The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is getting ready for the summer sea-
son with the arrival of seven incredible new motorcycles on loan from Kenny Price,
owner of Samson Motorcycle Products, as well as a new exhibit.
The Museum has just opened its newest exhibit entitled the British Invasion,
showcasing giants such as Triumph, BSA and Norton.
"Late last year Kenny Price loaned us two bikes rarely seen in this country, a 1928
Calthorpe and a 1926 Levis. That led me to think we should build an exhibit around
the profound impact British bikes have had on motorcycling history," states executive
director Pepper Massey-Swan. "We've just received two more prime examples from
Price: A 1949 HRD with an immaculate Garrard sidecar, and a Matchless with an
unusual two person, tandem sidecar."
In addition to the new British bikes, Price has loaned a prewar BMW, a 1947
Indian with sidecar, a 1923 Indian Chief (introduction of the 1200cc Big Chief), a
1927 Indian Scout (introduction of the 750cc 45ci Scout), and an exceptional 1918
Indian model "O."
"I've settled on so many Indian motorcycles because they are significant, not only
to motorcycling in general, but more specifically to the history of Sturgis," said
Massey-Swan.
Pappy Hoel, founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races, sold Indian motor-
cycles from 1936 until 1953, much of that time at his shop on Lazelle Street. He was
very successful at making the brand a household name in Sturgis and the surrounding
area, even earning top dealer in the nation in 1947.
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Expanded for the Summer
British bikes are invading the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame
this summer.
1918 Indian model "O"
Indian motorcycles have had a significant role in the history of the
city of Sturgis.
C Y C L E N E W S • JULY 12, 2006
87
Doug Polen celebrates beating a young Kevin Schwantz (right)
and Scott Gray in the 1988 Camel Challenge at Daytona. The
victory was short-lived though, as Schwantz came back to win
the Daytona 200 that year.
Polen's 10 G's
PHOTO BY HENNY RAY ABRAMS
