Packard will display antique motorcycles

The exhibit features several rare and significant
motorcycles.

THE VINDICATOR

WARREN — The eighth annual Antique Motorcycle Exhibit will open Saturday at National Packard Museum and run through May 31.

This year’s exhibit, titled “Masters of Speed and Sport,” features nearly 30 vintage road race, dirt track, enduro, speedway and high-speed road machines. It will also include a series of three educational programs on motorcycle restoration and preservation. The monthly programs will begin Feb. 15.

Visitors will see a racing pit scene from the 24 Hours of Nelson Ledges endurance races, as well as several motorcycles that were actually raced at the Ledges. For dirt-bike fans, the 1974 Husqvarna that eight-time national enduro champion Dick Burleson, who rode to a Gold Medal finish in the International Six Day Trial, will be on hand.

Warren Harley-Davidson’s XR-750 that Ronny Jones rode in the 1970s will bring back memories for flat-track fans.

Several rare and significant motorcycles are featured in the exhibit, including a 1909 Royal Pioneer with hemi-head and belt drive; a 1911 Indian TT Two Speed, similar to the race-winning Indians that competed in the Isle of Man races; and a 1926 Harley-Davidson Model BA, affectionately known as a “pea shooter.”

A few forgotten names of the motorcycle sport and racing scene — such as DKW, NSU, Raleigh, Horex and Matchless — will also be on display.

The National Packard Museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults ($3 for seniors, and $3 for children 12 and under). Cameras and flash photography are welcome. For more information, go to parkardmuseum.org or call (330) 394-1899.