Elfrider Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 Hey all! So we missed most of you. In fact it was just myself, Elfrider Jr. (James) and Soloii (Kevin). Thanks to all who commented and encouraged us to go. I am from Socal, and I had no idea this was here until I read Viethorse's ride report and saw some pictures from here. All I can say is wow! So James and I caged it from the outlaws in Lanett and Soloii showed up on his beautiful 07 RWB. We looked at some of his farkels and then headed in for the fun. This is certainly the best put together moto-museum I have ever seen. If some of you are familiar with Barry Meguiar (Car Crazy), it made me think of how he would do a museum if he did one - everything clean, perfect and polished. So with that in mind, and knowing Viethorse would be biting at the bits to see my picts, and see lots of them, I decided to do something a little bit different on my coverage of the bikes. Keep in mind there are over 1000 bikes. Of course with that many bikes, it just became overload and my brain fell out on the floor by the time I got to the 3rd floor (out of 5). Not to mention the worlds most extensive collection of Lotus mobiles, mostly of the race type. Soloii joined us on his patriotic scooter. Elfrider Jr. joined in the fray. A little taste of whats to come. I'll leave you with this, as its way too late for me to do anymore tonight. These were just really cool looking. Im not really a statue type person, but these really interested me. Would have liked to look at them longer. What do you think? More tomorrow. Elfrider Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VietHorse Posted December 31, 2012 Share Posted December 31, 2012 Wow... A real report is launching.... Some of the photos which shown the familiar place but never seen... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfrider Posted December 31, 2012 Author Share Posted December 31, 2012 You are on it! In the words of the dark lord, "Impressive, most impressive". I gotta go to bed... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfrider Posted January 1, 2013 Author Share Posted January 1, 2013 Well, Im going to start this with a disclaimer: I have no idea really what model bikes most of these, especially the vintage ones are, so don't ask. Just look and enjoy. I did. We spent about 4 hours in the museum. We did not get to see everything and need to go back at some point. Anyhow, Im going to start by giving you an idea of the enormity of the place. So here are few picts and pano's of the inside. This first one is from the top floor. So we talked to one of the curators about how they get the bikes up on the racks. At first we thought they used the big elevator some how. They have a scissor lift to get all but the top two bikes. The top two bikes are installed with a cherry picker. Therefore they use some of the lighter examples up on the top two racks. And heres a pano of the ground floor. I dont know how to post these so you can view them in high res. Anyone know? Classic 70's Ducati. Surtees? I never imagined so many engine and tranny configs, so I tried to capture a few different ones. This was from the movie "Wild West" with Will Smith. So many different manufacturers that I have never seen. Lotusness. Barber's has the worlds largest collection of Lotus mobiles. Most of them race types. Mario's cart. This is from Tatooine. This bike interested me a lot. V-8 powered 800cc. V-8 sport touring hmmm. Now this one scared me. This was a 50cc race bike. I think it said it did 119mph. No freakin way for me. Look at those wheels. More race cages... This is Dan Gurney's recumbent MC concept. These were interesting to me also. Looked like it had a couple VFR parts on it as it was mostly Honda. James holds one of the worlds land speed records. Looking out over the speedway, Elfrider Jr. imagines what it would be like if there were bikes on the track. I thought this Aprilla was nicely styled. All their stuff is really nice. Ive only ridden their dirt bike (the 550 twin) and that thing is a monster when its working that is. Ice racing. Check out the handlebars. Meant to turn only one way. Looks like some torture device from the dark ages. These studs keeps thing sort of in control. My wife loves dogs. In fact we have an Italian Greyhound we call Stella. There were VFR's or cousins all over the museum. Ok. Thats it for today. Happy NEW YEAR everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer festertruck Posted January 1, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted January 1, 2013 Nice pictures. Brings back fond memories. I've been there three times and enjoyed each visit more than the previous one. One visit had a Porsche driving school running and another had a motorcycle track day, so those were added bonuses. A friend and I are planning on attending California Superbike School there in may/june. Looking forward to getting on the track! Looks like its a fun one. Keep the pictures coming. Happy new year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfrider Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 Just finished watching the Rose Bowl. Good game. Anyhow, inbetween bowls, Im going to post a few more pics. If you own any of these bikes, sound off and post a picture of it. Shall we start with some High Technology for the New Age. Hold your fire. I love the side hacks. Wardy's Motard ride. Another view out onto the track. James really gets around. Yamaha Maximus. I really like the new one. Better than a