Te Manawa Museum to launch one of a kind Motorcycle Show

Te Manawa has announced the launch of the exhibition Motorcycles Unleashed! a century of competition bikes which will open November 8 2008 in Palmerston North.

 

The exhibition boasts over 50 iconic bikes sourced from across New Zealand and Australia. “This will be the first time that these exceptional bikes have been seen together under one roof” says Bettina Anderson, curator of the exhibition. “We are celebrating the kiwi bike-building tradition and letting our visitors share in the victory moments, and marvel at the art of motorcycle design”.

 

Selecting the bikes for the show was not an easy task; however the team at Te Manawa are thrilled with the final line up. The show will include four bikes built by John Britten, as well as bikes raced by kiwi greats such as Hugh Anderson, Roger Freeth, Robert Holden, Ivan Mauger and Len Perry. Vintage Ducati racers and a selection of classic road racing, motocross and speedway (both solo and sidecar) bikes will also be featured. Two other very special ‘iconic’ motorcycles will be on display for selected periods of time. The first is the replica of Burt Munro’s Indian motorcycle which featured in the movie “The World’s Fastest Indian”. Following this for a limited time only will be the replica of Kiwi Kim Newcombe’s self-built racer powered by a Konig outboard motor.

 

To add to the experience, Te Manawa will also introduce to the public a life sized motorcycle simulator, the only one of its kind in New Zealand. The simulator has been purpose built for this exhibition and is designed to feel as close as you can get to the real thing. “We want people to experience the excitement and adrenalin of riding a motorcycle without the risk of accident” says Steven Fox, Chief Executive of Te Manawa.

 

“I am delighted that this exhibition is taking place at Te Manawa. The Manawatu has a rich and proud motorcycling heritage so it is perfect for us to develop this important display” Mr Fox says. “We have received outstanding support from the local business community and I am pleased to announce that thanks to AFC Motorcycles and City Honda Te Manawa will be giving away two motorcycles throughout the exhibition.”

 

Motorcycles Unleashed! promises to be the number one exhibition in New Zealand this summer. Te Manawa will be the best place to see some classic bikes, meet up and have a chat with other bike enthusiasts, or just lust at the two

wheeled machines on show. Along with the unique collection of bikes, there will be a medley of local and national heroes who will speak about their passion for motor sport and a host of features and attractions that are guaranteed to keep visitors entertained throughout the show.

 

For more information go to www.temanawa.co.nz  or contact Te Manawa on
06 3555 000. Admission fees apply for the exhibition; separate admission fees apply to ride the simulator.