Skip to main content
Tag

Museum

The Many ‘Triumphs’ of King Presley

By General Posts No Comments

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 man himself, as well as recollections from Jerry Shilling, Elvis’ close friend, it can be confirmed that Elvis bought nine Triumph motorcycles as gifts, so he and his closest friends could ride together in the hills of Los Angeles.

THE STORY
Elvis Presley was an enduring music legend and a cultural icon. The biggest selling solo artist in history and a genuine movie star – making 31 films during his career in Hollywood. He was also a passionate biker, riding bikes in several of his films including a red and silver Triumph 650 Bonneville ‘Desert Sled’ in the 1968 comedy western “Stay Away Joe”.

But, Elvis’ introduction to Triumph motorcycles came several years earlier, with this story, which is as rock and roll as the man himself.

In June 1965, Elvis had been on the set of the musical ‘Frankie and Johnny’ at Samuel Goldwyn Studios, Hollywood.  Taking a break from filming, Elvis spent his down time with his closest friends, known as ‘The Memphis Mafia’ at his Bel Air home.

Jerry Schilling, Elvis’ friend and member of his famous ‘Memphis Mafia’, put a down payment on a new Triumph T120 650 Bonneville at Robertson & Sons on Santa Monica Boulevard. When he brought the bike home, Elvis asked to take it for a ride around their Bel Air neighbourhood. Jerry, of course, obliged and Elvis jumped on the bike. He was impressed, in fact when he returned, he told his transportation manager, Alan Fortis, to “order one for all the guys, but… it has to be tonight!”

Robertson & Sons managed to deliver seven Triumphs that night, a mixture of 650 TR6’s and the high-performance, twin-carburetted 650 T120’s.  They rode together around Bel Air, riding late into the evening – only stopping when neighbours called the police to complain.  The remaining bikes arrived two days later and the nine of them made sure they made the most of down time from filming, riding the Pacific Coast High together on Sundays.

Jerry Shilling, a close friend of Elvis recalls: “Elvis loved to ride and I knew that when he saw my new Bonneville he’d want to try it… and when he did, he wanted all the guys to have one so we could ride them together!”

THE 1964 TRIUMPH 650 TR6 AND BONNEVILLE T120
The bikes that Elvis bought are considered most likely to be 1964 models of Triumph’s game-changing performance roadster, the 650 TR6 and 650 Bonneville T120 – essentially the same bike with one or two carburettors and different states of tune. The ’64 Bonneville came in the sophisticated Gold and Alaskan White and the TR6 in the distinctive ‘Hifi Scarlet and Silver Sheen’ with gold pinstriping, black frame and forks.

Named after Triumph’s multiple land speed records at the Bonneville salt flats, the Bonneville T120 is recognised across the motorcycling world as a genuine design icon, responsible for establishing Triumph as number one in the 60s for performance, handling and style. The 1964 US-spec ‘Bonnie’, with its higher bars is considered a desirable classic.

HELP FIND THE MEMPHIS MAFIA TRIUMPHS
All nine of the original bikes are currently lost to time, with no formal record of where they went after the summer of ’65. Triumph is now launching an appeal to fans around the world to help track down or uncover the fate of these bikes.

Triumph’s researchers are keen to hear from anyone who has a lead on what happened to one of these bikes, or perhaps a last known location.

With the collective eyes of the Triumph and Elvis communities on the look-out, it is hoped that one of these historic bikes will one day come to light and make history by being placed on display alongside other historic Triumphs.

If you have any information related to the whereabouts of one of these historic bikes, please contact Triumph at elvistriumph@triumphmotorcycles.com.

A ONE-OF-A-KIND ‘ELVIS PRESLEY’ CUSTOM TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLE AND MATCHING LES PAUL GUITAR
The discovery of this great story has filled in a gap in the history books and added a new, previously untold chapter to Triumph’s own story. In celebration of this newly uncovered shared history between two iconic and enduring brands, Triumph and Elvis Presley Enterprises have commissioned a one-of-a-kind custom motorcycle to raise money for a very worthy cause.

This custom Bonneville, based on a brand-new T120 model, features a custom design scheme by award-winning Georgian custom artist J Daar and is inspired by the 1964 Memphis Mafia bikes and 1968 Stay Away Joe Desert Sled, as well as being influenced by Elvis’ most iconic 1968 Comeback Special look. The design features gold block lettering, representing Elvis’ name written in lights, as well as silhouettes on a red background, echoing the set design of his most famous ’68 Comeback Special performance.

