Museum

Truett & Osborn Doubles

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Come to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museumwritten by Bandit and Jackpot Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee 2014, Bonnie Truett was born in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Before the perfect storm of life set him down the yellow brick road in Wichita, Kansas, Truett went to work on the grimy AT&SF railroad. He couldn’t have everything. He soon bought his first motorcycle, a 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster. He immediately tore into the nimble platform to see what it was made of and how he could improve the power. His goal to make it faster than any Sportster in town. After modifications and working with some amazing area machinists, Bonnie, hell bent for leather, outran everyone. Click here to read this Feature Article, only on Bikernet.com

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Sturgis Museum: New Executive Director and Board Members

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Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame Names New Executive Director and Board Members Sturgis, SD – February 13, 2024 – The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently announced the appointment of Heidi Haro as Executive Director and four new members of the museum’s board of directors. “Heidi has tremendous energy along with expertise in delivering superb guest experiences, she’s already bringing great new ideas to her museum team,” said Board President Craig Bailey. “Heidi lives here in the Black Hills, so she knows how special this area is for motorcycle riders.” Haro has earned bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Social Sciences. She was previously an executive with Aramark, a nationwide food service and facilities administration contractor. During her 14 years with the company, she developed high performance teams focused on delivering great experiences for guests at three universities in South Dakota and Minnesota. “We want to make sure that every motorcycle fan coming through the Black Hills to know to stop in and connect with the bikes and the stories that live here in the museum,” said Haro. “This is a special place that reflects the spirit of the riding community.” “I grew up in a family that loved the outdoors, so outdoor recreation, like motorcycling, holds a special place for me,” she continued. Haro started spending summers in the Black Hills in 1998 and moved to the area full time 4 years ago. She has four children and seven grandchildren. In her new role, Haro has a seat on the Museum’s board. The Sturgis Museum Board also named several new members to its board of directors. Keith Ball, a military veteran, former editorial director of Easyrider’s Magazine and currently the owner of Bandit’s Bikernet, joined the board and has taken the position of Secretary.

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The Many ‘Triumphs’ of King Presley

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On record, Elvis Presley bought nine Triumphs in 1965. Now Triumph is trying to find them. Triumph Motorcycles also confirmed that Elvis Presley gifted motorcycles to Memphis Mafia in 1965. In collaboration with Graceland archives and recollections from Jerry Shilling, a close friend of Elvis Presley, Triumph Motorcycles has confirmed the truth behind the famous motorcycle myth surrounding the music legend. Elvis purchased nine Triumph motorcycles in 1965 as gifts, so he and his closest friends could go riding together in the hills of Los Angeles. The King showcased his love for motorcycles in films such as “Stay Away Joe” in 1968, where he rode a red and silver Triumph 650 Bonneville ‘Desert Sled.’ However, his affinity for Triumph motorcycles began earlier in 1965. As of now, all nine of the original motorcycles have been lost to history, with no formal records of their whereabouts after the summer of 1965. Triumph is launching an appeal to motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide to help locate or uncover the fate of these historic bikes. Researchers are eager to hear from anyone with leads or information regarding the bikes’ whereabouts. READ DETAILED ARTICLE FROM TRIUMPH A MOTORCYCLE MYTH CONFIRMED: ELVIS PRESLEY AND TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES The ultimate biker gift – Nine Triumph motorcycles bought in 1965 by Elvis Presley for him and his Memphis Mafia Help us find the Memphis Mafia Triumphs – Are these historic motorcycles lost to time? A unique opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind ‘Elvis Presley’ Triumph and matching guitar – Raising money for the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation Triumph Motorcycles has uncovered the truth behind a famous motorcycle myth – that Elvis Presley did give an extraordinary biker gift to every member of his Memphis Mafia in 1965. With the discovery of the original cheques in the Graceland archives, signed by the

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Burt Munro Inducted Into Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall Of Fame

