Americade has been drawing riders to the picturesque area around Lake George, New York, for four decades. To help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the “World’s Largest Touring Rally,” Rider and American Rider magazines co-hosted the inaugural Bring It Motorcycle Show. Since there are so many cool motorcycles at Americade, we invited attendees to bring it!
Our show was sponsored by partners IMTBike, SMK Helmets, and Spectro Performance Oils. For three days, June 1-3, we gave awards in five categories: American Bagger, American Cruiser, Japanese, European, and Old School (pre-1990). Additionally, we handed out a daily $250 prize for Editors’ Choice. All daily winners were invited to a grand finale to determine the Best of Show on Saturday evening.
The culmination of our event was an Industry Meet & Mingle celebration at the beautifully restored 19th-century Carriage House at Fort William Henry Resort that overlooks Lake George. The Best of Show winner was selected by vote and received $1,000 cash plus prizes from the show sponsors.
Of the 18 daily winners, 14 were on hand for the Best of Show judging when attendees of the Industry Meet & Mingle cast their ballots.
After nearly 100 votes were tabulated, it was the purity and simplicity of Keith Youngblood’s 1969 Triumph TR6R hardtail bobber that earned the grand prize.
“It’s a highlight of my life,” Youngblood exclaimed. “I never expected to win!”
Youngblood’s vintage Triumph just edged out the bike with the best backstory, which belongs to Marine Corps veteran Hugh Smith. He uses his 2006 Yamaha Road Star V-Twin to help build homes for veterans with children. Smith dubbed his bike “Milwaukee Packout,” as he uses it as a worksite mule, and it’s fitted with Milwaukee toolboxes and even a battery-powered miter saw on the back!
We only had one Best of Show award to give out, but Smith’s story pulled many heartstrings at the event, including those of Americade’s chief, Christian Dutcher, who graciously dug into his pocket to gift Smith with $200 for a special award.
We thank our show entries, our sponsors, and all Americade staff and volunteers for making our inaugural show such a success. We’ll be back next year, so Bring It!
Our guest on Episode 62 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Ed Conde, and he was interviewed by contributing editor Scott “Bones” Williams. Both are members of New England Riders, a loosely knit but passionate group of motorcyclists who get together for rides, track days, and other activities. Over the past 20 years, Conde has done extensive research and developed an impressive catalog of excellent motorcycling routes throughout eastern North America, from Newfoundland to Alabama, which are available on NewEnglandRiders.org.
Our guest on Episode 61 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Steven Goode. On May 9, 2023, Goode embarked on the Great American Scenic Byway Tour to benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation. He’ll ride his Honda Gold Wing Tour through all 48 lower contiguous states, covering more than 15,000 miles over 60 days and riding the best scenic byway in every state. As a Parkinson’s Champion, Goode will spread awareness of Parkinson’s disease and raise funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Click the links below to follow Goode’s progress and support his efforts.
Whether you only occasionally commute to work on two wheels or make it a regular habit, be sure to set aside Monday, June 19, to take your motorcycle or scooter to your job for the 32nd annual International Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day.
According to the Ride to Work Day website, the idea for the event was inspired by “Work to Ride – Ride to Work” marketing materials created between 1989 and 1991 by the Aero Design and Manufacturing Company, the Minnesota based manufacturer of motorcycle riders clothing now more familiar to our readers as Aerostich.
The first Ride to Work Day was July 22, 1992, and for several years, the third Thursday in July was informally recognized and promoted by businesses as the day for two-wheeled commuting. In 2000, the 501(c)(4) nonprofit Ride to Work was formed to officially organize and promote the event.
In 2008, the day was changed to the third Monday in June to accommodate more riders worldwide, and starting next year and going forward, Ride to Work Day will be changed to the second Tuesday in June to avoid conflicting with the Juneteenth United States federal holiday. Event organizers say this particular day was chosen because it breaks up the workweek better than a Monday event, and because it is considered a demonstration event, they believed a midweek day is more likely to receive media coverage than a Monday or Friday.
