LYON AIR MUSEUM HOSTS SPECIAL EXHIBIT
THE MOTORCYCLES
July 1, 2024 – September 2, 2024
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA, JUNE 19, 2023 – Lyon Air Museum, a world class showcase of historic aircraft and vintage automobiles, with a reputation of curating never-before-seen exhibitions, to host THE MOTORCYCLES.
A collection of notable motorcycles will make up the photo opportunity-rich exhibit, including one of the very first Norton motorcycles ever built, a 1902 Energette. In addition, World War II-era motorbikes will be displayed, all complimented by the rare, historic World War II and Korean War-era aircraft on display in the museum. The story is further told through authentic motorcycles previously owned and ridden by pop culture icons, including Steve McQueen, Dennis Hopper, John Wayne and Paul Newman. “Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell’s” motorcycle recently featured in the blockbuster movie Top Gun: Maverick will be showcased, as well as a rare Factory Works Kawasaki, at one time ridden by one of the greatest Supercross riders of all time, Ricky Carmichael. The exhibit runs July 1 through September 2, 2024 at Lyon Air Museum, located on the west side of John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California.
As with both the airplane and the automobile, the motorcycle is an indelible part of American lifestyle and popular culture. Representing long-cherished values of freedom and independence, romanticized in film, song, and folklore, the motorcycle continues to be an important part of our shared heritage.
The first examples of these machines can be traced back to shortly after the American Civil War ended in 1865, when crude motor-powered two-wheelers based on traditional bicycles of the time began to emerge. By the turn of the century, numerous companies such as Norton, Harley-Davidson and Indian had begun mass production. Motorcycle motorsports pushed the development further, and popularity grew. By the First World War, the motorcycle’s utilitarian characteristics were put to task, becoming a critical tool in military arsenals around the globe.
In the carefree decade following the war, the motorcycle was part of the automotive renaissance in the western world, growing into a distinct culture of its own, notably embraced by daredevils, speed demons, and rebels.
When America entered World War II in 1941, the motorcycle was once again called upon for active duty. Remembering the important role motorcycles played during World War I, the War Department purchased more than 100,000 Indian and Harley-Davidson motorcycles for the effort. In addition to serving the battlefields of North Africa and Europe, allied troops fighting a brutal island-hopping campaign in the Pacific found the motorcycle particularly useful on jungled battlefields that had few proper roads.
Returning home from World War II, a number of American servicemembers had a difficult time readjusting to civilian life. For camaraderie and support they formed motorcycle clubs, forging close bonds as they nomadically journeyed the wide-open roads of a country emerging from decades of economic depression and war. Their free-wheeling lifestyle began attracting fellow veterans, resulting in military surplus motorcycles being snatched up as new clubs began appearing across the country. The most common attire of club members, rugged leather jackets, came from those worn by WWII airmen, which provided protection against the elements.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Hollywood cashed in on the motorcycle mystique, with movies such as The Wild One, The Wild Angels, The Born Losers, and Easy Rider becoming box office hits. In music, Steppenwolf’s classic 1968 song “Born to be Wild” became the unofficial anthem of motorcycle riders around the world. In 1971, movie star and avid racer Steve McQueen co-produced and appeared in the successful film On Any Sunday, which became an instant motorcycle cult classic. The influence of these entertainment offerings was immense, resulting in a new generation of recreational and competitive riders who have carried motorcycle culture and lifestyle into the 21st century.
From its humble steam-powered beginnings, to the mechanized wonders of modern day, the motorcycle is firmly ensconced in American culture, a triumphant and iconic symbol of the bold foundations on which our country was founded — “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Saturday, August 24, 2024, Lyon Air Museum is further celebrating all things motorcycle. From 10:00AM to 1:00PM, a special one-day-only parking lot gathering for Bikes and Bombers will be open to riders to showcase to the public their own motorcycles, with access to THE MOTORCYCLES exhibit included with admission.
Lyon Air Museum represents the realization of General William Lyon’s dream. Founder of the museum, a former combat pilot, and ultimately serving as Chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1975 to 1979, General Lyon’s passion for aviation history and youth education was the driving force behind his dream and vision. In establishing the museum, General Lyon created a world-class destination, offering educational tours and displays inspiring youth while celebrating our veterans. Lyon Air Museum is home to some of the world’s most rare operational historic aircraft and vehicles.
Lyon Air Museum is located at 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707
P: 714.210.4585 E: info@lyonairmuseum.org W: www.lyonairmuseum.org
Daily Hours of Operation: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
