27 March - 22 September 2002

The temporary exhibition Two wheeled warriors presented the story of Harley-Davidson in Australia. There were more than 20 Harleys on display - from the 1930 Peashooter racing bike, a favourite in the early days of the Australian-invented sport of speedway, to the sleek styling and cutting-edge technology of the 2002 V-Rod.

The exhibion included clips and posters from the movies that helped to create the Harley legend, motorcycling accessories and outfits, a range of Harley engines, and historic photographs and memorabilia from Australia’s first Harley-Davidson club.

Harley-Davidsons began to appear on Australian roads around 1912, less than a decade after the first model was manufactured by the Davidson brothers and their good friend Bill Harley in a shed in Milwaukee, USA. Rugged and reliable compared with other bikes on the market, the Harley thrived in the tough Australian conditions. Almost a century later, Harley-Davidson is still one of the most popular motorcycle brands on Australian roads. More than a motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson has become an icon of design and a symbol of freedom and adventure.

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A joint production of the National Motor Museum, Birdwood, SA, and the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.

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