The bike was unveiled by Triumph USA Marketing Director, Adam VanderVeen, at the 2023 Barber vintage motorcycle Festival in Birmingham Alabama, where it was on display on the ‘Isle of Triumph’ alongside a host of historic Triumphs, including an original 1965 Bonneville of the same generation that Elvis purchased, on loan from the Barber Motorsports Museum.

Speaking at the show, the custom motorcycle artist J Daar said: “I was honoured to pull the sheet off this amazing motorcycle. Tribute bikes are always special, but an homage to The King is one of the coolest projects I’ve worked on. This bike is something the new owner can be incredibly proud to have in their garage. Not only is it a unique design celebrating a great story, but it’s also a great way to raise money for such a worthy cause.”

Also on display at Barber Fest was a special one-of-a-kind Les Paul guitar by Gibson, customised to complement the one-off Bonneville T120 and donated by Gibson to be auctioned along with the motorcycle. The choice of guitar was inspired by another instance of Elvis’ generosity. When rehearsing for the ’68 Comeback Special, Elvis was practicing on a replica Les Paul, which he gifted to his chef. The design adopts the same red, silver and gold scheme as the motorcycle, as well as the prominent Elvis graphic featured on the fuel tank and side panels, and incorporates silhouettes of The King around the body, inspired by his iconic ‘’68 Comeback Special’ look.

Beth Heidt, Chief Marketing Officer for Gibson commented:  “We have had the honour of working in partnership with the Elvis team to celebrate his legacy over many years, so when we heard that our friends at Graceland and Triumph were working together on a custom motorcycle to raise awareness and funds for a good cause, we wanted to join in honouring Elvis’ spirit of generosity – and similar to what we did with our ’59 Legends Collection in support of  The 2022 Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride, this customized Les Paul model pairs perfectly with the amazing design scheme of the bike.”

“We are excited to be partnering with an iconic brand like Triumph to bring this one-of-a-kind custom Bonneville T120 to life while benefitting one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes Community Services in Memphis,” says Dana Carpenter, Executive Vice President, Entertainment at Authentic Brands Group, owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises. “The added generosity of our friends at Gibson for contributing a matching custom Les Paul guitar, strengthens the legacy of generosity and community that Elvis Presley stood for.”

This custom Bonneville T120 motorcycle and matching Les Paul guitar have been donated to the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation to raise money for one of Elvis’ favourite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counselling and services for abused children and their families.

More details about the auction will be available soon at graceland.com

If you haven’t already, Check Out the Brand New 5-Ball Racing Garage Online Shop !!! CLICK HERE: You will find unique Motorcycling Gear designed by Lifelong Bikers.

Burt Munro Inducted Into Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall Of Fame

By General Posts

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 Burt Munro not just today, but everyday.”

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame pays tribute to exceptional individuals who have made enduring contributions to the motorcycle community. This Hall of Fame celebrates forward-thinking pioneers, showcasing their remarkable achievements and unwavering ardor.

Among the esteemed inductees for the class of 2023 are the 1981 Des Nations Team USA, Burt Munro, Chris Callen, Jay Allen, Roland Sands, Russel Radke, and Scott Jacobs. Further information can be found at SturgisMuseum.com.

(Press Release)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Get There Faster, Click & Get the Bikernet.com Free Weekly Newsletter.

The Kickstart Challenge is Back!

By General Posts

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 will have confidence in knowing the whole museum and the collection are protected! This fire suppression system will also open the door for something we are often asked about, the potential future expansion of the museum facilities.

Preserving our nation’s motorcycle history has never been so important! Thank you in advance for your support in the future of “The Museum That Runs!”

* * * *

Tell ’em Bikernet.com Sent Ya

Subscribe to our Free Weekly Newsletter for all the cool things on two-wheels. Click Here to check it out.

American Creates Beer-Powered Motorcycle

By General Posts

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 27 years of Bikernet.com – an online archive of extensive reports, chopper builds, feature articles, event photos & more. Click To Subscribe.

Free swag plus online archive since 1996….

Cabana Dan’s Early Projects

By General Posts

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.

STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2023

By General Posts

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.

A stand out and rare motorcycle

By General Posts

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.

Harley-Davidson Museum is the place to celebrate 4/14

By General Posts

Where else would you want to be on Milwaukee Day?

MILWAUKEE, USA (April 6, 2022) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year to celebrate Brew City and the people that make Milwaukee the best city in America. Make sure you find yourself at the crossroads of 6th & Canal for what’s sure to be an epic Milwaukee Day celebration in the Menomonee Valley on April 14 (aka 4/14).

Be sure to visit H-DMuseum.com to get reduced rate H-D Museum tickets at $4.14 – only available online – to join the celebration! And then make a day of it with stops at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and The Shop, both of which are proud to feature Milwaukee-made gear, food, drink and fun. And don’t worry; the H-D Museum™ campus will be open late so you can celebrate until 8 p.m.

