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.
Motorcycles of the BMW Group Classic collection.
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
First-generation 2-cylinder Boxer engine next to a current 2-cylinder Boxer engine.
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.
BMW 255 compressor (Schorsch Meier, 1939) and BMW S 1000 RR (Michael Dunlop, 2014); winners of the famous Tourist Trophy
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.
BMW Vision Next 100 vehicle.
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.
Iron County Commissioner Mike Bleak (left) said a few words before handing the mic over to Kyle Petty after the group arrived in Cedar City, Utah. (Photos by Paul Dail)
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.
Herschel Walker poses with a fan after signing his motorcycle helmet.
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.
Ken Schrader poses with a fan.
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.”
Terie Simcox (right) and her sister pose for a photo with Richard Petty.
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.”
Kenny Wallace signs a poster for fans in Cedar City, Utah.
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.”
Representing for Rider magazine.
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.”
Herschel Walker (left) with three of his motorcycles.
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.
At the annual Barber Small Bore, each evening ends with parade laps on the racetrack.
We never have a bad time at the Barber Motorsports Park, and that especially holds true for the Barber Small Bore event. The event is full of riders zipping around on small bikes, competing in races and competitions, and having plenty of fun. This year, the Barber Small Bore, presented by MNNTHBX, will run June 9-11 for its fourth iteration.
Racing includes drag races on a dual-lane 168-foot strip, the two-hour Minibike Endurance GP held in partnership with Sportbike Track Time, and pitbike races. Each race event has dedicated track time before the race to give you the chance to sharpen your skills.
Everyone has a smile on during the Barber Small Bore
A returning fan favorite race is the Creek Bottom Classic, in which streetbikes with displacements of 200cc or less compete on an off-road trail. All riders and bikes that fit the requirements are welcome. There will also be a minibike hill climb and an amateur stunt competition with a $1,000 cash prize. A stunt lot will be available throughout the weekend to practice your stunts before the competition.
The Creek Bottom Classic is a can’t-miss activity at Barber Small Bore.
A party in the South wouldn’t be complete without good BBQ. On Saturday night, there will be a whole-hog pig roast, beer, and a custom minibike show. At the end of each day, there will be parade laps on the famous 2.38-mile Barber Motorsports Racetrack.
Saturday night will have a whole hog roast and plenty more to keep you well-fed and entertained.
Eight miles of trails for off-road riding will be available, top vendors will be selling their wares, and some riders will be enjoying recommended off-site rides.
You’re bound to see something you’ve never seen before at the custom minibike show.
A weekend pass is $50, and one-day tickets are $30. For those wanting a quiet retreat from all the activity, $120 gets you a weekend pass along with access to the Paddock Club with a private balcony, an air-conditioned lounge, and catered meals. Tent camping is $40 for the weekend, and RV camping is $100. Some events have an entrance fee, but most are included with admission.
KTM and 10 other motorcycle brands will be offering demo rides at Americade, June 1-4, in Lake George, New York.
The Americade rally is celebrating its 40-year anniversary in a big way. Each year, the influential gathering of riders upon the shores of Lake George, New York, hosts every kind of rider on every kind of motorcycle, and in 2023 the popular factory demo rides have been super-charged!
Riders attending Americade will have the opportunity to demo 11 different motorcycle brands. It’s an unheard-of number and is nearly twice as many factory demos as any other motorcycle event in the USA. With so many demo choices for attendees, the diversity of motorcycle genres that have become the face of Americade over the past four decades is clearly highlighted.
“We’re really excited for the riders!” said Christian Dutcher, Americade’s Director. “It’s a great opportunity to dream and ride and even if we wanted to add another factory truck this year, we couldn’t. All the space has been taken. We’re full!”
Americade factory demo rides will run Wednesday, June 1 through Sunday, June 4, and the following brands will be available:
Americade is one of the highest regarded rallies in the U.S. and features more rides than any event in the country, one of the largest expos in the U.S., a free 2-day block party concert, and the most factory demos in the nation. In 2023, Americade celebrates its 40th Anniversary (1983-2023). Americade week details are available at Americade.com or by calling (518) 798-7888.
