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Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128228
Heroes of Harley-Davidson (Left) Harley's contribution to the war effort in World War II is displayed in this exhibit, which also features a pair of military machines. "Land Speed" and "Power and Glory" are exhibit halls dedicated to Harley's racing heritage. Included in the display are (Clockwise from right) Mert Lawwill's AMA championshipwinning Harley KR (pictured with Ohio cushion ace Ronnie . Rail), some of Harley's factory eight-valve racers, a host of boardtrack-era racing machines, and Cal Rayborn's Bonneville record-setting streamliner. What is the Motorcycle Hall of Fame? Effie Hotchkiss, who in 1915 became the first woman to cross the United States in 1988 to celebrate the Motor Company's survival on the occasion of its 85th anniversary. How HarleyDavidsons became fashionable during the 1980s is described in an exhibit that honors the exploits of Malcolm Forbes, Roger Hull and Dave Barr. It features Hull's famous FLH named Houndawg and a rare first issue of his influential Road Rider Magazine. The role of style in HarleyDavidson's latter-day success is explored in an exhibit that honors Willie G. Davidson and Arlen Ness. Men who have taken their HarleyDavidsons to ultimate levels of performance are featured in exhibits States aboard a motorcycle, Hazel Kolb, and dirt tracker Tammy Kirk, whose pink XR750 racer, leathers and helmet are on display. Other exhibits are devoted to Harley-Davidson's military role in World Wars I and II, the contribution of Eric Buell, and the period when much of the Motor Company's product line was manufactured in Italy and Walter Villa earned four road racing world championships for the Milwaukee brand. How Harley-Davidson was acquired by American Machine and Foundry in 1969, was returned in 1981 to private ownership, and nearly fell into bankruptcy in 1985 is explored in an exhibit entitled "Resurrection," which features a photograph of the 13 members of the team who entitled "Land Speed" and "Power and Glory." The former honors Cal Rayborn, George Roeder, Leo Payne, Warner Riley, Dave Campos and others. On display are the Denis Manning-designed, Harley-Davidsonpowered streamliner in which Cal Rayborn set a world land speed bought and saved the company, and the actual motorcycle on which Vaughn Beals rode across the United I Where was Gary Nixon bom? Who was known as "the Old Jackpiner?" What did Dot Robinso,,'s father do for a living? When did Cal Raybom set a land speed record? What do all of these motorcyclists have in common? Each of these, ,plus 281 others, is a member of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, and answers to these and many more interesting and obscure questions are available through the Museum's extensive website. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is an institution, created in 1998, to identify, honor, and preserve the histories of the men and women who have most s.ignificantly contributed to the motorcycle sport and industry. It is a democratic organization, and anyone may nominate an individual to be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame. Seven committees of lifelong motorcyclists and historical experts review and recommend nominees to an annual ballot. Once placed on the ballot, nominees are voted upon by all committee members and every other living member of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame through a written, secret ballot. "It is a process designed to identify and induct individuals on their merits and for their accomplishments," Museum executive director Mark Mederski explains. "It is not a popuiarity contest or a select group of people appointing their friends." Mederski adds that the project is a work in progress. "No doubt, there are many, many more individuals - both living and deceased who deserve, and eventually will be inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame," Mederski adds. To date, 285 individuals have been inducted, and an additional thirteen will be added in a ceremony that will take place October 4th. An ever-changing exhibit at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum displays motorcycles an.d personal artifacts that have belonged to members, of which the Museum's website presents a complete list. Go to www.motorcyclemuseum.org and click Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Of the 285 currently listed members, more than a hundred include a detailed biography and historical photographs. This, too, is a work in progress, because over time the American Motorcyclist Association Communications Depart- ment - which manages the Museum's website - intends to compile biographies for each and every member. For more information about the Motorcycle Hall of Fame nominating process, contact the Museum's executive director Mark Mederski at 614-856-2222.