Along the lines of demonstration, the purpose of Ride to Work Day is to illustrate the following:
The number of motorcyclists to the general public and politicians
Motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life
Motorcyclists can reduce traffic congestion in large cities
Motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation
At Rider, we fully support Ride to Work’s mission to get more people riding, make our roads safer for riders, and push local governments to add motorcycle parking and other moto-friendly ordinances.
Americade is a weeklong motorcycle festival that brings together more than 75,000 riders each year to the scenic Lake George area in New York. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event, which will run from May 30 through June 4, and there will be a new event this year that you won’t want to miss: the Bring It Motorcycle Show, which is being co-hosted by Rider and its sibling publication, American Rider.
Americade’s goal is to highlight the best of motorcycling and ensure that the public’s perception of motorcycling is a positive one. It features the most factory demos of any event in the U.S., stunt shows, comedy shows, and plenty of riding opportunities in the beautiful region.
Attendees this year are invited to compete for prizes during the new Bring It Motorcycle Show, which will run June 1-3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Categories include American Bagger, American Cruiser, Japanese, European, and Old School (for pre-1990 bikes), and there will be an Editors’ Choice selection each day. All daily winners will be invited to the Industry Meet & Mingle on Saturday evening when the Best of Show winner will receive more than $1,000 worth of cash and prizes.
The Bring It Motorcycle Show will have a prime location between stunt shows and food trucks, making it the perfect spot to admire interesting bikes and take a lunch break in between other activities. We’re excited to host this event, and we look forward to meeting some of our readers. Stop by to say hello!
The BMW Museum in Munich, Germany, opened its 100 Years of BMW Motorrad exhibit on May 12 in celebration of the company’s centennial. More than just a collection of bikes, the museum “bowl” will include numerous displays that will include history, parts, gear, and recognition of BMW Motorrad clubs around the world. But of course, there will also be the bikes, including more than 55 original motorcycles, some of which are being displayed for the first time on their own platform, and staying to the spirit of an anniversary celebration, many historical models will be featured next to current ones. And looking toward the future, the exhibit will also include the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 vehicle. For more information, read the press release below.
In honor of these motorized two-wheelers, which have always supported the sporty, dynamic image of Bayerische Motoren Werke and today contribute significantly to its economic success, the BMW Museum will be displaying more than 55 original motorcycles from 10 decades in its world-famous Museumsschüssel (Museum Bowl).
Built in 1973, this round building’s architecture continues to fascinate visitors to this day and boasts themed displays comprising roughly 15 stations. Five larger exhibition levels are dedicated to the best-known BMW Motorrad designers, the various customer interests, the most captivating motorcycle combinations, and remarkable models.
In addition, unique treasures from the BMW Group Classic historic collection of vehicles will be displayed to the public for the first time on their own dedicated platform.
A Thrilling Journey Through 100 years of BMW Motorrad History
At the center of the exhibition are a number of original motorcycles spanning a period of 100 years, which present an appropriate depiction of the development of the BMW Motorrad brand over time. The exhibition also draws on tanks, benches, lights, rider’s helmets, frames, and smaller technical details to trace exciting lines of development from the past to the present. Space is also devoted to specific aspects such as motorsports, electromobility, research and development, and advertising, as well as the fascinating world experienced by two globetrotters on their BMW motorcycles.
Exported to more than 110 countries to date, the company’s vehicles for use by the authorities play a decisive role at international scale. The exhibition will also highlight the BMW Motorrad clubs organized around the globe.
BMW Museum Showcases Motorcycle Pairings From Past and Present
In the exhibition’s wide-ranging content, the concept of the anniversary exhibition proceeds in principle from motorcycle pairings, with a historical vehicle in each case being placed beside a current one. This creates many interesting contrasts on the subjects of innovation, super-athletes, combinations, full cladding, and urban mobility. Visitors will find the most valuable pieces in the exhibition on the way from platform 2 to Motorsport. Here, two machines are presented that are associated with victory in the legendary Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man: in this road race, which is probably the most difficult in the world, Schorsch Meier was successful on his BMW R 255 Kompressor, and 75 years later Michael Dunlop placed first on a BMW S 1000 RR.
Here, the anniversary exhibition honors the drivers, designers, and developers from 100 years of BMW Motorrad history and at the same time references production in the BMW Group plant in Berlin-Spandau.
