Museum of Science and Industry

A groundbreaking new exhibition on the customisation of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and the culture surrounding the brand opens tomorrow (15 April - 11 September) at MOSI.

Customising, Culture and Harley-Davidson spans early Harley-Davidsons to the very latest in customised motorcycles, many of which have never been displayed to the public before. The exhibition is created by the Claridon Group and MOSI. It is the first time ever that an exhibition has showcased the historic and radical customs of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, and the culture surrounding them.

Over 30 motorcycles will be featured in the exhibition, including models from the UK, Germany, Japan and the US. Each bike has its own story, from a rare 1909 model - built in the first decade of Harley-Davidson's production heritage -  to motorcycles used for the US military and police in the 1930s and 1940s, to the 1948 Ice Road Panhead, which defied motorcycle capabilities in conditions of minus 53 degrees, to complete an expedition to the Arctic.

The exhibition includes a fascinating section on the tradition of radically customised Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, two of which have been created especially for the exhibition. The spectacular Bell & Ross motorcycle, which won 1^st place in the AMD Modified Harley-Davidson Championships in Dublin, is also the first of a rolling programme of guest motorcycles in the exhibition, courtesy of Sussex-based authorised dealership Shaw Harley-Davidson, and will be on display until Friday 6 May.

Tony Hill, Director of MOSI said: "Harley-Davidson is the classic iconic motorcycle brand that is loved by bikers and design enthusiasts alike. Not only is it a symbol of American culture but has been adopted by cultures around the world to reflect their own unique style and identity. MOSI already has a wonderful collection of historic motor cycles and groundbreaking engineering so we are delighted to build on this with our new exhibition."

Chris Scott from Claridon Group said: "The exhibition division of our group of companies designs and builds bespoke exhibitions and we are also the worldwide logistics provider for the Harley Owners' Group (HOG). This is a fantastic opportunity for us to combine our strengths and passion for motorcycles in this world-first exhibition. Customising, Culture and Harley-Davidson includes over 30 carefully selected bikes, each with their own unique story, and has been designed so it appeals to a wide audience, including families with children, and not just the motorcyclist."

Customising Culture & Harley Davidson also looks at the bike builders, owners and enthusiasts who have embraced the customisation culture to create a unique machine that truly reflects their individual personality and sense of style, as well as the groups that enjoy the freedom that the Harley-Davidson lifestyle has to offer.

All Harley-Davidson bikes are manufactured in Milwaukee, USA, but the almost endless array of available aftermarket parts and accessories worldwide provides radical customisation opportunities and enables owners to realise their own personal dream machine. A full list of all motorcycles in the exhibition is available.

To celebrate the start of the exhibition a cavalcade of up to 70 Harley riders from Chapters throughout the UK will ride from Stockport to MOSI in Manchester City centre on 16 April, the day after the exhibition opens. They are expected to arrive in Manchester at around 11am.

Customising, Culture and Harley-Davidson runs from 15 April - 11 September.

 

Adults £8, Concessions £6.50, HOG Members £6.50, Children (5-16) £2; Under 5s Free; Family £20 (2 adults, 3 children). Tickets can be bought from the MOSI Information Desk in the Great Western Warehouse or at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 2261 (24 hours)*

*order processing fee applies to telephone or online sales

For media enquiries please contact: Sarah Roe, MOSI press and publicity officer on Tel: 0161 606 0176, m: 07847 372647

Notes to editors

• Claridon consists of a group of companies, which are involved in diverse business activities that include commercial, military & motorcycle logistics, exhibitions, bespoke travel & events and automotive services. Claridon is the official worldwide logistics provider for the Harley Owners' Group (HOG).

• For more information on museums and galleries in Manchester:

Creativetourist.com is an online magazine, a series of city guides and a collaborative project that has been put together by Manchester Museums Consortium, a group of eight museums and galleries - Cornerhouse, Imperial War Museum North, The Lowry, Manchester Art Gallery, The Manchester Museum, (MOSI) Museum of Science & Industry, People's History Museum, and The Whitworth Art Gallery - in Manchester.  These venues have a dual vision: the desire to stage intelligent, thought-provoking and international exhibitions and events and to celebrate the city in which they live, work and play. Creativetourist.com, with its mix of exclusive features, interviews, arts news and city guides, allows readers to discover more about what's happening in the city, uncover its outstanding cultural programme and collections, and perhaps come to be as passionate about Manchester as its inhabitants.

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