebrated our 47th anniversary last year.

Every year at different locations around the U.S. we hold our National Rally. This event is 3 full days of fellowship and camaraderie all based around our love of the finest motorcycles in the world. There are group rides, a rich and delicious banquet supper served every night, and many other wonderful opportunities to socialize with each other. Of course, the main highlight of the event is the Saturday afternoon motorcycle show that always attracts the finest machinery from around the continent.

The group rides are led by local members to various attractions throughout the area. For example, on Friday the group made an approximately 140 mile round trip from the park in Carrollton, Kentucky to the tiny historic town of Rabbit Hash. The route there went through the foothills of the area with a really nice stop for lunch at a local biker hangout called Boondocks, that served up delicious chicken wings, sandwiches, and local specialties. After lunch we meandered through the hills to our destination nestled down by the banks of the Ohio River. Rabbit Hash is a quaint little historical site / tourist trap combination. There’s not really a lot to do there but it’s an interesting little place to rest a while and get ready for the next leg of your journey. After leaving Rabbit Hash, instead of heading back into the hills, we followed U.S. Highway 42 as it meanders down the banks of the Ohio River, and we passed through the little town of Warsaw on our way back to the resort for the evening.

Food is always an important part of our rally and this year's event did not disappoint. Friday night was an all you could eat prime rib buffet. There was also a cash bar and bourbon tasting available for those who enjoy a refreshing beverage. After all the riding is done for the evening of course. On Saturday night after the show our awards banquet was fantastic as well.

The highlight of this event is the bike show held on Saturday afternoon with judging being done by people's choice voting. We have 15 classes covering any classic Japanese motorcycle you can think of, including the orphan brands such as Lilac or Tohatsu.

The variety ranged from 50cc bikes from Suzuki, Honda, & Yamaha all the way up to the Mighty Kawasaki 1400 Ninja. Several rare machines were on hand, such as a Rockford scooter made by Mitsubishi, a mint original Honda RC45, a Tohatsu Runpet racer, and an assortment of original factory built or kitted roadracers such as a TD3 Yamaha. All of our vintage and custom classes are open to any Japanese motorcycle that is at least 20 years old.

We have recently added our “Modern Classics” class for newer motorcycles that have potential to become the collectors items of tomorrow. From retro styled bikes like the Kawasaki W800, historically significant superbikes such as the Hayabusa or Yamaha R1, and the fun little mini-motos such as the Honda Groms and Monkeys. Please check out the pictures and enjoy.

For 2025, the VJMC National Rally will be held in Somerset, Pennsylvania; August 29 - September 1, 2025. If you are interested in joining in the fun please visit https://vjmc.org/ and click on the calendar button to learn more.

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