Vintage Motorcycle Club of Finland (VMPK) – Finland’s Largest Enthusiast Association for Historic Motorcycles

The Vintage Motorcycle Club of Finland (VMPK) is Finland’s largest enthusiast association dedicated to old historic motorcycles. It was founded in 1975 in Tampere with the goal of bringing together all Finnish enthusiasts of historic motorcycles under one organization. Today, VMPK is based in Helsinki.

The association’s mission is to promote the use, restoration, repair, and preservation of old motorcycles, to honor technical history and cultural heritage, and, of course, to maintain and develop the traditional motorcycling spirit and camaraderie.

One of the key tasks is also the promotion of VMPK. The Vintage Motorcycle Club of Finland (VMPK) is a member of FIVA (Fédération International des Véhicules Anciens – the International Federation of Historic Vehicles).

The association has approximately 5,500 members who are active throughout Finland and abroad. Owning a motorcycle, moped, or scooter that is over 30 years old is not a requirement for joining; the main criterion is an interest in vintage vehicles.

The organization has 18 regional branches, each operating in its own area. These regional clubs organize joint events, meetings, and other gatherings, welcoming participants with or without motorcycles.

Online Presence and Communication

VMPK manages its website and Facebook account, through which members can ask questions, discuss restoration, renovation, and repair topics, and deal with issues related to buying or selling motorcycles or parts. Additionally, these platforms serve as channels for announcing upcoming events and sharing relevant information.

Veteran Motorcycle Rallies

Each year, at the end of July or the beginning of August, regional clubs organize veteran motorcycle gatherings (veteran rallies) over the weekends for enthusiasts in different locations. The venues change from year to year. These events are popular and serve as great opportunities for socializing and exchanging knowledge. The number of attendees can reach up to 1,000 people.

The program typically includes a short tour in the local area, an exhibition of historic motorcycles for a broader audience, competitions, and various cultural activities.

VMPK’s Own Magazine: Huimapyörä

The association publishes its own magazine, Huimapyörä, six times a year. This 50-page, full-color, high-quality magazine features stories about different types of motorcycles, motorcycle history, racing, travel reports, restoration projects, and more.

Challenges and Future Concerns

Addressing issues related to vintage motorcycles has become increasingly important. Environmental concerns and criticism regarding the use of internal combustion engines are recurring topics, and VMPK actively participates in discussions and decision-making.

Potential future restrictions on vehicle use in city centers are one such issue. It is undeniable that the use of historic motorcycles generates emissions. However, it must be considered that the usage intensity of these vintage motorcycles is low and not on a daily basis.

Thus, it is essential that these motorcycles can still be used for technical heritage presentations and should not simply remain in collections. This standpoint is also supported by UNESCO.

Another issue the association advocates for is the European Union’s “End-of-Life Vehicle” (ELV) directive. Every owner of a vintage motorcycle or its parts should have the right to decide when their vehicle or component has become scrap. It is necessary to ensure that the scrap metal directive is not applied to old motorcycles.

If you are interested in membership, events, or other gatherings, please feel free to contact the undersigned or any member of the association. We have a low barrier to entry, and we are always happy to hear from new people. The more of us there are, the more fun we have!

Ragnar Lundqvist
ragnar.lundqvist@icloud.com
+358 40 480 4616