July 10 - September 6
From biplane walkers to the thick-headed stuntmen of Jackass, the daredevils of history have traded great risk for fame and fortune. In the 1970s, one such daredevil rose to stardom and inspired people young and old around the world: Evel Knievel.
To mark the 35th anniversary of his Wembley Stadium jump, the Harley-Davidson Museum temporary exhibit True Evel: The Amazing Story of Evel Knievel will tell the story of the man behind the performer through fascinating artifacts drawn from both the Harley-Davidson Museum Archives and the Knievel family collection.
From Knievel’s early start as a side-show character in Butte, Montana, to his transformation into a larger-than-life master showman, marketer, and folk hero with international appeal, the 10,000-square-foot exhibit will engage visitors with the story of the man behind the seemingly fearless performer. Visitors will see legendary pieces including his signature leathers and cane, personal photographs and letters, collectors’ toys and memorabilia, and the half-motorcycle, half-rocket “Skycycle” used to jump the Snake River Canyon.
Setting numerous records over his career, Knievel’s bike of choice was the Harley-Davidson XR-750. He was sponsored by the Motor Company through most of the 1970s.
