About the Association

Motorcycle design is a unique and highly specialized area, yet there has previously been no central body to represent the cause, an omission which has been to the detriment of both designers and manufacturers alike.

As a result, the Motorcycle Design Association was created in 2001 by co-founders Glynn Kerr and Francois-Marie Dumas. The aims of the association are to bring together motorcycle designers of all nationalities, to promote their activities and to ease communication between designers and potential clients. We are also effective in promoting students' work, and helping create links between colleges and the motorcycle industry.

Membership

The MDA's members represent both freelance and in-house designers, and our corporate members include many design consultancies, the major motorcycle manufacturers and related industries. We have separate sections for design colleges, students and the press, whilst those not directly involved with motorcycle R&D can support our activites by taking associated membership.

To qualify for full membership, individuals will be required to demonstrate professional experience in motorcycle and/or scooter design, trikes or quads, but this is not restricted to styling alone. All associated disciplines within 2-wheel R&D, including colour & graphics, product planning, model-making, development engineering, CAD/CAM and other support activities are included.

For more information on becoming a member of the MDA please see the 'How to Join' section.

The Motorcycle Design Trophies

The 2001 Paris "Mondial du Deux Roues" witnessed a historic event - the first ever presentation of the Motorcycle Design Trophies.

Now an annual event, the Motorcycle Design Trophies are presented to the most outstanding new designs revealed each year. The nominations are decided by the designers themselves in a secret vote by MDA members, the results being presided over by a jury of respected authorities within the field.

The awards are divided into three separate categories - Motorcycle (Supersport), Motorcycle (Open Category) and Scooter. Since 2002, the MDA also awards a fourth trophy for the Concept Bike category.

The CNC machined aluminium trophies, designed by Glynn Kerr and realized by Hyperpro Suspension , are presented at one of the major international motorcycle shows each year.

Designers' Nights

The first Motorcycle Designers' Night, organized after last year's Munich Intermot, saw sixty bike designers from all corners of the world meet together for the first time. The success of this informal gathering was greatly influential in the creation of the MDA.

Designers' Nights have since become a cornerstone of the MDA, and usually coincide with the press days at major international motorcycle shows. The venues vary from small, casual meetings, open to members and non-members alike, to more formal events arranged in conjunction with the show organisers. These may coincide with the MDA's annual general meeting, plus of course the election and presentation of the Motorcycle Design Trophies.

The MDA Website

Of interest to all motorcycle enthusiasts, the MDA website publishes members' details, with samples of their work and links to their own sites for further information. Members can also advertise for work opportunities, either as employees or employers.

The site also provides details of the latest design-related products and services plus information about forthcoming MDA events.