'Mama Tried' exhibit now open at the Harley-Davidson Museum

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A new exhibit called 'Mama Tried: Bringing it Together' at the Harley-Davidson Museum opened up to the public Friday in downtown Milwaukee.

The exhibit showcases about 13 bikes, mostly from local riders, who have all participated in the annual 'Mama Tried' indoor motorcycle show in February and have tailored their bikes to their own liking.

The annual show has been around since 2014, and a race was soon added after its success a year later.

"It doesn't matter what kind of problems you're having...you get on a motorcycle and all that stuff just drifts away," explained Scott Johnson, the co-founder of the 'Mama Tried' show.

Whether you're a rider or an admirer, the new motorcycle exhibit may very well be on your bucket list.

"So, you'll have world-class builders sitting next to people who, that's their first motorcycle they've ever built and that's the one they ride every day," added the exhibit curator, David Kreidler.

Kreidler said every custom-made motorcycle tells a different tale.

"The oldest bike is this, it's 1924ish...it's now back in the museum collection actually," pointed Kreidler. "(the) company built this motorcycle, raced it on their official team, and then sold it."

"This is a 1977 FLH but Freddie calls it 'Blackula,'...this is actually his first build that he ever did," went on to say Kreidler, pointing to another motorcycle. "He acquired the bike and then started adding on parts and accessories."

Johnson said it's like fashion, everyone adds their own style to it. He told CBS 58 he's been riding since he was 10 years old and now owns eight motorcycles. He said the exhibit is a dream come true.

"To see my own stuff and my friends' bikes on display, it's just, it's kind of overwhelming," he said.

The 'Mama Tried' exhibit is open. Fathers are especially welcomed this Sunday for free admission to the museum on Father's Day.

Click here for more information. 

Share this article: