The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame was established in 1998 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation to honor the legends and heroes of American motorcycling and highlight their achievements and contributions to motorcycling. The first induction in 1998 included a large number of early pioneers and competitors who built the foundation of motorcycling in America. The second year added a number of inductees from among the most famous, legendary and significant contributors in American motorcycling. This established the Hall of Fame as we know it today.

Each year after those inaugural inductions, the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony has added an elite group of new inductees to the hallowed Hall of Fame gallery in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio. The 2004 consolidation of the National Motorcycle Museum’s Hall of Fame with the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame further bolstered the ranks of inductees. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is held in the late fall each year and is open to the public.

The AMA Board of Directors oversees the inductee selection process, with participation from motorcycle historians, journalists, industry leaders and living Hall of Fame members, all of whom have expert knowledge in their fields of motorcycling. The final inductee selection is made by a confidential ballot that is cast by the voting body composed of this large group of motorcycle experts, as well as AMA Life Members and AMA Charter Life Members.

Application

An application for nomination to the Hall of Fame may be submitted by anyone, whether an AMA Member or not. Applications may be submitted on one’s own behalf or that of another. Regardless, use of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Application Form is required.

The application form should be addressed as provided, and the completed form must be received no later than December 31 of any given year for the individual to be considered in the next annual Hall of Fame Induction cycle. The proposed individual must meet the base eligibility requirements as provided in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Procedures Manual to be accepted as an Applicant.

For questions about the nomination process or to contact a committee representative, please email halloffame@motorcyclemuseum.org.

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Categories

Ambassadors / Industry
Individuals who have worked to make American motorcycling better through promotion in the media, by organizing events, projecting a positive image of motorcyclists through their own actions or reputation, and individuals who are employed in the motorcycle industry working as motorcycle or accessory manufacturers, distributors, dealers, the motorcycle press, photographers, artists, motorcycle organizations, or other related occupations.

Design / Engineering
Those who design and engineer unique motorcycles or motorcycle features for use on production or custom machines and related products.

Dirt Track
Racers, team managers, tuners, mechanics, officials and others who excelled in Dirt Track Competition (Short Track, Half Mile, Mile, TT, and Speedway racing).

Leadership / Motorcycle Rights Advocates
Individuals who work with or in government at a state, local or federal level to protect the rights of motorcyclists. Individuals who promote safety and rider training or advance street, trail or competition motorcycle riding opportunities.

Motocross / Supercross
Racers, team managers, tuners, mechanics, officials and others who excelled in Motocross and/or Supercross Competition.

Off-Road
Racers, team managers, tuners, mechanics, officials and others who excelled in Off Road Riding and Competition (Enduro, ISDE, Desert, Off-Road Grand Prix, etc.).

Road Racing
Racers, team managers, tuners, mechanics, officials and others who excelled in Road Racing Competition.

Specialty Competition
Racers, team managers, tuners, mechanics, officials, and others who excelled in other forms of motorcycle competition not covered in the other categories. This would include Drag Racing, Bonneville Speed Records, Hill Climbing, and more.