Harley. This bike was off the hook. Carbon fiber everywhere. Britton V1000. This is what wiki says about it: The Britten V1000 is a handbuilt race motorcycle designed and built by John Britten and a group of friends in Christchurch, New Zealand during the early 1990s. The bike went on to win the Battle of the Twins in Daytona, USA and set a number of world speed records. The bike was designed from first principles and hosts a number of innovations including extensive use of carbon fibre, theradiator located under the seat, double wishbone front suspension, frameless chassis and engine data logging. A total of 10 Britten V1000s were produced by the Britten Motorcycle Company and now exist in collections and museums around the world. Renowned motorcycle journalist Alan Cathcart said of the bike: "It’s an easy bike to ride, in the sense it’s got a very wide power delivery, but to really get top performance, you have to ride it like a grand prix bike." And having ridden all the superbike contenders in the world today, I can say that the Britten is the closest to a grand prix bike. It’s incredibly ironic that instead of Europe or Japan, the most sophisticated and technically advanced motorcycle in the world comes from New Zealand,’[2] Carbon fibre detail. Loved the wheels. Böhmerland or Čechie (as it was known domestically) was a motorcycle produced in Czechoslovakia from 1924 until World War II. Loved the woodwork on the side hack. This Indian was owned by the L.A. PD in the 30's. The siren was powered by the wheel. Notice the foot activated cable. Nice piece of custom machinery. Kevin poses in front of the green Fuller. We were wondering what would happen if you got your pants caught up in the exposed sprockets. I don't think it would be pretty. Ill end with the Pierce Arrow. Love this configuration. More tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VietHorse Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Really great stuff. I wish I could be there next year. Thanks for bringing up my sweet memory... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspanglish Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Awesome photographic documentary... going to to get a mop to clean up all the drool... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer 2thdr Posted January 2, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted January 2, 2013 Thank you so much for this post Elfrider! Awesome photos and has cemented a roadtrip in my to do list... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer wrestler Posted January 3, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted January 3, 2013 Nice pics, Elfrider. You should have gotten Elf jr. to take your pic with some of these beauties. I am only sorry some of us could not have been there to greet youl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soloii Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Wow! Awesome job with the Pics! I saw you taking many of them, but was a little too stunned by the museum overall to tune in to the plan . Thanks again for creating a good excuse for the ride . It was great meeting you and your son at such an incredible location. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiki01 Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 Such nice photos...makes me want to go! Looks like an amazing place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keny Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I think its not a probelm to get a day pass in that place! Cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmythecop Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 way groovy. you know that Morbidelli V8 has an interesting fact: when you bought it, it came with a shipping crate. when it came time for service, you crated it up and sent it back to the factory for the work to be done, postage paid, all included in the purchase price. I really should go there, I could spend days in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V4 Rosso Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I really should go there, I could spend days in there.With a large supply of flat black rattle cans? Impressive collection I would sure like to see one day mayself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfrider Posted January 3, 2013 Author Share Posted January 3, 2013 As Soloii noted to me when we were there, it was very apparent when the motorcycle evolved into a motorcycle and not just a powered bicycle. There was a whole section that had many of these older "powered bicycles". These infant designs were wide and varied. I did not take too many pictures of this section of the museum as we were running out of time. "Are you pondering what I am pondering?" Elf rider Jr takes a look at a reproduction of one of the very first moto's known to exist. Built in 1885 by some common names in the auto industry - Maybach Daimler. Got to love the ape hangers (well almost). I had a 1984 Yamaha IT490. It had drum brakes. Not too far from these. My kids would love me to bring this one home. Loved the "belt" config on this one and of course the wood brakes. I'm sure this was a mail order bride at some point. The elevator had a one of a kind carbon fiber race body located on top of it. I didnt get a picture of it, but down in the pit (under the elevator) lies a surprise. Look when you are there next. A little bit more custom paint. The Daytona exhibit. The 3 of us in front of the VFR's. I gotta cut it short today. Heading to the land of the Delta shortly to hitch a ride home. Ill have to finish this from SoCal. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer wrestler Posted January 3, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted January 3, 2013 You two old guys need a cap too!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soloii Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 You two old guys need a cap too!!! Who's old? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfrider Posted January 4, 2013 Author Share Posted January 4, 2013 Actually the KTM cap was immediately hijacked by my son as soon as I received that for Christmas from my wife. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer wrestler Posted January 4, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted January 4, 2013 What is it about they young guys. They think all your stuff belongs to them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfrider Posted January 5, 2013 Author Share Posted January 5, 2013 Sorry, I will have to post some more tomorrow. Heading to AMA Supercross Round 1 at Anaheim tonight. Dungey and Villopoto should be going at it. Should be good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfrider Posted January 7, 2013 Author Share Posted January 7, 2013 Well, 2013 is here and so is the 2013 AMA Supercross season. Supercross was excellent last night!. The stadium was full and the crowds excited. Elfrider Jr and I had a great time cheering on the riders. Davey Milsaps won, followed by Trey Cannard with Ryan Dungey on KTM rounding out the top 3. Going to be a close season with so many talented riders in their prime. Check it out on Speed. They are broadcasting a few of them live on Saturday nights with repeats on Sunday morning. I'm going to finish up here today with the last of the pics from the museum. Thanks for all the feedback and for following this. So to start off, Congress finally passed the new tax code laws before we fell off the "fiscal cliff". (or did we already fall off - not sure). In any case, while I was looking at some of those tax breaks a day or two ago and came across this interesting one. This is quoted from AP: "- A tax credit of up to $2,500 for buying electric-powered vehicles was expanded to include electric-powered motorcycles. Golf carts, however, were excluded. Cost: $7 million. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., took credit for this tax break, saying it would help Oregon-based Brammo, which manufactures electric motorcycles. "The electric motorcycle industry is poised to create tens of thousands of U.S. jobs over the next five years, led by companies like Oregon's Brammo," Wyden said. "This amendment helps promote the development of a promising U.S. industry and support the transition to a low-carbon American economy." I do motion design, video and vfx work here in CA and got a chance to work on the launch video for the Brammo Empulse and EmpulseR in June. It looks like a pretty amazing bike although the range is still limited to 50-100 miles. I met Steve Atlas at the launch party who races the bike. He had taken a nasty fall on the bike a couple of days before, but showed up anyhow. I also met the owner Craig and some folks from Polaris who own a portion of the company. Brammo also makes the US version of the Ariel Atom. James is sporting some Brammowear here posing in front of their 1st gen Enertia bike. There was also a Zero next to it. These next two picts I took for my friend Morgan - Yamaha's FJ 1200 and the KTM RC8. BMW's first rendition of it's current best selling bike. I saw the new one at the motorcycle show in Long Beach last month - water cooling now brings it to 125hp. My friend Doug and I always thought these were the coolest bikes for some reason. We used to go down to the Honda shop and grab brochures and posters and hang them on our wall. Presented in front of the track looking out the window - the Honda CX650 turbo. There were a few other turbo bikes located close by. Loved the full wheel size brakes. How bout some Paioli? My friend Leland has one of these. This Ducati ST4 is a modified 2000 model. This one was used by the famous long distance rider Gary Eagan who rode the bike from San Francisco to New York city in 36 hours 57 minutes. This looked like a matchbox kit. I wanted to grab the handle and take it home. A sweet piece of post war German engineering. Well, I could use this one to carry my whole family. Two up in the sidecar and rider and pillion. Doubt it would be too safe though. Interesting... WWII era German sidehacks. Just looking for Indiana Jones to steal one. A whirrlygig of multilevel bikes... And now American WWII army bikes. My son loved this black 53 Vincent. He said one like it was featured on a Top Gear episode. Well, this is sort of the tail end of things... Saying goodbye to Soloii. Thanks for coming out. When we were done, James and I found this place to eat close by. Excellent BBQ. Highly recommended. And this is what it is all about right here! Thanks all for viewing this post. I am glad I had time to put this together for everyone to see. Looking forward to riding with some of you in the future. Elfrider Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted January 7, 2013 Member Contributer Share Posted January 7, 2013 Hamster on the Vincent..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I was there, i loved the Vincent Black Shadow :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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