Creating a Legend: Art & Engineering at Harley-Davidson
Now open at Harley-Davidson, design and engineering work together to create machines with big emotional impact. Functional improvements fuel changes in look and feel, yet visual or market desires also shape operating innovations. The process of how ideas move from concept to prototype, and production involves a lot of talented people and many kinds of materials. From pencil and paper to CAD, clay, and 3-D printing, see how Harley-Davidson design and engineering teams have envisioned iconic products for over 120 years.
Special Exhibits
These temporary exhibits provide unique looks into a wide range of topics related to Harley-Davidson and motorcycle culture.
Opened November 23, 2024
Ezy Ryders: History & Tradition, Heart & Soul
This exhibition is a celebration of life on two wheels. Photographer Cate Dingley interviewed and photographed Black riders in New York City over a five-year period. Her work became a book, Ezy Ryders, titled after the Jimi Hendrix tune.
The riders are from all walks of life and ride all kinds of machines. Some come from motorcycling families while others are recent adopters of the sport. Many are members of motorcycle clubs (MCs), but some are independent riders. They are represented here through Dingley’s photographs and the riders’ own words.
From sharing the source of their biker names, to stories of how they came to riding and why they stay, this is a compelling portrait of a passionate and vibrant motorcycling community.
Opened June 17, 2023
Mama Tried: Bringing it Together
The Mama Tried Motorcycle Show and adjoining Flat Out Friday races are a bright spot in the dead of cold Wisconsin winters. The show has amassed a legion of followers and fans that give the weekend its signature style. People are the heart of the show; the bikes are a social lubricant. This special exhibit focuses on the builders, the racers and the fans that gather over a bike or a brew. Don’t come alone, bring your crew. That’s what Mama Tried is about, after all.
Permanent Exhibits
Explore two floors filled with dozens of beautifully preserved bikes and artifacts to discover the details of Harley-Davidson's history and heritage.
The Motorcycle Galleries
Permanent Exhibit
1st and 2nd Floors
As you begin your tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum™ you'll find yourself on the Museum's second floor staring down a line of bikes, three wide and 180 feet long. These bikes begin to tell the story of the company's first fifty years. Each bike in the gallery was specifically chosen for its noteworthy heritage, as well as its unique expression of signature Harley-Davidson elements – beauty, performance, functionality and style. Complete your trip through the Harley-Davidson collection of classic models from the late 1940’s to the present in the first-floor gallery.
As you begin your tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum™ you'll find yourself on the Museum's second...
The Harley-Davidson Journey
Permanent Exhibit
1st and 2nd Floors
Our story starts with the oldest known Harley-Davidson® motorcycle in existence, known as "Serial Number One." In the following galleries on the entrance floor, stories unfold of the people, products, culture and history that made the Harley-Davidson Motor Company what it is today. Continuing downstairs, experience some of Harley-Davidson's most successful and challenging events of more recent years – from the launch of the Sportster® model in 1957 to the merger with AMF and the buyback to regain control of Harley-Davidson's destiny.
Our story starts with the oldest known Harley-Davidson® motorcycle in existence, known as "Serial...
Engine Room
Permanent Exhibit
2nd Floor
Don’t miss this family tree of Harley-Davidson engines from the earliest iterations down to the modern-day Milwaukee Eight. See a selection of historic engines and do a deep dive into their inner workings through touchscreen interactives. The Exploded Bike, a 1940s Knucklehead displayed in parts, is a mechanical drawing brought to life.
Don’t miss this family tree of Harley-Davidson engines from the earliest iterations down to the modern...
Clubs & Competion
Permanent Exhibit
2nd Floor
From board track racing and hillclimbs, to club rides and endurance events, this gallery pays tribute to the grassroots movements of the early twentieth century that revolved around the camaraderie, thrill-seeking and competitive spirit that drove the motorcycle culture of the day.
From board track racing and hillclimbs, to club rides and endurance events, this gallery pays tribute ...
TSUNAMI MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY
Permanent Exhibit
1st Floor
A Harley-Davidson® motorcycle was recovered in 2012 on an isolated beach in British Columbia. The bike had drifted over 4,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean after being washed away in a storage container during the devastating tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011. The remains of this 2004 Harley-Davidson® Night Train™ are on display as a memorial to the tragedy that claimed more than 15,000 lives.
A Harley-Davidson® motorcycle was recovered in 2012 on an isolated beach in British Columbia. The bike...
Tank Wall
Permanent Exhibit
2nd Floor
The Tank Wall showcases some of the most iconic Harley-Davidson tank designs ever created since the company’s founding in 1903. Each is a piece of H-D history and a testament to the deep-rooted creative freedom Harley-Davidson inspires for generations the world over.
The Tank Wall showcases some of the most iconic Harley-Davidson tank designs ever created since the co...
HANDS-ON INTERACTIVES
Permanent Exhibit
All Floors
On the first floor, enjoy games, books, puzzles and more. In this space designed especially for our youngest visitors, smaller kids can get decked out in pint-sized Harley-Davidson gear and rev up the engine of a Knucklehead motorcycle.
Throughout our galleries, touchscreen interactives provide fun for visitors of all ages. Compete against each other or learn more about beloved topics. Customize Harley-Davidson motorcycles by swapping parts, listen to engines, then test your knowledge of engine purrs, or try your hand at digital hill climbing or stunt riding.
The Experience Gallery on the first floor is the place where you can throw a leg over a new Harley-Davidson Freedom Machine. Plus, hear inspiring stories from riders who have turned their dream of learning to ride into reality and take a look at the epic journeys you can only experience behind the bars of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.
On the first floor, enjoy games, books, puzzles and more. In this space designed especially for our yo...
Book a Tour
Take your experience to the next level with behind-the-scenes tours, stories of history and heritage and hands-on-activities. It’s all here.
Recommended 91 octane (95 RON) or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region.
Standard and optional fuel systems may vary by country.
See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.
Estimated from fuel economy tests on a sample motorcycle from the corresponding family conducted by Harley-Davidson under ideal laboratory conditions. Not all motorcycle models undergo fuel economy testing. Fuel economy and mileage may vary among motorcycle models within a family. Your mileage may vary depending on your personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length, vehicle condition and vehicle configuration and other conditions. Break-in mileage may vary.
Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices for base models. Options such as color are available at additional cost. Prices exclude tax, title, licensing, registration fees, destination charges, added accessories, and additional dealer charges, if any, and are subject to change. Harley-Davidson reimburses dealers for performing manufacturer-specified pre-delivery inspection and setup tasks. Dealer prices may vary.
Measurement reflects 180 lb. (81.7 kg) operator weight.
North America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the security system includes immobilizer and siren.
Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.