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Landspeed Racing Icon & Record-holder Immortalized for Lifetime Achievements An innovator, daredevil, and one of motorcycling’s greatest legends, Burt Munro is getting his respects from the Sturgis Museum Hall of Fame. Indian Motorcycle, the first motorcycle company in America, is commemorating the induction of Burt Munro into the prestigious Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame. Revered as an icon in motorcycle racing and a holder of land speed records, Munro’s unyielding determination to etch his name into the record books has left an indelible mark on successive generations of riders. Aaron Jax, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle, emphasized that the history of motorcycles would be incomplete without the mention of Burt Munro. His narratives have influenced the identity of Indian Motorcycle, as it persistently emulates Burt’s spirit by pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and paving novel pathways. Originally from Invercargill, New Zealand, Munro developed an insatiable appetite for speed, encapsulated in his famous saying, “You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime.” Over the course of decades, Munro dedicated himself to restoring and fine-tuning his 1920 Indian Scout within the confines of his garage. His relentless efforts culminated in setting three world records at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats. An astonishing feat came in 1967, when Munro, at the age of 68, established a record of 184.087 mph for under-1,000cc motorcycles—a record that remains unbroken to this day. Gary Gray, Vice President of Racing, Technology, and Service at Indian Motorcycle, says of Munro, “Burt is a legend. His accomplishments, through trials and tribulations, inspire our racing efforts today.” While it may be overdue, it’s quite an achievement for Burt to be enshrined into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame, and we’re incredibly proud and grateful to celebrate

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The Kickstart Challenge is Back!

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Thanks to your support, last year, we raised $101,255 of our total $300,000 goal to install a fire suppression system throughout the Museum facility. We’re proud to announce that the project is now underway! The first phase of installing the fire suppression system is almost complete, and we are on track to have the entire system installed by the end of our 2023-2024 winter break! This is where we need you! JOIN THE CAUSE https://wheelsthroughtime.com/kickstart/ We are starting the final round of the Kickstart Challenge to raise the remaining needed funds! With your help, we can make sure that the history housed within the Wheels Through Time Museum is protected for future generations. View the Current Leader Board at https://wheelsthroughtime.com/kickstart/ The Mission To outfit the 38,000 sqft Museum building with a pre-action fire suppression system and a new fire alarm system to ensure that the over 375 rare and unique motorcycles in the collection are kept safe for years to come. The Progress Currently, the main water supply for the fire suppression system has been dug and laid. This line connects the municipal water supply to a newly constructed riser room at the back of the museum. This riser room will house the system’s pump, controls, and other necessary equipment. Along the back of the museum, engineered hangers have been installed to allow the sprinkler main line to be mounted along the back of the building. The sprinkler main line installation is projected to be completed by mid-July 2023. The Next Steps Over the 2023-2024 Winter season, we will retrofit and install the rest of the fire suppression system inside the museum. This will include all sprinkler lines and heads as well as smoke and heat sensors for the fire alarm system. Once completed, tested, and approved, you and we

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American Creates Beer-Powered Motorcycle

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with inputs by Kumar Debvrat from MSN.com An American Has Created A Beer-Powered Motorcycle, Claims It Could Reach Speeds Of Up To 240 Km Per Hour Ky Michaelson, is an American infamous for unusual inventions. His past accomplishments include a rocket-powered toilet and a jet-powered coffee pot. Now his latest invention is: a beer-powered motorcycle. Speaking to Fox9, Ky explains that the unique motorcycle has a 14-gallon keg with a heating coil instead of a gas-powered engine. This coil heats the beer up to 300 degrees, which then becomes super-heated steam in the nozzles, making the bike move forward. Ky’s garage in Bloomington is where he built this unique motorcycle that runs on beer (or is it steam?). Ky told the publication that he aims to do what others have never done. He blamed the rising prices of gasoline as a reason for not finding it useful for powering a vehicle. Ky, is nicknamed ‘Rocketman’ for being the first civilian to launch a rocket into space. The motorcycle could reach speeds up to 150 miles per hour (240 km per hour) as per Ky. He hopes to take the bike to a drag strip soon to test its capabilities. The unusual inventor also noted that any liquid, including Red Bull and Caribou Coffee, could fuel his bike. So far, Ky’s vehicle has made it to a few local car shows, where it won the first position. Ky had also shared a video on his YouTube channel 9 months ago, featuring his son presenting detailed information about the motorcycle. Ky Michaelson, a space and movie stunt enthusiast, has created many such innovations in the last few years and converted his home into a museum. * * * * * * * * * * * * Join the Cantina & celebrate

