Yes, it was gone for awhile. But now it’s back to stay.

We’re talking about the AMCA Virtual Library, which suffered some software problems beginning in the late summer and continuing into fall. That meant this valuable resource, which allows AMCA members to download scanned images of hundreds of historical documents related to dozens of motorcycle brands, was unavailable for several weeks.

But the Virtual Library has been rebuilt from the ground up, and it’s ready to serve up all those hard-to-find sales brochures, parts lists, service manuals and instruction books that can help you understand the bike you own (or the one you’re planning to buy) a whole lot better.

Best of all, every one of those documents is still 100 percent free of charge to all AMCA members. Just click on the “Virtual Library” link under “Features.” Once there, you can look over the available documents, sorted by manufacturer, choose the one you want and add it to your shopping cart. You can then set up an account for faster service in the future or go straight to the checkout area. Either way, you can enter your name and AMCA number (yes, the software will check to make sure your membership is up to date) and click on the “check out” button. When you get to the payment page, you’ll discover that the cost of your item has been magically reduced to $0 and you can download the file free of charge.

Andif you're not yet an AMCA member, the Virtual Library is another great reason to join the largest antique-motorcycle organization in the country. Membership is just $30 per year, money you can easily get back from membership benefits like free access to the Virtual Library and free classified ads in the Community Forum area of this website and in the Club magazine. To learn more, visit out “Join the Club” page.

Right now, the library has nearly 400 historical documents, but we’d appreciate your help in making that number grow, either by allowing us to scan the historical documents you own or by helping with the scanning process. To volunteer, e-mail Bill Wood at AMCAoperations@gmail.com.