Thursday, September 12, 2013

Kansas Motorcycle Museum

How can not love a place that advertises "Additions have been completed to the museum including public restrooms and new display areas." Can't complain about public restrooms!

Photo courtesy GlassAnkels

There are more pictures on their website. They have over 100 motorcycles and a lot of racing memorabilia, especially from Stan Engdahl, a former flat track champion.

ksmotorcyclemuseum.org

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

National Motorcycle Museum, US

This one I have not been to but it appears to be pretty comprehensive. I don't know much more about the museum except for the web site.

Photos courtesy the National Motorcycle Museum

Here are some more photos from a fellow biker... apparently the museum closes early, around 5pm so plan accordingly. Hours are 9-5pm daily.

Photos courtesy Jamie Z


nationalmcmuseum.org

Monday, September 9, 2013

National Motorcycle Museum, UK

The only time I went to the National Motorcycle Museum was in 1992 and that was before the fire. It was also before digital cameras so I'd have to scan those photos. Luckily my dad just got back from a trip through Europe and went to the museum. And he took a lot of pictures. I think he was overwhelmed by the sheer number of bikes. I do need to get back over there.












Photos courtesy of Elroy Friesen

nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Wheels Through Time

While my brother has been to this museum a few times I've never been. I've been watching What's in the Barn on Velocity since it first aired. It's a great collection of bikes at the museum and Dale looks like quite the character.

I'll make this short post and then after I get to the museum I'll make another one with many more pics.

Photos courtesy of Wheels Through Time

wheelsthroughtime.com

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Vintage Memories

From the Lone Star Museum site they have a link to Vintage Memories. It's a part time museum open by appointment only outside of Atlanta, Georgia. There's no admission fee but donations are collected for local charities. That might make a nice ride to next time I'm in North Carolina.

Photos courtesy of Vintage Memories

Friday, September 6, 2013

Lone Star Motorcycle Museum

Paul from Born Again Bikes recommends the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum and from the description I can see why.

"Great folks, and the museum is right in the heart of some of the best riding in America."

Photos courtesy of Lone Star Motorcycle Museum

The admission fee structure cracks me up.

* Children Free (under 15)
* Adults $5
* 65 and over $4
* Groups (10+) $4/head
* Active Military and spouse $3/head
* 90 and over Free
* 100 and over We pay you $5

Attached is the Ace Cafe and it looks to have a lovely selection of food. If I'm ever back to Texas I'll be sure to stop at the museum and have a bite to eat.

lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Le Musée de la Moto de Saint-Jean-port-joli

Here's a submission from one of my fellow Norton owners Jean:

"You can add Le Musée de la Moto de Saint-Jean-port-joli to your list of museums.  The region is something to see, nice roads with spectacular views of the Saint Lawrence.  A stop at La Roche à Veillon in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli for a typical Québecois mea lis a must.  On the way to Gaspé, another well worth it stop is at le Bistro de la Mer in Kamouraska (corner of route 132 and route de Kamouraska) where they have the best lobster bisque I have ever tasted, it goes very well with a smoked salmon or shrimp sandwich.  Route 132 from Rimouski to Gaspé is amongst the best motorcycle roads in the world, lots of twisties, up and downs right next to the Saint Lawrence river which is more like a sea than a river since the other side is a good 30 Km away.  Not motorcycle related but interesting for gearheads is the Bombardier Museum in Valcourt."

And if you're in Montreal be sure to check out Chien Rose and Le 132-Bar Vintage.







Photos courtesy Jean Des Rosiers

From the eating suggestions alone I want to go! And to add to that the museums? "I'm packing my bags honey, I'll be back in a few weeks!"

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Barber

In 2011 I flew to North Carolina and then rode down to Birmingham, Alabama with my brother and dad. I got to ride my old Norton Interstate, which sadly was lacking in power. Here's a forum post with a lot more detail and pictures from the trip. It still made it but later teardown revealed that the hardening on the camshaft had failed and instead of lobs it was now round. But that's another story...


We were going to the Vintage Festival at The Barber Motorsport Park, an annual spectacle of vintage motorcycling. There is roadracing, motocross, trials, swap meet and show. On top of that there is the museum. The museum isn't like the icing on the cake, it's like a cake on the cake!

I was quite overwhelmed by the museum. It's massive and the bikes are superb. I couldn't get over how many bikes there were and the quality of them. Of course they can't display all the bikes they have, so there are many more waiting to be seen.

The unique thing the Vintage Festival is that they open the basement to visitors. Down there you can see the workshops where they restore the bikes plus if you're lucky they will have the door open so you can peek and see the many, many motorcycles waiting to be restored.

I'm sure you are tired of me yammering on about this place, how about some pictures? (Be sure to click on the pictures for a larger view)















I wanted to take a picture of every bike there but somehow I restrained myself. This is just a sampling of the bikes there. I hope to go back in 2013 and spend more time in the museum.

I think I've gushed enough about this place. If you can only go to one museum in the world I'm going to vote for Barber. Make it happen.