Open letter to VERi members
Harrow is looming up quickly and so too is our Annual General Meeting and no doubt the Pre 90 debate will once again surface.
I have heard all manner of reasons as to why or why not we should or shouldn’t have Pre 90.
Reasons for often mention bringing in more members, easier bikes to ride, etc.
Reasons against often mention they will cut the track up more, they might go too fast, they’re too much like a modern etc.
But I believe the real reason we should bring in Pre 90 is that the main aim of our club is to celebrate old bikes and old times from days long gone.
People choose the models they own/ride for various reasons;
Some choose the model they always wanted
Some choose the model they used to own
Some like exotic models
Some like low maintenance type models
And while some will just choose the cheapest bike available at the time I believe for the most part people choose a brand/model because it means something to them
I was racing Enduro’s in the late 80’s while I was in my late 20’s so anyone riding in the late 80’s while in their teens would now be in their late 40’s, not exactly your ‘young gun’ that is going to shred their way around the loop.
Pre 90 models aren’t exactly your modern bike either, while it’s true that some 89 models did reach a technological point where they didn’t change for quite a few years but this era also includes models like the last of the Maico’s, a now defunct brand, the last of the Swedish built Husqvarna, the last of the aircooled KDX etc
Even the more advanced pre 90 models don’t have any real place in a modern event and without a pre 90 Vinduro class are just lost souls.
True a top rider can go quite fast on one but no one would seriously race one in a serious modern event and hope to do well all day long. And they would probably go just as fast on an 84 model
What will it change, not a lot I believe. There will be a greater diversity of models but not everyone will suddenly go out and buy an 89 model, just like not everybody has bought an 84 model as people are attached to the model that means something to them.
It will bring in a few more members that just want to enjoy some old school fun, most likely on trailbikes like XR’s & TT’s but also some cool old KTM’s and the like.
Pre 90 is mostly accepted everywhere else in the vintage world, CD, Bonanza, National titles etc. I believe it’s time we accepted it too.
Vote for what you believe in but please think it through.
Geoff Morris #30
