The Burning Motorcycle
2002
Thomas Zummer
Genie
2003
James Hyde
Motorcycles & Art3/14/2004 - 6/30/2004 |
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| BMW R69S |
BMW’s place in American motorcycling may be traced back to before WWII when its racing credentials were many and BMW held the land-speed record. Originally an aircraft engine manufacturer, BMW took the propeller for its logo, and made its reputation on the R series of horizontal twin engines with shaft drives. |
| Suzuki SV650 2004 Japan Courtesy of Koup’s Cylces |
An instant classic, the SV650 is perhaps the
Volkswagen of motorcycles; it has been built with people in mind.
The SV650 performs well as a light touring, sport, and commuter
bike. Depending upon the skill of the rider, the SV650 is both a
demanding and a forgiving machine. With a relatively low seat height
and reputation for reliable, happily predictable performance, new
and experienced motorcyclists of both sexes are attracted to this
machine. |
| Honda Dream 305cc 1967 Japan Courtesy of Jonathan Roth |
“You meet the nicest people on a Honda,” was the ad tagline for this generation of Hondas. Accepted by the middle-class, the Dream allowed for a little rebellion in picket fence America. This bike was available from 1959-1969 in various styles for the entry-level rider, and it walked point for successful marketing efforts from Japan’s motorcycle industry in the 1970’s. |
| Honda CB550Four 1976 Japan Courtesy of Jonathan Roth |
After the CB750Four was introduced in 1969, Honda offered many other CB models in many sizes for over a decade, and they were all true to the original - fast, reliable, and inexpensive. Smaller versions of the dominant bike of the Honda line expanded the company’s ability to gain U.S. market share and win races in different classes. |
| Harley-Davidson Topper with Sidecar 1961 United States Courtesy of Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson/Buell |
The Topper came a little late for the booming 1950’s scooter market. With larger wheels than many scooters and a fiberglass, aluminum, and stainless steel body, the Topper boasted a 9.5 hp engine on its largest model. Ads boasted that the Topper could get up to 100 miles per gallon. This pristine, fully restored example includes a passenger sidecar. |
| Harley-Davidson Wide Glide FXWG 1980 United States Courtesy of Susquehanna Valley Harley-Davidson/Buell |
The Shovelhead engine found a new home in the Wide Glide’s first model year, and Harley-Davidson offered this factory custom paint option that attracted attention. In development since 1978, the Evolution engine introduced in 1984 would be the power plant for a later generation of Wide Glides. |
| Custom Cycle 2004 United States Courtesy of Stoney Creek Cycles/Sinister Custom Cycles |
Created specifically for our exhibition, this chopper celebrates early custom machines, the “bob-jobs” that GI’s returning from World War II built, rode and raced. The Bob-job became the chopper, and its variations today are many, from rat bikes to sculpted, theme-driven show bikes. |
| Triumph T100 Daytona 1969 England Courtesy of British Toys for Big Boys |
In the 1950’s and 1960’s, American motorcyclists enjoyed the power and beauty of light, fast Triumph motorcycles. This beautifully restored 500cc Daytona, named after America’s most famous race location, is 250cc smaller than the famous Bonneville, named after the salt flats where riders challenged the speed records. The names were intended to appeal to the American audience. Triumph competed with other British marques like BSA, Matchless, Royal Enfield, and Norton in the American market. |
| Ducati 750 GT 1976 Italy Courtesy of an anonymous lender |
Like other European firms, Ducati rose from the postwar ashes attaching small engines to bicycles. Ducati motorcycles, with elegant and forward-thinking design, have grown to become a powerhouse in the market and on racetracks around the world. The Ducati 750SS, the racing version of this touring model, sported the same L-shaped twin engine. |
| Rixe 1951 Germany/Austria Courtesy of Locust Grove Restorations |
Immediately after World War II, Europe’s motorcycle, moped, and scooter manufacturers provided affordable transportation to the people. Rixe, Puch, Sachs, NSU, BMW, and other companies exported few of these machines to the United States, but in Germany and Austria, millions of similar machines were produced. This Rixe was restored with the frame as the “blank canvas” with an Austrian Puch two-stroke engine, Austrian Puch paintjob, German NSU speedometer, German BMW handgrips, and newly fabricated parts. |