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and with the peak motorcycle riding season kicking off in many parts of the country, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released what the Motorcycle Safety Foundation called a “grim report” showing an increase in motorcycle fatalities in 2021.
According to the NHTSA Motorcycle Safety webpage, 5,932 motorcyclists were killed in 2021. These deaths represent a 7.7% increase over the previous year and 14% of the total traffic fatalities for 2021. It is also the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975.
Motorcycle and scooter riders, with their smaller profiles, are at great risk of not being seen by drivers, so the MSF is urging all roadway users to “Expect Us, See Us,” and actively search for riders and stay focused on the road.
“The NHTSA data may be from 2021, but distraction, speeding, and driving or riding while under the influence continue to be problems today,” said Rob Gladden, vice president of training operations for MSF. “However, these are all things we can change.”
When it comes to riding impaired, nearly a third (29%) of riders who were killed in 2021 were intoxicated, representing a 19% increase over the previous year. Another surprising number is that over a third (36%) of motorcyclist fatalities were riders without a valid motorcycle license.
In the bigger picture of all traffic- and vehicle-related incidents, crashes caused by distracted driving rose 12% from 2020 to 2021, according to NHTSA, while speeding-related fatalities increased by 7.9%, and alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities rose 14%.
“One of the biggest risks to motorcyclists is drivers who don’t see the rider and turn across their paths, even if they are not driving distracted,” Gladden said.
Being visible, which includes wearing bright apparel and a light-colored helmet, is an important part of motorcycle safety. (Photo by Kevin Wing)
As part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the MSF has offered five tips for motorcycle and scooter riders:
Be visible: Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet. Always have your headlight on, day and night, and avoid riding in the blind spots of cars and trucks. If possible, flash your brake light when slowing and before stopping.
But pretend you are invisible: If you assume others can’t see you, you will tend to ride in a hyperaware mindset and learn to notice every detail in your surroundings. Constantly search for changing conditions using the Search-Evaluate-Execute (SEE) strategy to assess and respond to hazards before you have to react to an emergency.
Gear up every ride: Wear proper riding gear from head to toe. Full-face helmets provide the best protection. Jackets, pants, gloves, and boots that are made for riding will generally be made of abrasion-resistant material and provide additional comfort and protection.
Follow the rules of the road: Riding respectfully — and legally — creates a safer environment for everyone. Unexpected maneuvers could startle or confuse others and cause a crash.
Before you ride, look over your bike: Do a pre-ride check, which includes looking over your tires and wheels, checking fluids, cables, your bike’s chassis, lights and electronics, and the stands. Use the T-CLOCS inspection checklist to help you.
Because riders are also often drivers of other types of vehicles, the MSF has offered tips for operating other vehicles as well.
“If you are distracted — using your cell phone, eating, or engaged with other passengers — the risks rise exponentially for riders,” Gladden said. “If driving, please be vigilant. Actively search for motorcyclists and look twice, especially before changing lanes or turning.”
Whether you’re a driver of a four-wheeled vehicle or a passenger in one, keep these tips in mind:
Actively look for motorcyclists: While many cars have blind-spot detection and collision-avoidance systems, they are not a fail-safe. Also use your eyes and mirrors to check all around you, and look twice before maneuvering into or around traffic.
Focus on driving: Put down the phone; don’t let pets and passengers distract you.
Use your turnsignals: Signal your intentions. It can help others know what to expect or even alert them to get out of your way if they are in your blind spot.
Give two-wheelers some space: Don’t tailgate or get too close next to riders. Give them space to maneuver and adjust to roadway conditions.
Keep it in the vehicle: Don’t throw trash or cigarettes out the window. Make sure cargo is secured so it doesn’t fall onto the road and become a hazard.
For additional information, including safety booklets, tips, and other reference guides, as well as details on MSF riding classes, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website.
