HARLEY-DAVIDSON OPENS MUSEUM IN JULY

This July, the all-new Harley-Davidson Museum is opening in ... Where else? Downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Apart from all the celebrities like Jay Leno (almost a guaranteed attendee, if not the Master of Ceremonies) and many of the RUBBIES (Rich Urban Bikers) who got turned-on to Harley by Leno and a lot of other celebs, the crowd will mostly be made-up of us "regular" folks like us.

Celebrities have long been attracted to the full-throat burble of a Harley, going back to Marlon Brando in the 1953 flick, "The Wild One," (though serious film and bike buffs know that Brando rode a Triumph in that film, but Harleys were featured as the rides of some of the "gang of bikers" who terrorized a California town called Hollister. Inspiration for the movie came from a story in LIFE magazine, which was as popular as POPULAR MECHANICS and READERS' DIGEST in the "day," with a near full-page photo, which years later was admitted to have been "staged" for the photographer, which forever lent motorcycling its "criminal" and  "rebel" air.

"What are you rebelling against?" a member of the town asked Brando's character in "The Wild One", and, Brando replied, "What've ya got?"

There had been earlier "cycle" movies from the '20s and '30s which, if they didn't have much to say for themselves in the way of script, acting or directing ... If nothing else, they memorialized board track racing, a born-and-bred American style of racing which started in Los Angeles. Several miles of boards were attached in the shape of one of today's NASCAR "bullring" tracks, like Bristol, for instance, with fast straights and high-banked corners where speeds were even higher than on the straightaway. A fall almost always meant significant damage to the racer and bike, of course, but "splinters" from these tracks actually killed more than one contestant. The "Speedway" racing bikes of today are related to these "board-trackers"; no brakes, a single four-stroke cylinder of 500cc and fuel, "modified," with nitro-methane. No joke, these machines, now ... or then.

Of course, one of our other all-time favorite celebs, Robert Blake, added to Harley's mystique through his movie, "Electra-Glide in Blue". And we'll allow the Harley people to have their full say about their grand new museum:

In March of 2005 the city of Milwaukee and Harley-Davidson Motor Company signed formal agreements related to Harley-Davidson's purchase of the Museum site at Sixth and Canal Streets near downtown Milwaukee. In late February 2006, designs for the Museum were unveiled. On June 1, 2006, Harley-Davidson launched construction of the much-anticipated Harley-Davidson Museum with a groundbreaking ceremony. The event held on the future Museum grounds at Sixth and Canal Streets in Milwaukee was attended by hundreds of invited guests, including state and local government officials; representatives of Harley-Davidson riders, dealers, suppliers and employees; current and past company executives; and local business and community leaders.

Harley-Davidson is inviting people worldwide to become a part of the Harley-Davidson Museum family through its new Membership program. Opening its doors in July 2008, the Harley-Davidson Museum is offering several membership levels, and those who join the Museum by June 1, 2008 will be invited to a pre-grand opening preview of the Museum, subject to capacity. All who have signed up in 2008 will forever be known as “Founding Members.”

Museum members will receive exclusive benefits and privileges reserved for those who want access to the back roads of the Harley-Davidson experience. Special access to a members-only Web site and exclusive events throughout the year are just a few of many exciting benefits. In addition, members will enjoy perks not available to the general public, such as behind-the-scenes information on Museum exhibits, “fast lane” admission to the Museum, a discount at the retail store and a members-only dog tag. (Photo --- A Harley-Davidson "board track" racer).

Just as riders have many route options, the Museum is offering five Membership levels to create the best ride for its new members. Memberships start as low as $40 annually, and each was created to meet the needs of customers, whether they are from Milwaukee or Milan. For example, “Open Road,” an online membership, was designed specifically for the global audience base of Harley enthusiasts who may not be able to visit the Museum’s physical location frequently. With primarily Internet-based benefits, this membership level also offers one-time free admission and discounts to the Museum retail store.

Other Membership levels include Individual (“Serial #1”), Couple (“Two-up”), Family (“Wrecking Crew”) and Premier (“Hill Climber”). These levels include free, unlimited visits to the Museum. The “Hill Climber” Membership also allows members to bring up to four extra guests to the Museum during any visit and includes a three-inch Living the Legend rivet for customization and installation on the Museum grounds.

“Membership will allow our visitors to get the most out of their Museum experience,” said Stacey Schiesl, Harley-Davidson Museum director. “Through exclusive events and behind-the-scenes access, our members will be able to connect to the Museum and the history and culture of Harley-Davidson in a very meaningful way.”

For those who prefer a shorter road trip, general admission tickets are also available. General admission tickets for the general public are $16 for adults; $12 for students and seniors; $10 for children (ages 5-7 years) and children under five years of age will be admitted free with an accompanying adult. Visit the Web site for additional updates on group sales and tour Information.

To join the Harley-Davidson Museum family, log on to www.h-dmuseum.com/membership.   Those who sign up prior to the opening in July 2008 will receive Membership that extends until one year after the official Museum opening date.

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (HOG) is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.

(Photo - Harley's trend-setting V-Rod; made so with a little design help from Porsche. Wait a minute, did you say, Porsche!? Yep, engine designed by Porsche).