Ducati Monster Forum

Real men rode one of these.  I got a chance to wander about the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum this last week.  Incredible to think about riding this machine to a whopping 137mph.  Bicycle tires and old ball bearing headset and the handlebars from hell.  Truly a time when men were men.  Kinda makes me feel like a wimp  8)

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/Skybarney/800px-Curtiss_V-8_Motorcycle_zps6c420832.jpg) (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/Skybarney/media/800px-Curtiss_V-8_Motorcycle_zps6c420832.jpg.html)

Yep... Glenn Curtiss was a true motorhead.  [thumbsup]

The idea of when men were men reminds me of that Top Gear episode where they raced the steam train against the Jag XK120 and the Vincent Black Shadow.  That was cool.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/train-race-part-4 (http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/train-race-part-4)

Real men who didn't want to go fast and be able to stop and didn't mind the flavor of asphalt.

Bet those bars won't dent the tank on a fall over either.

"spoke driven bevel"

I'm headed to DC next week and wondered if I should check the air/space museum out.  I've been to many others, but I think I might make a pass through there!

If you like machines take the time to run through the Air-Space Museum and the American History museum.  If you have a ton of time check out the Stephen-Udvar-Hazy museum near Dulles airport.  They have the big stuff ( :

Had to add:  All Smithsonian museums are free.  I only had a day and a half free time but was able to see the National Archives (Three incredible documents), Both Air & Space museums, all the Memorials, the White house....
Of course I could spend weeks at any one of several museums there but a lot can be seen if you read fast ( :

yes, and go to the Udvar-Hazy part which is in Dulles, VA.. it's a trek, but you have more planes you can get up close to... and the shuttle!

The Glenn Curtiss Museum (http://www.glennhcurtissmuseum.org/) in Hammondsport, NY is awesome for gear heads.

Bikes, planes, cars...

B and I stopped by last year when we were out for a ride.

The workshop where they repair/replicate pieces for the museum was wide-open and they allowed you to wander through.

They have a vintage car and bike show sometime in August (i think).  We haven't gone, but have a friend that goes often.  He says you never know what's going to show up.

Definitely worth the stop if your in the area.  Also very close to many vineyards along Keuka Lake, if your into that sort of stuff.  [wine]

BTW...as drool worthy....Barber Motorsports Park Museum....well...I think more drool worthy...but I am biased.

Spent 2 days at the air and space museum about 20 yrs ago.
For an aussie where our museums can be seen in a half day, it was mind blowing.

Seriously worth a look. Possibly changed by now, but the pacific war room was filled with planes and 'stuff' like full sized planes, many many of em.

Then look at the planes hanging there from wright replicas to space capsules.

Yes yes and yes

I get to spend 3 days in DC before having to waste a day at a wedding and then come home.  Sounds like there will be plenty to see.  The GF went to Georgetown so it will be fun to have a bit of a tour guide.

If in Oregon, a trip to http://www.evergreenmuseum.org/ (http://www.evergreenmuseum.org/) to see the Spruce Goose is worth it.

In DC, I recommend

Air and Space (DC)
Air and Space, Udvar-Hazy (Dulles, VA)
Natural History
American History
National Gallery

The national gallery has an east and west wing that are classical vs modern art.  The American History museum is surprisingly interesting if you have a passing interest in history. 

All of these are on the same mall except for Udvar-Hazy... you gotta drive out to that one.  Entry is free, but you have to pay for parking  [roll]

Really Jerry? [bang]

This is off topic at this point and no longer about motos.