Captivating classics
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, Nationwide offer tips for collecting and protecting vintage motorcycles
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2007
Contacts:
Kathryn Hampton 614-677-2296
hamptok2@nationwide.com
Liz Christopher 614-249-7705
christe1@nationwide.com
Columbus, Ohio– Each July, the American Motorcyclist Association hosts over 40,000 people at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days®, the country’s largest celebration of classic motorcycles. The annual event draws the world’s attention to the thousands who collect, restore and ride dream machines from a bygone era. This year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days® event is scheduled for July 27-29 and record crowds are expected. For these fans of classic motorcycles, and for those eager to enter the vintage hobby, Nationwide has teamed up with Mark Mederski, Executive Director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, to offer tips for collecting and protecting vintage rides.
As Executive Director of the country’s premiere showcase of motorcycling heritage and history, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, Mederski regularly handles the world’s rarest and most valuable motorcycles. Mederski offers three expert tips for future and current collectors.
• Consider future costs. As you evaluate motorcycles in various
conditions, place a high value on a running machine. Engine rebuilds and
certain parts can drive up the price of your investment later.
• Ride your motorcycle. This may sound counter-intuitive, but running
the machine a few times a year will help the preservation process by
keeping the fluids flowing and the parts moving.
• Keep your paperwork. Documents chronicling a motorcycle’s history will
raise the value of your machine when you are ready to take it to auction
or a private seller.
“Each enthusiast has their own reasons for entering the vintage hobby,” says Mitch Roggemann, national sales director for Nationwide’s Property & Casualty Specialty Products. “Whether you are restoring a bike to enjoy on a Sunday afternoon ride or collecting for investment purposes, you need to protect yourself with the proper insurance.”
There are a few key considerations when purchasing insurance for vintage
motorcycles:
• Age. Nationwide policy holders will find a vintage bike program covers
motorcycles over 25 years old, most on an agreed value basis. Many times,
your premiums will be lower with a vintage bike because the agreed value
is less than that of a new machine. Policies can differ, so check with
your agent to find out when your bike qualifies for a vintage insurance.
• Location. Most companies require motorcycles insured under a vintage policy to be stored in a locked garage.
• Towing and labor. Many insurers keep the mileage limits low on vintage policies, but you may still take your ride out for a spin occasionally. Make sure your policy, like Nationwide’s coverage, includes towing and labor in case an unexpected breakdown occurs.
Enthusiasts looking for more information about vintage collecting and insurance can log onto www.ama-cycle.org, www.motorcyclemuseum.org or www.nationwide.com.
About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum:
The goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories
and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the
American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Motorcycle
Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed notably to the sport, and
three major exhibition halls showcase the machines and memorabilia that
have shaped motorcycling. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily;
and is closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult
admission is $10 per person; students 12 – 17, $3. AMA members $5.
Seniors receive a $2 discount and members of motorcycle clubs and
organizations are eligible for a $1 discount per ticket. A $25.00 family
rate and group rates are also available. For more information, call
614-856-2222, or visit the Museum’s website at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
About Nationwide:
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified
insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more
than $160 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #104 on the Fortune
500 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and
financial services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life,
commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages,
mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information,
visit www.nationwide.com.
Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
