Museum of Science and Industry

The first Harley-Davidson motorcycles were delivered to MOSI today ahead of a new exhibition, which is the first of its kind in the world and tells the story of the iconic bike brand.

MOSI Director Tony Hill had a chance to try out the Air Bike before it goes into the exhibition, which opens on 15 April 2011. This 2007 customised Harley-Davidson is characterised by a special hydraulic suspension that allows the rider to adjust the seat to low-ride cruise position at the touch of a button. The RSD Vintage Softail and the Smooth Radical Customised Softail were also wheeled into place for the forthcoming exhibition in MOSI's 1830 Warehouse.

Customising, Culture and Harley-Davidson is created by the Claridon Group and MOSI, with the support of Harley-Davidson UK. It is the first time ever that an exhibition has included the historic and radical customs of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, as well as the culture surrounding them. Over 30 motorcycles will be included, from one of the earliest models to the very latest customised bikes, including those from Germany, Belgium, Japan and the US. 

Tony will be amongst a cavalcade of up to 70 Harley riders from Chapters throughout the UK, who will ride through the city from the Manchester Harley-Davidson outlet in Stockport on 16 April 2011, the day after the exhibition opens.

Tony Hill said: "MOSI already has a fantastic collection of historic motor cycles and groundbreaking engineering so we are delighted to build on this with our new exhibition. Harley-Davidson is an iconic brand which has a wide-ranging appeal to anyone interested in motorcycles, classic design and biker culture. There will be something for all the family at our new exhibition and don't miss the Harley-Davidson cavalcade on 16 April 2011, which is sure to be a fantastic spectacle for the city."

Chris Scott from Claridon said: "We are delighted that the world premiere of Customising, Culture and Harley-Davidson is being exhibited at MOSI. We have carefully selected over 30 amazing historic and customised Harley-Davidson motorcycles from Europe, USA and Japan, which all have a unique story to tell and many are making their debut public appearance. This exciting interactive exhibition has been particularly designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of visitors, including families with young children, and not just the motorcyclist."

The exhibition will include Harley-Davidson motorcycles from every decade of the last century, ranging from a rare 1909 Model 5, to an authentic California Highway Patrol Pursuit bike to a 1948 model which crossed the Arctic with spiked tyres in temperatures down to - 53 degrees C. Many have never been displayed to the public before and some have been created especially for the MOSI exhibition. It also looks at the builders and owners, groups, rebels and tattoos that are all part of this motorcycling lifestyle.

The incredible Air Bike is on loan to MOSI from bike builder and customiser Ian Solley and was designed and built by Richard Taylor. It will be on display in the customised section of the forthcoming exhibition along with the Vintage RSD Softail, by Shaw Harley-Davidson and the Smooth Radical Customised Softail, by Carl Cansella. All Harley-Davidson bikes are manufactured in Milwaukee, USA, although many are radically customised so they bear little resemblance to the original model.

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

Notes to editors

• 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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