Image to the left taken from The Harley-Davidson museum exhibit’s website page.

As a Ladson motorcycle accident attorney, I love visiting motorcycle museums. One of the best museums is the Harley-Davidson Museum with a current exhibit that is not to be missed. Collection X: Weird Wild Wonders of the Harley-Davidson Museum® runs through August 21, 2011, and is certain to be the most fascinating, intriguing, and exciting exhibition you’ve ever seen.

Unusual machines, amazing art, and incredible inventions abound in this exhibit housed in The Garage on the Harley-Davidson Museum campus. Part of the largest Harley-Davidson collection in the world, this exhibit comes straight from the Harley archives and includes:

• A variety of novelty and unique vehicles from Harley-Davidson as well as other manufacturers.
• Clothing and gear ranging from practical to stylish.
• Photographs from the Harley-Davidson archives.
• Previously hidden historical objects and a large variety of memorabilia and artifacts from other collections.
• All types of art by motorcycle and Harley enthusiasts.
• Collectible and unusual motorcycle-themed merchandise that will make you say either, “Why didn’t I think of that?” or “What on earth were they thinking when they came up with that?”
• Special activities for kids, including a secret code that needs to be broken.

Open since 2008, the Harley-Davidson Museum is located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is open 7 days a week year-round. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. The museum includes exhibits that highlight the people and machines that made Harley-Davidson what it is today, including over 450 bikes and thousands of artifacts. The Shop, the museum’s gift shop, is across the street and features plenty of Harley-Davidson themed items.

The Harley-Davidson Museum also offers educational programs for all ages, including motorcycle maintenance classes, earning a Boy Scout engineering merit badge, and touring the Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations Facility. In addition, the museum offers children’s birthday parties and tours behind the scenes.

For more about the museum’s exhibits or programs, click here.

We see riders in Hanahan, Folly Beach, and Ladson who ride some beautiful Harleys, and we’re looking forward to seeing this exhibit.

Have you been to the Harley-Davidson Museum, and what was your favorite artifact or exhibit?

Image to the left of Ape Hangers taken from Hill Country Customs.

Ape Hangers are used on choppers, and they stand tall over the bike. Your arms reach up to grab them, and then rest wide and above your chest or head, which is why they’re called ape hangers. Ape hangers up to 20 inches are available, but some states have height restrictions. South Carolina does not regulate handlebar height.

Clip-ons are two short handles that attach to the fork tube with a clip, unlike one-piece handlebars that attach with a bar to the triple tree. They are adjustable and popular on sport bikes.

Clubman handlebars slant down and toward you, keeping your hands and arms close to your body. Riders choose these handlebars when they’re looking for an old-school look.

Image to the right of Drag Bars taken from Hills Country Customs.

Drag bars connect to the triple tree and are straight across or have a slight backward slope toward the rider for a forward, aerodynamic riding position.

Standard cruisers slant toward the rider, and are the stock handlebars on many Japanese and Harley-Davidson bikes. Designed for comfort, these long handlebars allow you to sit upright and are height adjustable.

Z-bars angle sharply and appear to be backward Zs meeting. The rise varies in height, and some Z-bars are also ape hangers.

If you’re not sure which type suits you, try sitting on your bike in the most comfortable position for your back. Position your arms in their most comfortable position, and have someone measure the height and width of your hands relative to the bike. Then take the measurements into a bike dealer and test handlebars until you find the ones you like.

Whether you have the handlebars installed or do them yourself, double check the installation to make sure it’s secure. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on handlebar and motorcycle manufacturer recalls. One of the biggest issues Ladson and Ravenel motorcycle accident attorneys deal with is incorrectly installed handlebars.

If you’ve customized your handlebars, which did you choose and why?

1. A Ride on My Own Apron: If your mother loves to cook and bike (not at the same time, of course), this is the ultimate gift! To view purchasing details, click here.

Image above taken from Zazzle.com.

2. Bumper Sticker: Who doesn’t love a great bumper sticker? To view purchasing details, click here.

Image above taken from Zazzle.com.

3. Icon Women’s Hella Boots: Your mother will definitely be styling in these boots! Made from cowhide leather, these fashionable boots look great both on and off the bike. To view purchasing details, click here.

Image above taken from RevZilla.com.

4. Motorcycle Charm Bracelet: If your mother loves jewelry, you’ll definitely want to get her this motorcycle charm bracelet to dress up any motorcycle outfit. To view purchasing details, click here.

Image above taken from FindGift.com.

5. I Love Motorcycles Tote Bag: Spread the love with this I “heart” motorcycles tote. Perfect for a weekend getaway, or trip to the beach or grocery store, this tote can serve all different purposes. To view purchasing details, click here.

Image above taken from Zazzle.com.

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My Harley to the End

“You wont ask me for much

Just a little of my time

To fix your aching joints

And fill your tanks with wine

To polish those rough edges

Keeping them looking new

Tighten up your spokes

Maybe a new paint job too.

Replace all your plugs,

Wire all your circuits

Bring out those fantastic colors

Painted without smudges

Take off those old rusty nuts

Shine up all those screws and such.

Replace your worn down tires

Works out to be quite a few hours

Of mental meditation

Decisions, contemplations

And some aggravations.

But all in all, I love you so

You take me places people don’t go.

You spend your time just hanging out

Waiting to take me all about

I could not ask for a better friend,

Me and my Harley to the end.”

-Kimberley A. Manning

And below is my motorcycle until the end!