One of many highlights in the exhibition is the parade of fascinating BMW R 18 models, which is presented in a range of model variants. These alone would be worth a separate exhibition in this format. This is also true for the fully clad powerhouse from the batch of a BMW K1 and BMW R 1250 RT.
The final touch is added by the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 vehicle, which has been known since 2016 and gives an outlook into the future of the motorcycle.
Interactive stations encourage visitors to actively engage with the exhibition; for example, a special photo station on platform 2 creates unforgettable moments for visitors as they explore. Visitors will also be able to hop onto each of two original BMW motorcycles, a couple of which we also encounter here. They can take their place behind the handlebars of a BMW R 25 from the 1950s and a current BMW S 1000 RR.
There’s even more BMW Motorrad to enjoy in the permanent exhibition. Since it’s re-opening in 2008, the BMW Museum has dedicated around 10 rooms and stations to the history of BMW motorcycles. Various topics give greater insight here, whether it’s the very first motorcycle, the BMW R 32; an overview all depicting around 25 milestones; or impressive examples from motorcycle racing.
The Around the World on Two Wheels exhibit is now open to the public at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. The exhibit features bikes from the renowned Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum collection and will run through March 2, 2024.
The Barber Museum collection is considered one of the most comprehensive and internationally recognized motorcycle collections in the world. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, the museum was founded in 1995 by former racing driver and automobile collector George Barber, and its holdings, which focus on telling the history of the motorcycle from an international, multi-thematic perspective, encompass over 1,800 rare, collectible, and iconic motorcycles stretching from the 19th century to present day.
The Barber Museum’s collection includes bikes built by nearly 200 different manufacturers from 20 countries around the globe and represents nearly every facet of motorcycle history, from popular production street bikes to rare one-off Grand Prix racers.
In 2003, the museum expanded to an 880-acre motorsports park, including a 16-turn, 2.38-mile racetrack, and each year, the facility hosts the Barber Vintage Festival, which features a full slate of vintage and exotic racing, a swap meet, vendors, demo rides on modern bikes, and more.
The Around the World on Two Wheels exhibit, which is held in the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Richard Varner Family Gallery on the second floor of the 100,000-square-foot museum, draws from the Barber Museum’s extensive holdings to highlight the motorcycle’s development, from its early origins as a means of personal transportation to its modern-day prominence around the world as a vehicle whose style, popularity, and utility parallel those of its four-wheeled counterparts.
Motorcycles on display include the 1928 Sunbeam Model 80 TT, a 1929 Excelsior Super X, the 1961 Yamaha RR250 “Yellow Tanker,” a 1919 Harley-Davidson Model 19 J, the 2008 Honda CBR600RR raced by Jake Zemke, and the 1905 Indian Single, among many more.
The skies were overcast and a light drizzle fell in Cedar City, Utah, on May 3, but it wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of the crowd gathered at the southern end of town – or the long line of smiling and waving riders who were part of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America that had arrived to greet the crowd.
Typically associated more with four wheels than two, Kyle Petty started the charity motorcycle ride in 1995 to benefit causes for children with chronic illnesses and conditions. The primary beneficiary has been Victory Junction, a camp spread across 84 acres in Randleman, North Carolina, that opened in 2004.
Victory Junction was the dream of Petty’s son, Adam, who was also a race car driver. When Adam Petty died in 2000, family and friends came together to make the camp a reality. Since the charity ride’s inception in 1995, more than 8,875 riders have logged nearly 12.6 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised more than $20 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.
While Kyle Petty may be mostly known for his racing accolades and commentating, in Episode 56 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast, Petty told Rider EIC Greg Drevenstedt that he has been riding motorcycles “forever.”
“And when I say ‘forever,’ it’s pretty dang close to forever,” he said. “I consider myself a motorcyclist. … Motorcyclists get on a bike, and they go see the country. They go see things. They explore. They want to be a part of the world.”
Petty said there are so many motorcyclists who want to give back to charitable causes.
“They’re doing something they enjoy, and they see they can do something they enjoy and still help other people at the same time.”
