Over the last several years, I've thought about the continuing need and rational for the raffle bike tradition? I've wondered several things: Who chooses the bike, at times the bike chosen doesn't reflect a "sport touring" image, a bike like the Beemer Rich won might have appealed to me, but Iwould not have relished the extra costs associated with making a "sport tourer" out of it knowing I'd also have to pay income taxes on it. If I'm going to do that, I'd prefer to buy whatever bike I've been salivating over at the time (changes regularly!). I suspect many of these raffle bikes are or traded in short order, and at a discount price. There was a 1000CC Honda given away a few years ago that I'm thinking might appeal to just a very limited portion of our membership. I was very pleased with the FJR I won in ‘08, particularly because it was all dressed up, and ready to dance. There is also the question of financial feasibility. I will be shocked if this years auction ended up in the black.
Is there another option that would be generally more appealing to most of the members. Many times I buy tickets just because it helps the organization. I realize we can't give a cash prize, but what about a given amount towards the purchase of your choice of several specifically priced models at a multi line metric dealer? The certificate would have to be used for the purchase of a bike. I don't know whats doable, but I'm interested in finding out. Please add to this with your knowledge or speculations. Forgive me, but I'm on vacation, and my mind is roaming!!:-) Syd