Milwaukee, Oct. 5—Saying goodbye to summer is a lot easier when you visit the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum. While riders are still squeezing out a few more miles before cooler temperatures arrive, the good times move indoors at H-D Museum with the return of favorite traditions and the introduction of a few new ones.
While outdoor Bike Nights are stored away for the season, good times can still be found in the newly renovated MOTOR Bar & Restaurant and the recently opened Can Room for our monthly indoor Bike Nights. And anytime is a good time to check out the new additions to the H-D Museum as we show off the rolling sculptures that have been roaring down byways and highways for nearly 115 years.
New installations:
Experience Gallery: Model Year 2018 motorcycles
August of this year saw the Motor Company’s largest product development project in company history. Five new Touring bikes and eight all-new Softail Big-Twin cruiser models had Harley-Davidson fans from around the world rejoicing. And whether you ride two wheels or four, the H-D Museum is proud to display a few of these history-making models in our Experience Gallery where anyone can throw a leg over some Milwaukee Iron to experience the thrill of a #FreedomMachine.
Additionally, at the Powertrain Operations facility in Menomonee Falls, the first CVO Limited Anniversary edition bike (No. 1 of 1,200) is on display in the Tour Center, providing visitors with the opportunity to sit astride this very limited-edition motorcycle. Check out the custom paint and decals, which help usher in the 115th Anniversary celebrations. Get out to Pilgrim Road to see the new engines, “the heart of a Harley-Davidson,” as they are assembled with a tour.
1941 Model EL “The Bumblebee” OHV V-Twin
Did you miss the special summer exhibit, “The Race of Gentlemen”? Or, perhaps you are just missing it. In either case, the H-D Museum is here to help. After successfully racing down the beaches of the Jersey shore—and attracting thousands of eyeballs in the summer exhibit—Jeremiah Armenta’s 1941 Model EL (aka “The Bumblebee”) is currently on display on the lower level of the H-D Museum. Where most people saw a torched bike destined for the scrapyard, Armenta, of Love Cycles in Phoenix, brought this Knucklehead back to life, dubbing the ’41 a “phoenix rising from Phoenix.”
1935 Model VLD
This motorcycle is a stunning example of Harley-Davidson’s exemplary work with vibrant paint and special tank graphics, a focus of the Motor Company since the early 1930s. Five color combinations were available in 1935, and this VLD, currently on display in the H-D Museum lobby, sports a spiffy Venetian Blue and Silver scheme while the tank features the famed “Flying Diamond” design. Advertising materials of the time described the insignia as having “wings of speed” that lend a “cocky look that says, ‘Let’s go places!’”
Events:
Gallery Night Free Admission
Friday, Oct. 20, 5–9 p.m.
Presented by the Historic Third Ward Association, Gallery Night and Day is the two-day premier art event in Milwaukee for both the experienced artist and beginning admirer. Free Friday night Museum admission from 5–9 p.m.; regular Museum admission applies on Saturday.
Skulloween Bike Night
Thursday, Oct. 26, 5–9 p.m.
Bike Night might be moving indoors for the season, but that doesn’t mean the party slows down. Head on down to one of Milwaukee’s most popular haunts, the newly renovated MOTOR Bar & Restaurant, for a celebration of all things black and orange! It’s also a great chance to check out the newly opened Can Room. In addition to food and drink specials, Skulloween Bike Night will feature live music and raffles for authentic Harley-Davidson gear.
The Shop:
Living the Legend Rivets
To honor the 115th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson, the H-D Museum is rolling out bold new ways to make your mark in history. Honor your H-D journey—or celebrate the legacy of a loved one—with a customized Living the Legend Rivet. Engraved in tough, electropolished stainless steel, displayed on the Museum grounds, your rivet will inspire visitors and other riders for generations to come.
Harley-Davidson Originals
In the beginning, riders needed tough, honest, hardworking clothing and gear. They demanded high-quality stuff, with undeniable style, that could stand up to the rigors of the new sport of motorcycling. These qualities have never gone out of fashion. And they never will. Harley-Davidson Originals products are authentic reproductions made by skilled manufacturers to specifications taken from Harley-Davidson’s expansive archive. They celebrate the proud H-D history of authentic style, American individualism, and timeless adventure. Shop this new collection from H-D Museum at H-DOriginals.com.
Save the Dates:
6th Annual Black Friday Beerfest
Friday, Nov. 24
Forget the mall. The best way to spend Black Friday is with great friends and your favorite craft brews at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Keep an eye on H-DMuseum.com to learn more about when tickets will go on sale for what is sure to be another sold-out affair. Sample a variety of beers from IPAs to ciders from many of the Midwest’s best craft breweries.
115th Anniversary Celebrations
Aug. 29–Sept. 2, 2018
Mark your calendars because, for our 115th Anniversary, we’re throwing parties for the people. Celebrations all about riding, racing, meeting new friends and connecting with people from all over the world who share a passion for the freedom of two wheels. The H-D Museum will be the Central Rally Pointe all week long, and riders will have a list of destination rides and bike shows from which to choose.
For more information and to Make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at h-dmuseum.com.
