Like to see your bike immortalized in Randakk's Gallery?

I'm fairly picky about the bikes I include. It's hard to verify, but I'm told that bikes that appear in my Gallery command a significant premium when they hit the market.

David Mitchell's '76 GL 1000 - Peachtree City, GA

a Randakk restoration...my former show bike - "Elsie"

I get lots of gratifying emails (with pictures attached) from justifiably proud customers who've completed their restorations. A small fraction of these photos end up in the Gallery. I'm often asked how I make my selections.

Here are guidelines I use to make selections for the Gallery:

1. You must be a customer of Randakk's Cycle Shakk to get your bike's picture published. I keep meticulous records dating back to the inception of my business.

2. The bike must be roadworthy and compelling to me in some way. Bike's with obvious flaws and deficiencies don't make the cut.

3. I seek great examples of each model year (in every available factory color) to represent the full range of production.

4. Sometimes I make exceptions, but bikes are most photogenic in full profile view and on the centerstand (handlebars straight) shot with a non-distracting outdoor background.

5. I have a bias toward originality, but interesting "creations" have a place in the Gallery (like Dave Ayesthorpe's GL1000 with Difazio Hub Steering!).

6. I also have a slight bias against bikes with fairings, windshields, bags, etc. but nice examples in this idiom manage to slip in.

7. No pets, lawnmowers, trash cans, power lines, children or other humans in the photo! Honestly, I've seen many of my customers in person...most of you aren't as good looking as your bike!

8. Make sure there are no leaves or other debris on the driveway!

9. Pick a time of day that avoids distracting shadows

10. Don't cut off any part of the motorcycle with your cropping!

11. JPEG format is best. 100K file size is sufficient (I only need your best shot...not 100 pictures!).

12. Turn the date "stamp" off on your camera.

13. "Landscape" orientation is strongly preferred...not "portrait."

Warning: Some of my photography has been published in books and magazines. It's a bit of a stretch, but technically you could say that I am a professional photographer. In any case, I'm a bit anal about what gets into the Gallery.

The Gallery has expanded with new sections. I'm actively seeking great examples of GL1100s, GL1200s, CBXs, DOHC-4s and CX500 Variants to join the GL1000s represented. Your bike could be an Internet star!

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