Paul d'Orléans

Paul d'Orléans (born 11 September 1962 in Stockton, California)^[1] is an American motorcycle historian, author and curator known for his expertise in motorcycle culture and history.^[2] He is the founder and editor of the website The Vintagent, an online resource for motorcycle history and culture.^[3] He is a frequent contributor to motorcycle publications and has authored several books on motorcycle history and culture.^[4] d'Orléans is a vocal advocate for the preservation of vintage motorcycles and is a recognized figure in the custom motorcycle scene.^[5] He was the co-founder of the Motorcycle Film Festival, an annual event that showcases films about motorcycles and motorcycle culture.^[6]

Paul d'Orléans
Born	Paul d'Orléans 1962
Occupation(s)	Author, journalist
Years active	2006–present
Known for	Motorcycle history
Notable work	The Chopper; the Real Story

Biography

d'Orléans was born in 1962. He grew up in Stockton, California.^[7] He went to high school and then attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he studied fine art.^[5]

d'Orléans began his professional life as a decorative painter. His interest in motorcycles led him to become a writer, journalist and historian specializing in motorcycle culture.^[2] In 2006, d'Orléans founded The Vintagent, a website dedicated to vintage and custom motorcycles. The Vintagent quickly became a popular online resource for motorcycle enthusiasts. The website features articles, historical information and photographs.^[8]

d'Orléans has also written for many motorcycle publications, including Cycle World, Classic Bike Guide, At Large magazine, Men's File and The Automobile. He has authored several books on motorcycles including The Chopper; the Real Story (2014), The Ride (2014) and The Riders: Motorcycle Adventurers, Cruisers, Outlaws, and Racers the World Over (2021).^[9]

In 2010, d'Orléans co-founded the Motorcycle Film Festival.^[10] He is known for his work to preserve motorcycle history and to promote vintage and custom motorcycles.^[11] He is regarded as an important person in the motorcycle community.^[12]

d'Orleans is a co-founder of the Motor/Cycle Arts Foundation (MC/AF), a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of motorcycle arts and culture.^[13] The foundation works to document and celebrate motorcycle history through various mediums including film, photography, and literature. Through the MC/AF, d'Orleans has helped organize exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs that explore the intersection of motorcycles with art, society, and technology. The foundation also works to preserve important artifacts and documents related to motorcycle culture and history.^[14]

Recognitions

d'Orléans has received recognition for his contributions to motorcycle culture. He was invited to be the guest curator for the "ADV:Overland" exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum.^[15] He has also served as a judge for events such as the Quail Motorcycle Gathering and the Concorso di Villa d'Este.^[16][17] d'Orléans has provided commentary at motorcycle auctions for Bonhams and Mecum Auctions, including appearances on NBCSN^[18] and NPR.^[19]