Motorcycles Take Over Gilmore Car Museum

Motorcycles Take Over Gilmore Car Museum

A smorgasbord of antique iron.

Michigan’s Gilmore Car Museum, home to nearly 400 historic automobiles, is set to host the 22nd annual Vintage Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet on Sunday, June 11.

According to the Holland Sentinel, the event is expected to draw thousands of historic and contemporary motorcycles from across the country. The Vintage Show features motorcycles, scooters, and customs 25 years and older. The Master Class, which features the cream of the crop of restored bikes, is judged on a points system. Separate peer-judged classes are divided by country of origin. Riders showing their motorcycles have the opportunity to win a new Klinger cycle trailer. The event also includes a Bike Corral of motorcycles available for sale, a parts and memorabilia swap meet, and an exhibition space for new motorcycles and vendors offering demo rides

“You’ll see some incredible examples of vintage motorcycles, both original and restored, at this event,” said Museum Executive Director Chris Shires.

Marketing Director Jay Follis advised visitors to arrive early for the one-day event, which devotes four entry lanes to motorcyclists and two for cars. Those arriving by motorcycle get the VIP treatment for parking on the museum grounds.

One exhibit will include the 1952 Triumph used by The Fonz on the “Happy Days” TV series. Others will have numerous classic examples from Vincent, Indian, Harley-Davidson, and more. Last year’s Best of Show, a 1954 Zundapp sidecar rig, will also be in the Master Class and subsequently added to the museum’s cycle gallery building.

A free pre-show vintage motorcycle ride is also scheduled for Saturday, June 10 and is open to all bikes 25 years old or older. Spectator admission to the motorcycle show is $12 and includes all museum exhibits at no extra charge. Those under age 11 are free. The museum is located 20 minutes northeast of Kalamazoo on M-43 and Hickory Road. To learn more about the museum and its events, visit GilmoreCarMuseum.org