50 States, National Motorcycle Museum

Special Feature, Day Two

 
Yes, that's a Honda 305CC Scrambler. With the high exhaust pipes, it was handy for off road riding, yet could be licensed for the road. My brother started racing flat track with one of these, a few years back. Okay, a lot of years back. I still remember their distinctive sound.

 
The Honda 750 Four, the early entrance of bigger bore Japanese bikes. Like the 900 Kawasaki, the bike carried nice clean lines. Somehow, Honda managed to keep the two inside cylinders cool and the bikes were dependable.

 
This is a 1947 Douglas 350cc flat twin. British bike, built from 1907-1956. The earlier models were conscripted for service in WWI.
 

They dress up their bikes a bit differently in Puerto Rico. Note the six horns, chains around the floorboards and crash bars, and images of Jesus and Betty Boop. Now there's a combination.

 
This is a 1950 Whizzer 100cc moped bike. Later models came out with 300s.
 

This is a 1912 Pierce Four. Note, the engine is integrated as part of the frame and it features shaft drive. Pierce originally built bathtubs, ice boxes and birdcages around the civil war. They also manufactured Pierce Arrow automobiles. Because they handcrafted parts (note the oil and fuel tanks fabricated together), they found themselves unable to compete and were forced to close. Magnificent bike.

              
 
Surprise, Reading Standard sold more motorcycles than Harley and Indian. Their slogan 'tested in the mountains' was actually bragging rights, as they were the first motorcycle to scale Pike's Peak. This is a 1909 model.
 
What fun! We'll have more for you tomorrow. Stay tuned.
 

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