Harley Exhibit opens in Manchester

Added on Friday, April 15th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

A groundbreaking new exhibition on the customisation of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the culture surrounding the brand has opened its doors today at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI).

The exhibition, which runs until the 11^th September, will showcase the early customised Harleys through to the very latest creations, some of which have never been put on public view before.The exhibition is also the first time ever that an exhibition has showcased the historic and radical customs of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and the culture surrounding them.

Over 30 motorcycles will be featured in the exhibition, including models from the UK, Germany, Japan and the US, each bike boasting its own unique back story. Exhibits range from a rare 1909 model – built in the first decade of Harley-Davidson’s production heritage - to motorcycles used for the US military and police in the 1930s and 1940s, to the 1948 Ice Road Panhead, which defied motorcycle capabilities in conditions of minus 53 degrees, to complete an expedition to the Arctic.

The exhibition includes a fascinating section on the tradition of radically customised Harley-Davidson motorcycles, two of which have been created especially for the exhibition. The spectacular Bell & Ross motorcycle, which won 1^st place in the AMD Modified Harley-Davidson Championships in Dublin, is also the first of a rolling programme of guest motorcycles in the exhibition, courtesy of Sussex-based authorised dealership Shaw Harley-Davidson.

Tony Hill, Director of MOSI said: “Harley-Davidson is the classic iconic motorcycle brand that is loved by bikers and design enthusiasts alike. Not only is it a symbol of American culture but has been adopted by cultures around the world to reflect their own unique style and identity. MOSI already has a wonderful collection of historic motor cycles and groundbreaking engineering so we are delighted to build on this with our new exhibition.”

Chris Scott from Claridon Group said: “The exhibition division of our group of companies designs and builds bespoke exhibitions and we are also the worldwide logistics provider for the Harley Owners’ Group (HOG). This is a fantastic opportunity for us to combine our strengths and passion for motorcycles in this world-first exhibition. Customising, Culture and Harley-Davidson includes over 30 carefully selected bikes, each with their own unique story, and has been designed so it appeals to a wide audience, including families with children, and not just the motorcyclist.”

To celebrate the start of the exhibition a cavalcade of up to 70 Harley riders from Chapters throughout the UK will ride from Stockport to MOSI in Manchester City centre on 16 April, the day after the exhibition opens. They are expected to arrive in Manchester at around 11am.

More information is available at http://www.mosi.org.uk/

Tickets are priced at £8 for adults, £2 for children aged 5-16 years and £6.50 for senior citizens, students, H.O.G Members and registered disabled. Children under five are free.

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