Museum revving up for motorcycle exhibit

From Staff Reports

Published: November 2, 2007

The Oklahoma History Center will present an exhibit focusing on the history and art of motorcycles Sunday through Nov. 9. Forty-one motorcycles will be displayed.

"The exhibit displays several motorcycles from each decade beginning with an 1897 steam-powered motorcycle. Some of the other early motorcycles include a 1905 Triumph and a 1911 Flying Merkel,” museum director Dan Provo said.

One of the bikes is a 1934 English Brough Superior Model 680 J.A.P. (80-cubic-inch twin), the motorcycle T.E. Lawrence, or Lawrence of Arabia, was riding when he died in a crash. Fewer than 1,000 remain, and they are considered the "Rolls Royce of motorcycles.”

The newest motorcycles on display are a 2007 Honda Interceptor and a 2008 Victory Arlen Ness. One of the more unusual motorcycles on display is a 2007 Ridley, designed and manufactured in Oklahoma City.

"The exhibit of these beautiful motorcycles treats them both as history and as an art form. Historically, they have formed an important part of our transportation being used for recreation, sport, by law enforcement and the military. And as an art form, they represent a unique combination of form and function,” said Bob L. Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society.

The bikes will be displayed throughout the history center, 2401 N Laird Ave.

The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

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