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Cabana Dan’s Early Projects

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by Bandit with photos by Weed The 1914 Receives Final Paint and Pinstriping Dan doesn’t stop. He’s hitting events, building bikes, working with the Sturgis Museum and looking for vintage parts constantly. Plus, he studies the history of the bikes he’s building. In this episode between blizzards in the outlaw hills east of Sturgis, SD, we cover the final paint for Dan’s 1914 twin. Click here to read the third part to this custom build series, only on Bikernet.com * * * * * * * * * * * * Follow Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter to get latest Motorcycling news, updates, reviews, tech, tips, & lot of fun. Click here & take a test ride.

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STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2023

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The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame honors the most influential people in the motorcycle industry, sport, and culture, to highlight their accomplishments and to promote the future of motorcycling. On behalf of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame Board of Directors, I am proud to announce our 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees (in alphabetical order by first name):   1981 Team USA, winners of the Motocross Trophee Des Nations Chris Callen Jay Allen Roland Sands Scott Jacobs Donnie Smith, Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Russell Radke, Freedom Fighter Bert Munro, Kickstands Down   Congratulations to each of these individuals. Stay tuned for Hall of Fame Highlights where the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame shares information about each inductee leading up to the ceremony.   The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony is sponsored by Law Tigers Inc. The induction breakfast ceremony will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at The Lodge @ Deadwood. Tickets sales open March 1, 2023. For corporate tables, please call Leah or Penny at 605-347-2001.

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A stand out and rare motorcycle

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AT THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM 1936 BSA Y13 V-Twin If you walk into the British motorcycle display area in the National Motorcycle Museum, you’ll be met with a wide range of single and twin cylinder motorcycles. You’ll also see a few V-twin machines, Broughs and Vincents, some of the finest machines in the Museum, and in the world. But one bike that’s a stand out, and is pretty rare, especially in the States, is a BSA Y13. Based on a 500cc military spec machine, the 750cc V-twin arrived in 1936 and production ended in 1938. The right side is the most striking given the exhaust system and the bold chrome plated pushrod tubes. But here’s a little background. Specifications: Engine: Air-Cooled OHV V-Twin Bore & Stroke: 71mm x 94.5mm Displacement: 748cc’s Lubrication: Dry Sump/Four Pint Tank Carburetion: Amal 76 Electrics/Ignition: Lucas MagDyno/6 Volt Starting: Kick Horsepower: 26.5HP Clutch: Multi-Plate, Dry Primary: Chain Driven Transmission: 4-Speed, Right Foot Shift Frame: Lugged/Brazed, Duplex Cradle Wheelbase: 54 Inches Suspension: Girder Fork/Sprung Seat Fork Damper: Friction Brakes: 7″ Drum, Front & Rear Wheels/Tires: 4.00 x 18/4.00 x 18 Weight: 450 Pounds, Approx. Click & Read more at NMA webpage. Summer Hours End SOON! Open Daily 9am – 5pm ONLY thru October. Win a 1951 Harley-Davidson Panhead Visit: https://nationalmcmuseum.org/win-this-1951-panhead/ Secrets of the Barn Find Hunter Hardcover Book Click Here to Buy : Join “The Barn Find Hunter” Tom Cotter for a thrilling, illustrated behind-the-scenes look at how he deploys his well-honed auto-archaeology skills to ferret out amazing collector car stashes. ONLY $30.00 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tell ’em Bikernet.com Sent Ya !!! Click to Follow all the events and news by getting our Free Weekly Newsletter, no spam ever.

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