Rice-O-Rama

[geck0]

Drove to Mass today for a Vintage Japanese bike swap meet. Rice-O-Rama is in its fifth year. I saw mostly Hondas and Kawasaki's. A vendor had a 1970 T500 in Ok condition and had it listed for $2250 or best offer. The best part on this bike was the tank and it was an 7 out of ten. I offered $500 he countered with $2000. I told him good luck. There were some good deals to be had. I think next year I will enter my bikes in the competition. They Liked my STOGI tee shirt I had on that I got years ago from the old sundial forum

http://www.rice-o-rama.com/

[speedblock]

I was there as well. Got there at 9AM and saw a nice non running GT500 for $900 which was sold by the time we made our 2nd lap around. Two vendors down was a decent GT550 for $1400 which I also think sold pretty quick as I don't remember seeing it later.

Found nothing for my GT750 - Suzuki parts were few and far between. I did get some nice Kawi parts for a friend for next to nothing.

There were some pretty cool bikes in the show. My favorites were a Goldwing Cafe project that was very nicely done, and a modern sportbike with a diesel tractor engine that got 110 mpg. Very creative.

[Capttwostroke]

Rice-o-Rama was a great event! It is a chance to see vintage Japanese bikes, meet with like minded people, buy vintage parts, get knowledgeable information, meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. I have been a vendor there for the last 5 years (my own stuff), and I have bought four bikes there and a multitude of stuff, though the prices are rapidly expanding upward on desirable parts (anything two stroke). The T500 was a nice bike for the price, but it had no spark, and the owner was not sure what was wrong. The GT550 did not sell, I believe, as I saw it being trucked away by the owner at the close of the day. The bikes on display, were as always, great to see and listen to! There was not as many parts for two stroke bikes as in the past. This may be due to the scarcity of the parts, or to the appreciation on parts in the past few years, so vendors are holding on to them. (Myself included - for my own bikes.). Still, there are many parts available for vintage Japanese bike enthusists, and the hidden bargains are there for those who search. Plus, the entrance fee is only five dollars! This event should be a weekend event, as it draws fans from a large 8 plus state area I drive 220 miles one way, and it's all we talk about around the wood stove on cold winter nights up here in northern Vermont. Contact the organizers and ask that it be two day event! Summer is for riding, winter is for fixing.

[geck0]

I would do a weekend. I couldn't see RVs at that venue though. The road is not that wide and the field has too much of a pitch. Next year we should hook up and run a Suzy corner.

[Capttwostroke]

You are right, the Sportman's club that the Rice-o-Rama event is held is now too small for the mass of vintage motorcycle humanity that has decended on this site.This year the organizers had to put vendors where the was previously car and motorcycle parking. Also, many areas of the vendor set-up was soggy or underwater from recent rains. For those who visited Rice-o-Rama, I would be happy to forward your comments to the organizers. This is THE event exclusively for vintage japanese bikes in the northeast (that I know of - could be mistaken). Any interest in a event for just two strokes in the northeast? Any site would have to meet several criteria (easy access and departure, dry ground (asphalt) when raining, central location, overnight capibilities, etc., and most of all - dedicated organizers, which the current Rice-o-Rama has. They run the event not to make money but to further the enjoyment of vintage Japanese bikes. This last statement, I believe is most important. Any comments?