Along these lines, the 27th iteration of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride started and ended in Salt Lake City in my home state of Utah and included a trip along U.S. Route 50, “The Loneliest Road in America,” to Ely, Nevada, then southwest to Tonopah and on to Las Vegas for a lap around the track at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Following the stop in Las Vegas, the riders – about 175 of them, if you counted those riding two-up – arrived in Cedar City around 5:30 p.m. Along for the ride were some other familiar faces, including NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time champion (and Kyle’s father) Richard Petty, NASCAR legends Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace, former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker, and NBC Sports NASCAR personality Rick Allen.
There was a line of people waiting for photos and signatures on everything from posters to T-shirts to motorcycle helmets. Among them was Terie Simcox, who was there with her sister and three of her sister’s coworkers. Simcox is a fan of both Kyle and Richard Petty but said she was mostly there to see the latter.
“He’s 85 years old, and he still is just as young as can be and doing these charity runs,” she said. “He’s still there for his fans and for his community. But, of course, Kyle too. They do a lot for communities and fundraisers and charities, and I think it’s pretty awesome.”
Simcox also mentioned Kenny Wallace and how both he and Rick Allen were cracking jokes as they went down the line.
“Together, they were just hilarious,” she said. “It was pretty cool to just see them being themselves out with the public.”
She also said she was impressed that Herschel Walker was along for the ride and was “friendly and cool with the public, especially after such a rigorous political campaign.”
As to motorcycles, Simcox said her family doesn’t ride street bikes, but her husband has a Honda 450 and they “play in the dirt.”
“My husband used to race pro, but that was three kids and 50 pounds ago,” she joked.
After Petty made his way through the line, he stopped for a moment to talk with me.
There’s a joke in southern Utah that when the pioneers arrived, they said once the wind stopped blowing they would move on. Fortunately, it was just a light spring rain we were getting May 3, but I told Petty they were lucky because it was usually windy this time of year.
“You’re kidding,” he said and laughed, obviously familiar with the area. “It’s been kind of windy, but it’s multidirectional wind. It just blows you everywhere, so that’s alright.”
Other than that, he said, the ride had been great, with temps in the mid-40s in the morning and mid-60s to low 70s during the day, although he did admit that “Vegas was warm.”
When I asked about his favorite part of the trip so far, he told me it was the stretch of Route 50 to Ely, then the route to Tonopah and out of Tonopah, but he also called the trip into Cedar City on State Route 56 “beautiful.”
“When you’re coming back through the valley and the mountains over there,” he said, pointing the direction they had come, “with the snow on top that you can see, it’s gorgeous.”
After leaving Cedar City, the route would take the riders to Moab, Utah, which is near both Arches and Canyonlands national parks.
Petty said the group thinks they’ve seen some great scenery so far, “but I keep telling them, ‘Y’all ain’t seen nothin’ yet.’”
Episode 60 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast focuses on the controversial topic of lane splitting, also known as lane sharing. Motorcyclists tend to be strongly in favor of it or adamantly against it. Last year, Arizona became the fourth state to legalize lane sharing, joining California, Utah, and Montana. Contributing editor Eric Trow’s feature about lane sharing in the upcoming June 2023 issue of Rider provides a fair and balanced approach to the topic. Our host Greg Drevenstedt is much more biased in favor of lane sharing, and they have a lively discussion about the pros and cons.
The Harley-Davidson Museum is getting the riding season kicked off in style with a host of both recurring activities – such as bands every Thursday night for Bike Nights and demo rides on Saturdays – and events that will be specific to May, including Mother’s Day activities and an Armed Forces Day Celebration. The museum is also hosting a variety of exhibits throughout the month offering something for all ages and interests, including the museum’s first bilingual exhibit, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto,” based on the children’s book of the same name. For more information, read the press release below.
MILWAUKEE — Coming hot on the heels of a glorious Milwaukee Day celebration, Bike Nights at the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum are set to take center stage this summer. Join the fun every Thursday night for free local live music, food and drink specials from MOTOR Bar & Restaurant, and miles and miles of rolling sculptures. The Midwest’s newest rockin’ country band, Bootjack Road, gets the season started on May 4.
