Some people think of their motorcycle as simply a cost-effective means of transportation. With gas prices sky-high, being able to get around town for just pennies a day is quite an attractive deal. But for those who not only value that economic efficiency but also have a vested, emotional attachment to their vehicle and everything related to 2-wheeled marvels, a visit to a motorcycle museum would be a great vacation getaway.
No matter where you live in North America, there is a motorcycle museum just down the road. From coast to coast, Niagara Falls, Ontario to Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada, and from Maggie Valley, North Carolina to Solvang, California in the U.S., wonderful collections of vintage bikes, motorcycle gear and associated memorabilia are on exhibit.
It’s amazing how many motorcycles made at the turn of the twentieth century bear a striking resemblance to models coming off the assembly line today. Of course, while some styles are classics and the overall look of a bike has not undergone the drastic changes that automobiles have experienced, upon closer examination, it’s evident that technology has made its mark, especially on motorcycle gear. Everything from helmets to jackets, and engines to tires have a sleeker look. Their safety features and efficiency factors have also vroomed ahead into the 21st century.
A favorite place of motorcycle enthusiasts is the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, near Columbus. It boasts three main halls full of exciting exhibits. Its Motorcycle Hall of Fame, where the accomplishments of motorcycle racers, engineers, businessmen and designers are showcased and chronicled, is a testament to the trailblazers who had the vision, talent and fortitude to make motorcycling such a popular pastime.
For anyone interested in antiques, the museum’s 1894 Roper Steamer is quite a sight. Basically, it’s a bicycle with a large, rectangular steam engine mounted on the middle of the frame. It has a boiler and a coal firebox, and was able to accelerate to a maximum speed of about 40 mph. Other prized exhibits include many Indian models made in the 1900s -1940s, a 1909 Royal Pioneer and numerous Harleys. Without looking at the accompanying descriptions, trying to figure out what purpose some of the interesting motorcycle gear was made to fulfill would make for a fascinating guessing game. The curious visitor might wonder what were their designers thinking?
At the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, near Cedar Rapids, visitors will enjoy strolling through vast exhibits of vintage motorcycles, and associated apparel and gear. The story that takes you from the earliest days of biking to the present is told through extensive collections of postcards, posters, advertising placards and photos. Another fascinating feature of this museum is its motorcycle toy collection. Anyone, bike fan or not, would be pleasantly reminded of their childhood and enjoy the trip down memory lane.
Niagara Falls, Ontario’s Classic Iron Motorcycle Museum is bright, shiny and new, and located right in the heart of the tourist attractions area of the town. For biker guys and babes who come to see the falls, a stop at the museum is a must - and just steps away. Its dazzling collection of custom bikes made between 1916 and today is sure to elicit lots of oos and ahs from onlookers. For those interested in the artsy side of biking, the rare pieces of motorcycle art on exhibit will not disappoint.
Whether you’re going to the shore, the mountains or anyplace in-between, anyone who has ever hopped on a Harley and gotten hooked on biking should consider a road trip to a motorcycle museum. Reliving your youth or just seeing a bit of history for the first time will make you fall in love with those marvelous machines all over again.
John Daniele is an expert on motorcycle helmets. For information or to purchase a handcrafted, light-weight, fiberglass novelty motorcycle gear see http://www.helmetsrus.comTags: gear, hjc helmets, motorcycle gear, motorcycles