American Motorcycle Exhibit

Opening March 15, 2025, at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, the “American Motorcycle Exhibit: Pioneering Machines from the Bunch Family Collection” will showcase over 25 rare and historically significant motorcycles dating from the late 19th century through the 1930s. Assembled from one of the most extensive motorcycle collections in the world, the display chronicles America’s motorcycling heritage.

American Motorcycle Exhibit at the Petersen Museum

The American Motorcycle exhibit spotlights several extraordinary bikes, capturing the spirit of America’s earliest motorcycle builders. Among these pioneering machines is the 1898 Cleveland Tricycle, considered one of America’s oldest motorized bikes. This model featured the first-ever front spring fork suspension.

The 1904 Thomas Auto-Bi, crafted by the E.R. Thomas Company—the first American firm to design and manufacture motorcycles entirely in-house, is also an exhibit spotlight. Also displayed is the rare 1905 Nelk, one of the few surviving motorcycles produced by the Palo Alto-based manufacturer. Ahead of its time, the Nelk utilized advanced features such as a rubber-mounted engine, water cooling, and an overhead camshaft, decades before these became industry standards.

American Motorcycle Exhibit – Legends and Mavericks

Celebrating innovation, daring, and speed, the American Motorcycle Exhibit includes a 1911 Marvel, designed by Glenn Curtiss. Curtiss, a self-taught mechanical engineer, is celebrated for his revolutionary motorcycle engines as well as his contributions to aviation and planes. The Marvel motorcycle exemplifies his visionary approach to mechanical excellence.

Adding to the exhibition’s thrill factor is the 1908 Indian Single, a remarkable bike owned and ridden by famed stuntwoman CeDora. She mesmerized audiences with her performances in the death-defying “Globe of Death,” showcasing incredible motorcycle stunts that harnessed centripetal force.

Perhaps one of the most sought-after motorcycles in the exhibition is the 1936 Crocker Speedway Racer. Built by legendary Los Angeles manufacturer Crocker, these bikes regularly outpaced contemporary Harley-Davidson and Indian models, solidifying Crocker’s reputation for unmatched performance. Today, Crocker motorcycles rank among the rarest and most valuable American motorcycles ever made.

With the American Motorcycle Exhibit, the Petersen Automotive Museum provides a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the evolution of motorcycle engineering, design, and American innovation. This immersive journey showcases mechanical masterpieces and honors the maverick spirit that has always defined American motorcycling culture.

About The Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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