Speaking of seasons, get ready for riding season all weekend long. Whether you’re heading down to check out the free tunes at Bike Night, signing up for demo rides on Saturdays, or checking out the scorching savings found at the Factory Shop, the H-D Museum has you covered for a summer in the saddle of your #FreedomMachine.
If you’re still shopping for Mother’s Day, the H-D Museum has you covered there too. Bring mom down to enjoy a splendid Sunday on campus as moms receive free admission on May 14. Be sure to stop in the Harley-Davidson Shop for unique gifts – including those found at the customization station. Hop over to MOTOR Bar & Restaurant to see what’s cooking for a special Mother’s Day brunch, where everyone can enjoy bottomless mimosas for an additional $20 per person.
And on Saturday, May 20, honor our brave U.S. military heroes at the H-D Museum’s annual Armed Forces Day Celebration. Fun for the whole family can be found throughout campus, while military gallery talks will be held inside the H-D Museum.
Kicking off Thursday, May 4, in conjunction with the first Bike Night of the season and extending through Sunday, May 7, the H-D Museum’s Ready to Ride event will offer savings up to 75% on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes merchandise and select official licensed products. (* see below) Gear up with select authentic Harley-Davidson apparel and riding gear, including helmets and jackets. Don’t miss this chance to stock up on T-shirts, sweatshirts, outerwear, and so much more. The first and only Harley-Davidson Factory Shop is the official H-D outlet for end-of-season gear and discontinued products.
* Valid only for onsite use in the Factory Shop at the H-D Museum on purchase of select, discontinued men’s and women’s Harley-Davidson MotorClothes merchandise and select official licensed products. Not valid for online purchases; not valid in the Harley-Davidson Shop at the H-D Museum. Prices as marked in the Factory Shop. Sale prices valid from May 4, 2023 – May 7, 2023. While supplies last. Offer not valid on previously purchased merchandise. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. Offer is subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
All wheels unite every Thursday from 5-9 p.m. at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Join riders (and non-riders) for free live music from some of our favorite bands; fun, drool-worthy rolling sculptures; and outdoor food and beverage specials from MOTOR. The Bike Night Koozie Special is back. Enjoy $3 Busch Light all-season. And don’t forget to check out the signature cocktails from Bulleit.
Visit the Museum campus on Saturdays to experience the fun and freedom of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Riders with their motorcycle endorsement/license will be able to choose from a dozen of the latest and greatest freedom machines from Harley-Davidson, including Touring, Softail, and Sportster models. A pre-determined scenic route through the Menomonee Valley will give riders the chance to explore the H-D Museum’s surrounding neighborhoods. Sign-up is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Riders and passengers must be at least 18 years of age. All riders (and passengers) must wear a helmet, eye protection, shirt, long pants, and closed-toe shoes with heel strap. All riders and passengers must bring their own riding gear.
This Mother’s Day, give Mom an unforgettable experience! The whole family will enjoy the sights and sounds of the H-D Museum, and moms receive free admission on Sunday, May 14. Shop for gifts as unique as her at the Factory Shop and Harley-Davidson Shop and create one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson gear at our customization station. MOTOR Bar & Restaurant will be serving up a special Mother’s Day brunch, including bottomless mimosas for an additional $20 per person. Reservations are strongly encouraged. It’s the mother of all Mother’s Day celebrations and it’s only found at the crossroads of 6th & Canal.
Google Arts & Culture: Pocket Gallery – Thursday, May 18
The Harley-Davidson Museum will be launching “(P)art,” which celebrates the components’ sculptural forms, creatively interpreted by commercial photographers during Harley-Davidson’s first 60 years, alongside many other museum’s stunning and creative pocket galleries as part of Google Arts and Culture’s International Museum Day celebration. Keep an eye on the H-D Museum’s social media for a direct link, or visit the H-D Museum’s main page on May 18 to explore the gallery.
Join the Harley-Davidson Museum and active military and veterans as we honor the brave individuals serving in the United States Armed Forces. Together with the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, the H-D Museum invites everyone to show your support for our troops on Armed Forces Day. Military equipment and interactive displays are available for attendees to see and experience. This free event offers a unique experience to talk with all branches of the military to learn about their experiences and the challenges they face maintaining our freedom.
