Motorcycle, no lever content

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wecsoger
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Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by wecsoger »

Talking with friend of mine, he had no idea about this place, so passing on info to the board...

In Maggie Valley North Carolina is a unique motorcycle museum, Wheels Through Time.

If you're a rider or even have a vague interest, well worth the visit. About an hour and half from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg TN, or twenty some minutes exit 27 on I-40

It's a museum of old, hard-to-find, rare, and one-of-a-kind motorcycles, displayed in a huge two story building.

Billed as "The Museum That Runs" and they mean it. Want to hear the difference between a 1928 Harley and 1928 Indian? They will fire them up right there for you.

Founded by Dale Walksler, who sold, raced, collected, and built bikes. Sadly, we lost him in 2020.

His son Matt and family are keeping the museum running.

Matt is nicest guy you'd care to meet. Was just there last week. As I was walking in Matt stopped his conversation with another group, walked over, we did a fist bump and he said, thanks for coming by'.

He does a lot of videos on youtube, and it's amazing the things he does with the builds.

By the way, they raffle off a bike every year. This year it's a '37 Harley knucklehead.

I saw it there in the lobby and it looks like it was in the dealer's showroom - a magnificent restoration. (yes, I bought raffle tickets!)

If you're interested, check out the website wheelsthroughtime.com, or the youtube channel. Prepare to be amazed at the old iron.

p.s. it's not just old Harleys. there's Indians, Hendersons, they even have a literal one-of-a-kind Traub.
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gamekeeper
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by gamekeeper »

I love old motorcycle museums..... 8)
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OldWin
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by OldWin »

Being a lifelong rider, I am familiar with them, but have never visited. I would LOVE to see that place. I have watched tons of their videos. Love the rare old and race bikes.
Matt seems like a genuinely nice guy. You certainly can't fake the love and enthusiasm he has for the old bikes.
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Pisgah
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by Pisgah »

I go to WTT at least twice a year. There's really no other museum quite like it. Even friends who have no interest in motorcycles have come away planning their next visit. If you're in Western NC it's a must-see. Plan several hours, because every time you turn around you'll find something else you have to spend some time with...
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marlinman93
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by marlinman93 »

Not sure how anybody didn't know about Dale, and the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley? Dale and the museum have been featured on a large number of car and bike related shows, and made numerous cameo appearances on shows like American Pickers, and other non bike or car series.
Dale was single handedly responsible for saving a large number of fine old motorcycles, and every year he put together an old motorcycle to raffle off to support the museum. Matt was very involved, although didn't get the exposure his dad got. He'll do a great job keeping things going.
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wecsoger
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by wecsoger »

thanks for comments, folks. marlinman93, you have a point, but... was talking to my local mechanic taking car in for service. He rides.

told him about the museum, said he's seen the Maggie Valley exit multiple times as he's heading down to south GA, never knew it was there.

I wish them all the best. After meeting Matt, wife and I walked into lobby to get tickets and check out the merch.

Several minutes later, heard someone kick start over some old classic. (they had more than a couple bikes on patio for display)

Couple moments later Matt came wheeling in,through the front door, into and across the lobby, and into the entrance to the museum.

Folks at the desk didn't even look up or pause in conversation.

It's just that kind of a place.
.45colt
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by .45colt »

I saw that shop on American Pickers. that was a great episode. It was Great fun just to see it on T.V. Too Sad about Dale.
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by piller »

Sounds like a fun place to visit. I like old motorized vehicles of all kinds. 2 wheelers or whatever. I like the mechanical stuff about them.
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marlinman93
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by marlinman93 »

I've never been to the museum, or even been in the state. But it's on my bucket list, along with other places I may never get to visit! It's just higher on the list.
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earlmck
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by earlmck »

Oh yeah, I'd like to visit there!
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Malamute
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by Malamute »

I became aware of them just a few years ago and now get raffle tickets for the old bike raffle. Id love to have another old bike. Knuckles have gotten insanely expensive, I really regret selling the two I had long ago, the raffle is probably the only way id ever be able to have another one barring winning the lottery.

They have quite a few youtubes there are interesting.
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Tycer
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by Tycer »

Just there this last week. Did Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Joyce Kilmer Forest, Diamondback 226a …. I live just outside Asheville. Y’all come play.
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450 Fuller
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Re: Motorcycle, no lever content

Post by 450 Fuller »

Nice area near Cherokee,N.C. in the Smokey Mtns-near Townsend and Knoxville, TN.

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