| Some people think of their motorcycle as simply a | | | | mounted on the middle of the frame. It has a boiler |
| cost-effective means of transportation. With gas | | | | and a coal firebox, and was able to accelerate to a |
| prices sky-high, being able to get around town for | | | | maximum speed of about 40 mph. Other prized |
| just pennies a day is quite an attractive deal. But for | | | | exhibits include many Indian models made in the |
| those who not only value that economic efficiency | | | | 1900s -1940s, a 1909 Royal Pioneer and numerous |
| but also have a vested, emotional attachment to | | | | Harleys. Without looking at the accompanying |
| their vehicle and everything related to 2-wheeled | | | | descriptions, trying to figure out what purpose some |
| marvels, a visit to a motorcycle museum would be a | | | | of the interesting motorcycle gear was made to fulfill |
| great vacation getaway. | | | | would make for a fascinating guessing game. The |
| No matter where you live in North America, there is | | | | curious visitor might wonder what were their |
| a motorcycle museum just down the road. From | | | | designers thinking? |
| coast to coast, Niagara Falls, Ontario to Vancouver, | | | | At the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, |
| British Columbia in Canada, and from Maggie Valley, | | | | Iowa, near Cedar Rapids, visitors will enjoy strolling |
| North Carolina to Solvang, California in the U.S., | | | | through vast exhibits of vintage motorcycles, and |
| wonderful collections of vintage bikes, motorcycle | | | | associated apparel and gear. The story that takes |
| gear and associated memorabilia are on exhibit. | | | | you from the earliest days of biking to the present is |
| It's amazing how many motorcycles made at the | | | | told through extensive collections of postcards, |
| turn of the twentieth century bear a striking | | | | posters, advertising placards and photos. Another |
| resemblance to models coming off the assembly line | | | | fascinating feature of this museum is its motorcycle |
| today. Of course, while some styles are classics and | | | | toy collection. Anyone, bike fan or not, would be |
| the overall look of a bike has not undergone the | | | | pleasantly reminded of their childhood and enjoy the |
| drastic changes that automobiles have experienced, | | | | trip down memory lane. |
| upon closer examination, it's evident that technology | | | | Niagara Falls, Ontario's Classic Iron Motorcycle |
| has made its mark, especially on motorcycle gear. | | | | Museum is bright, shiny and new, and located right in |
| Everything from helmets to jackets, and engines to | | | | the heart of the tourist attractions area of the town. |
| tires have a sleeker look. Their safety features and | | | | For biker guys and babes who come to see the falls, |
| efficiency factors have also vroomed ahead into the | | | | a stop at the museum is a must - and just steps |
| 21st century. | | | | away. Its dazzling collection of custom bikes made |
| A favorite place of motorcycle enthusiasts is the | | | | between 1916 and today is sure to elicit lots of oos |
| Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, | | | | and ahs from onlookers. For those interested in the |
| Ohio, near Columbus. It boasts three main halls full of | | | | artsy side of biking, the rare pieces of motorcycle art |
| exciting exhibits. Its Motorcycle Hall of Fame, where | | | | on exhibit will not disappoint. |
| the accomplishments of motorcycle racers, engineers, | | | | Whether you're going to the shore, the mountains or |
| businessmen and designers are showcased and | | | | anyplace in-between, anyone who has ever hopped |
| chronicled, is a testament to the trailblazers who had | | | | on a Harley and gotten hooked on biking should |
| the vision, talent and fortitude to make motorcycling | | | | consider a road trip to a motorcycle museum. Reliving |
| such a popular pastime. | | | | your youth or just seeing a bit of history for the first |
| For anyone interested in antiques, the museum's | | | | time will make you fall in love with those marvelous |
| 1894 Roper Steamer is quite a sight. Basically, it's a | | | | machines all over again. |
| bicycle with a large, rectangular steam engine | | | | |