Please note that military discounts are found throughout campus all year. The H-D Museum will also offer Military Gallery Talks at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. These staffed talks will include the history of Harley-Davidson in the military and how we were essential in the World Wars. They last approximately 15 minutes and are free to attend with paid admission. Families will want to check out the Wisconsin Warrior Challenge. Open to kids and young adults ages 7-22, participants will join one of six teams and compete in a series of activities for the title of Wisconsin Warrior Champions. Activities will include obstacle courses, survival skills, drills and marching, and more! Sign up to participate in advance on the Milwaukee Armed Forces Week website.
Other Harley-Davidson Museum Activities/Information
Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s 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 the Harley-Davidson Museum website for details and other terms and conditions.
The H-D Museum’s guided-tour portfolio has been updated with new experiences and content. Choose from the Spotlight Tour, the Beyond the Gate Tour, or the VIP Tour. Spotlight Tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Spanish Spotlight Tours are available most weekends. Guests are invited to check out the calendar when planning their visit to sign-up in advance for an unforgettable guided experience. To book a private group tour, please call 414-287-2799 or email for more information. Reservations and prepayment required at least two weeks prior to tour date. Please note: Tour fee does not include General Admission.
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, welcome and orientation by program facilitator, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration), and an exclusive H-D Museum patch.
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.
From award-winning children’s and YA author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña comes the Harley-Davidson Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto.” Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” shares a story of family bonds strengthened by the simple act of taking a joy ride on a two-wheeled machine. With brilliant, colorful art from Peña paired with heart-warming stories from Southern Californian riding families, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” will draw smiles from kids of all ages. It’s an exhibit that focuses not only on where you can take a motorcycle, but where a two-up motorcycle ride with a loved one can take you.
Experience Gallery (on display now)
With inspiring stories from riders who have turned their dream of learning to ride into reality, a look at the epic journeys you can only experience behind the bars of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, plus the chance to throw a leg over a new 2023 Harley-Davidson freedom machine, the reinstalled and all-new Experience Gallery shows the world how “United We Ride!” And now you can hop in the saddle of the newest Ultra Limited Anniversary, Road Glide Trike, Pan America Special and Nightster motorcycles – the perfect photo op to commemorate your visit.
Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (on display now)
The four founders of Harley-Davidson were recently inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Learn more about this prestigious honor now on view in the H-D Museum.
In 2022, the world of motorcycling lost a prominent voice, Linda “Jo” Giovannoni. As a co-founder of Harley Women magazine, she shared her love of the sport through articles in newspapers and magazines, and in national television interviews and documentaries. Learn about how Giovannoni inspired riders for over 40 years.
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 recently 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.
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.
Be a part of our long history of unique, premium designs with our exclusive 120th Anniversary collection. From men’s and women’s baseball jerseys to a vintage inspired sweater and jersey, it’s easy to show your H D pride in our 120th year.
We have some great specials in May! Our Shrimp Tartar tapa is on the menu as an entrée option, we went a little wild with the Mac Attack, a burger including mac n’ cheese, pork, BBQ sauce, and topped with crispy onion strings. Top of a great meal with a sweet treat of Tres Leches Cake, a triple layered cake topped with chocolate and raspberry.
Celebrate mom with brunch! We’ll be offering our full brunch menu along with bottomless mimosas for $20 during Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make your reservation at the MOTOR Bar & Restaurant website or call 414-287-2778. Make your reservation today as spots are filling up quickly!
May Specials (while supplies last): SANDWICH OF THE MONTH: Shrimp Tartar ($19.95) Fresh shrimp and avocado in a rosemary cream sauce with peppers, red onions, topped with spring mix, crispy onion straws and a balsamic glaze.
BURGER OF THE MONTH: Mac Attack Burger ($17.95) 8-oz. hand-packed ground chuck topped with cheddar cheese, mac n’ cheese, shredded pork, BBQ sauce, crispy onion straws on a brioche bun.
DESSERT OF THE MONTH: Tres Leches Cake ($8.95) A light three-layered cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture and topped with chocolate and raspberry sauces.