G-nome's visit to the Museum

Well, I finally made it to the Harley-Davidson Museum! The Museum is located at 400 West Canal Street in Milwaukee and less than an hour drive east of Watertown. If you have never paid a visit, then it is truly about time! As I traveled back in history to the #1 bike, I kept telling myself, "Owning a Harley-Davidson is so much more than owning any old motorcycle. It is about history, family (both new and old) and memories created along the way."

In 1915 Harley-Davidson began saving one model from the assembly line; each year they put this model aside. To have the foresight back then that this iron horse might lead to something was remarkable. In order to display bikes prior to 1915, Harley-Davidson went on a search world-wide to "buy-back" models from 1903-1914! The Museum is really a collection of the motor company's history. From motorcycles, to posters, billboards, pins, clothing, owners and the AMF years, Harley-Davidson shows why they continue to be around 105+ years after #1 was assembled. Harley built approximately 1000 shaft drive units in 1942 for the Army, designated XA (experimental Army). It was thought the shaft drive would hold up much better the sands of Africa. Very rare indeed, but on display at the Museum!

Not only does the collection include stock Harley-Davidson models, but those that are unique, belonging to Elvis "The King of Rock & Roll", Captain America and King Kong (consisting of 2 synchronized Knucklehead Engines, 13 feet long and 40 years in the making). See these photos at Shutterfly and remember to type in the password "chrome".

Many, including myself see the years in which AMF purchased Harley-Davidson in 1969 as when the quality in production was lacking. How many times have you heard someone talk about all the oil that sits below their AMF Harley-Davidson? Feel as you may, if it wasn't for AMF diversifying Harley-Davidson back then, HD would have probably gone the same route as Indian and all the other American made motorcycle companies, extinct. AMF helped HD to stay afloat during the years where sales were at an all time low. AMF introduced HD snowmobiles, ski boats, golf carts and so much more.

On February 26, 1981 thirteen Harley-Davidson senior executives sign a letter of intent to purchase Harley-Davidson Motor Company from AMF. By mid-June, the buyback is official, and the phrase "The Eagle Soars Alone" becomes a rallying cry. During the first year of operation after the "buy-back", Harley-Davidson shows a loss of more than $50 million! Still they fought to survive! Some 27 years later Harley-Davidson celebrated its' 105 anniversary of producing their name brand throughout the world!

I could go on and on, but you really need to experience the story yourself! Take the time and visit the Museum! While you are in the area, stop in at Cafe Racer for a bite to eat, stay away from their turkey pretzel bread sandwich if you are looking for meat. For those with a hungry appetite, try the pulled pork sandwich. To the south of the Museum is a renovated mattress factory building now known as "The Iron Horse Hotel".

That's all for now. Remember to visit this site often as articles will change and photos will include Daytona Bike Week.