But that’s not the only party coming to campus in April. Extend your Earth Day celebration and feel good while doing good. Milwaukee Riverkeeper is proudly hosting its 27th Annual Spring River Cleanup on April 23 when nearly 4,000 volunteers join together to pick up trash, get outdoors and help to achieve swimmable, fishable rivers. As a thank you, Rock the Green brings it 11th Annual (FREE) Earth Day Celebration to the H-D Museum grounds.

The zero-waste celebration features: A live concert on the famous pedal-powered stage with indie-folk band, Bendigo Fletcher, and Milwaukee’s very own V FUNK; tasty sustainable fare and local beer for purchase from MOTOR, and so much more.

Speaking of MOTOR, the famous Sunday Bloody Mary Bar returns April 3. Finally, on Easter Sunday on April 17, enjoy tasty brunch items like Five-Spice Bacon and Smashed Avocado Toast, Pork Shoulder Breakfast Burrito Bowls, and Huevo Rancheros with Chorizo and Salsa Verde from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Make your reservation today for Easter or for the ever-popular BBQ & Blues every Saturday night to guarantee a seat at the table. It’s a good thing MOTOR has expanded its hours of operation (Sunday – Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.) to fit in all the goodies.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS
Milwaukee Day, April 14, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
On April 14 (a.k.a. 414 – Milwaukee’s area code), the world celebrates the people, places, businesses, and spirit that make Milwaukee the best city in America. Whether you’re a 414 resident for life or just happen to be in town on this most festive day, it’s the perfect excuse to do something totally Milwaukee and visit the Harley-Davidson Museum. In celebration, the H-D Museum™ campus is open late until 8 p.m. and admission is only $4.14 (for tickets purchased in advance online). While on campus, visit The Shop for gifts unique to Milwaukee and MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant for plenty of menu items from Milwaukee-area businesses. Purchase specially priced tickets here.

Rock the Green, April 23, noon – 3 p.m.
Join Rock the Green for its 11th Annual (FREE) Earth Day Celebration with Milwaukee Riverkeeper at the Harley-Davidson Museum. The zero-waste Celebration features: A live concert on the famous pedal-powered stage with indie-folk band, Bendigo Fletcher, and Milwaukee’s very own V FUNK; tasty sustainable fare and local beer for purchase from MOTOR; remarks from Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Rock the Green, the City of Milwaukee and so much more green fun.

On-site eco-education from local environmental non-profits and orgs: Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin, City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office, Teens Grow Greens, Sweet Water-Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, UWM School of Freshwater Sciences, Reflo Sustainable Water Solutions, Milwaukee Bicycle Collective, Urban Ecology Center, Compost Crusader, Rock the Green and more.

To have a maximum impact of landfill diversion, the event incorporates zero waste production including waste reclamation stations and food served on compostable servingware.

Annual Pass
Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s new Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: virtual access to the H-D Museum with various Harley history topics covered in our Virtual Gallery Talk series, admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more. Visit H-D Museum.com for details and other terms and conditions.

Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)
All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be launched by our merit badge counselor. Then, scouts will explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements. Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date. Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, partially facilitated program, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum™ patch.

Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)
This new 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle. Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D® patch upon completion of the program.

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
Keith Brammer (Die Kreuzen) leather jacket (on display now)
Perhaps no other genre of music is so closely associated with the classic black leather jacket than punk rock. Keith Brammer, of Milwaukee’s hardcore punk band Die Kreuzen, has graciously lent his well-worn leather to the H-D Museum. The jacket was purchased in New York City in the 1980s and was a constant companion for Brammer throughout his touring days. Check out the Custom Culture gallery to view this piece of Milwaukee music history.

Inspiration and Recovery: Wounded Veteran Climbs the Seven Summits (on display now)
In September 2009, Specialist Benjamin Breckheimer, a Cavalry Scout with the U.S. Army 2nd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, was severely wounded during a tour in Afghanistan. His rehabilitation was difficult as he endured numerous surgeries. During this same time, the Harley-Davidson Museum regularly sent care packages – including H-D Museum™ flags dotted with well wishes – to active-duty military personnel. Breckheimer took to mountaineering during his recovery and over the summer carried the H-D Museum™ flag to the summit of Denali, the highest point in North America. With that peak reached, Breckheimer became the first and only Purple Heart recipient to reach all the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. He continues to climb, and he shares his inspiring story to encourage resiliency and support the mental health of veterans and current service members.