Our guest on Episode 59 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Nick Ienatsch, CEO and Chief Instructor at the Yamaha Champions Riding School. Ienatsch was a founding editor of Sport Rider magazine, and he’s written extensively for Motorcyclist and Cycle World magazines. Ienatsch competed in various AMA, WERA, and other roadracing series in the late ’80s and ’90s, and he’s the author of the 2003 book Sport Riding Techniques. After serving as lead instructor at the Freddie Spencer Riding School for more than a decade, Ienatsch started the Yamaha Champions Riding School, which provides on-track and street-based training around the U.S. Rider’s associate editor Paul Dail recently completed a two-day YCRS ChampSchool course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His review of the school can be found on RiderMagazine.com and in the June 2023 issue of Rider. In this episode, Paul and Nick take a deep dive into ChampSchool. To learn more about Yamaha Champions Riding School, including the Champ U online program, visit RideLikeAChampion.com.
If you appreciate rare and classic motorcycles, you’ll love attending The Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2023, which will be held on Saturday, May 6, on a beautiful golf course near the Pacific coast in Carmel Valley, California. This year’s event includes three featured categories – Italian and Single, 1970s Vintage Muscle, and Bring on the Baggers – as well as 11 traditional categories – American, British, Italian, Other European, Japanese, Competition On Road, Competition Off Road, Antique, Custom/Modified, Choppers, and Extraordinary Bicycles and Scooters.
It’s always a stunning array of wonderful motorcycles, so it’s an event not to be missed. Do yourself a favor and ride in on your bike to avoid parking hassles. A free helmet check station is provided. Admission costs $60 in advance, and you can use a promo Code (5OFF2023) for a $5 discount, saving you $15 over the at-the-door price. See you there!
For more information, read the press release below.
Join us May 6, 2023, for the 13th annual The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, presented by Medallia, as we once again celebrate the evolution of two-wheeled beauties. Hosted on the lush green grasses of Quail Lodge & Golf Club in renowned Carmel, California, combine a day of fun, food, and fine motorcycles!
View more than 350 of the world’s preeminent vintage and modern motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles while exploring the newest and most popular products from leading manufacturers and retail exhibitors. Indulge in delicious dining options provided by local food trucks, ice cream from Marianne’s, and other culinary delights in addition to a selection of wines, brews, and other beverages.
The Quail 2022, photo by Steve Burton
Bring the whole family, as The Quail Motorcycle Gathering has something for everyone, including a dedicated kids area for interactive play!
Ticket prices are as follows:
Admission Only Pre-Sale (Ages 18+) – $60 ($70 Day of Event)
Use Promo Code: 5OFF2023 for $5 off General Admission – $55
The Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2022 in Carmel, California.
Bike entrant applications are also now available. In addition to the traditional categories, the 2023 featured classes are “Italian and Single,” “1970s Vintage Muscle,” and “Bring on the Baggers.”
To enter a motorcycle, private collection, or motorcycle club, please complete The Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2023 entrant application. Payment instructions will be provided when your application has been approved.
The Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2023 Inaugural Why We Ride for Kids Fundraising Dinner
You can be one of the first to enjoy a brand-new VIP experience at this year’s The Quail Motorcycle Gathering and help end pediatric brain cancer, the deadliest childhood disease. Join the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and Why We Ride community for the inaugural Why We Ride for Kids Fundraising Dinner on May 6 at Quail Lodge & Golf Club.
Building on Why We Ride to The Quail’s seven-year history of fundraising and riding, this special evening starts at 5 p.m. following The Quail Motorcycle Gathering and includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and dinner with Quail Gathering 2023 Legend of the Sport Honoree and AMA Hall of Famer “Bubba” Shobert.
Tickets are available to either the Why We Ride dinner only or the Why We Ride dinner + The Quail Motorcycle Gather combo. To purchase tickets visit the Ride For Kids website.
On Friday, May 5, kick-off The Quail Motorcycle Gathering weekend with The Quail Ride. Embark on a 100-mile journey with a mid-day lunch and evening dinner with other motorcycle enthusiasts. The Quail Ride is limited to just 100 motorcycles. Submit your application to The Quail Ride here.