Revolution® Max Engine (on display now)
The brand-new Revolution® Max 1250cc engine powers a new generation of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. See the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin that delivers for the Pan America™ adventure touring model and the performance cruiser Sportster® S motorcycle. On view in the Museum lobby.

Clubs & Competition (on display now)
In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions.

The newly reinstalled display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes® apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.

Harley Fox (on display now)
Gail Anderson’s 1986 Softail® Custom motorcycle, “Harley Fox,” built by her partner Bob Burrows, took top prize at the first Ladies of Harley® (LOH) ride-in show during Daytona Beach Bike Week in 1987. With her custom bike and themed riding gear, Anderson presented a striking image that fit the growing visibility and exciting new options for women riders in the 1980s.

Alfonso Sotomayor’s 1957 Model FL (on display now)
The Harley-Davidson Museum is proud to announce its collection has recently grown with the addition of a 1957 Model FL that was ridden by famed Mexican stunt rider and racer Alfonso Sotomayor Canales.

Harley-Davidson’s history in Mexico dates back to at least 1913. In the 1920s, the brand was more frequently spotted throughout Mexico City as the motorcycles proved popular with the local traffic police who would also perform stunts with their Harley-Davidson® bikes. After racing from the 1930s into the 1960s, Sotomayor launched his own stunt riding career by performing the famed “Salto de la Muerte” or Jump of Death. Learn more about Sotomayor’s feats of derring-do and Harley-Davidson’s early entry into Mexico with this new display located in the Custom Culture area.

“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)
In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson® motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.

“Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue Factory” (on display now)
A recently recovered cache of architectural drawings includes plans for the original Juneau Avenue facility. The pencil drawings, along with archival photographs, demonstrate the whirlwind pace of the company’s early growth. While building an international business—going from producing just over 1,000 motorcycles in 1909 to manufacturing 27,000 motorcycles in 1920—the company’s Milwaukee factory experienced near-constant expansion. Construction through this relatively brief period created the buildings that today, a century later, are still the proud home of Harley-Davidson.

“Building a Milwaukee Icon” provides a snapshot of Harley-Davidson’s formative years and illustrates a chapter of Milwaukee history when the city was known as the “Machine Shop to the World.”

Google Arts & Culture, Bring a 1919 Window Display to Life (on display now)
We scoured the Harley-Davidson Archives to identify the colorful pamphlets used to catch the attention of those passing by this dealership window.

THE SHOP
The Shop at the Harley-Davidson Museum is the place to find exclusive apparel, collectibles and accessories inspired by the H-D Archives. Check out new spring items that are arriving daily!

MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT
New monthly specials, new expanded hours and the return of the Sunday Bloody Mary bar are all happening at MOTOR in April. So why aren’t you here already?

Throughout April, enjoy the Grilled Chicken Parmesan Sandwich (marinated grilled chicken breast, house-made marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and spinach on toasted ciabatta, $15.95), Braised Short Ribs with Gnocchi (braised beef short rib, sautéed carrots, onions and mushrooms with a red wine-thyme demi-glace and served over fresh potato gnocchi, $20.95) or the decadently delicious Fried Oreos (battered deep-fried Oreo cookies served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, sprinkled with powdered sugar, $7.95).

Plus, check out the smoking lineup for BBQ & Blues (every Saturday): April 9: Alex Wilson, April 16: David Harmonica Miller & Cadillac Rob Seville, April 23: Mighty Ms. Erica Trio and April 30: The Incorruptibles.

And on Easter Sunday (April 17), leave the cooking to the staff at MOTOR and enjoy brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please note: Brunch pairs well with the return of the Sunday Bloody Mary bar.

Finally, check out MOTOR’s blazing hot chili at WMSE’s Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser on Sunday, April 10.

And don’t forget: MOTOR’s famous AYCE Wisconsin Fish Fry and the instant classic North Atlantic Cod Sandwich are available Wednesdays and Fridays throughout Lent, and will continue on Fridays throughout the year.

1903 EVENTS
Did you see the news? The H-D Museum announced plans to reshape its campus. And that includes our special-events spaces. The all-new Garage will be open later this spring, and the team at 1903 Events would love to make your event one for the ages. Contact them now to book for this year (and beyond).

SAVE THE DATES
Inaugural Bike Night, May 5
Free Bike Demos, May 7

About the Harley-Davidson Museum
Discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie, and love for the sport at the Harley-Davidson Museum. A visit to the H-D Museum is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, a 20-acre, park-like campus, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. Make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at H-DMuseum.com.

Sign up for Free Weekly Newsletter from Bikernet.com to stay updated on latest Motorcycle news, events, products, tech, tips, reviews, fun & more
Click Here to Join – it’s Free – you can unsubscribe anytime