As early as the beginning of motorcycling, there were trailblazers embarking on daring expeditions on two-wheels. Since then, riders have continued to seek adventures in far away places, capturing people’s imagination and inspiring the journeys of today. To honor the long history of overland motorcycle travel, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles has put together a fascinating exhibit called ADV: Overland.

Currently open to the public, the collection takes a comprehensive look at round-the-world motorcycles and related vehicles. Exhibition curator and Motorcycle Arts Foundation co-founder Paul d’Orleans explains: “ADV:Overland celebrates the spirit of adventure. These remarkable machines tell a human story, of dreamers and reckless youth, stubborn visionaries and dogged competitors, all together in one place.”

Some of the highlights include the first motorcycle to cross the US (a 1903 California ridden by George Wyman), as well as the 1912 Henderson Four that was used by Carl Stearns Clancy in the first ride around the world. Also on display is the 1915 Harley-Davidson 11-F with sidecar used by mother and daughter — Avis and Effie Hotchkiss — who became the first women to ride across the US. Other notable machines such as the 1932 Douglas “Mastiff” which R.E. Fulton rode around the world and documented in “One Man Caravan” and the 1933 Puch 250SL (first motorcycle to overland to India) ridden by Max Reisch are showcased. 

“Most of these extraordinary machines have never been publicly displayed, and absolutely radiate the spirit of adventure: some even retain their original accessories, 90 years later,” states d’Orléans.

More contemporary bikes are also showcased, including a 2002 BMW 1150GS round -the- world bike, a 2007 KTM 690 Rally raced and ridden around the world by Lyndon Poskitt, the 2019 Harley-Davidson Livewire from the “Long Way Up” and the new Harley-Davidson Pan America.

In spite of its focus on motorcycles, ADV: Overland also features special four-wheeled vehicles such as the 1969 Honda N600 Baja which was the brand’s first factory race car in the US. The show isn’t limited to just Earthly expeditions though. It includes several Mars rovers from NASA as well as their sci-fi counterparts.

The exhibit is currently running but there will be an opening reception on July 15th consisting of a ride-and-drive-in event on the roof of the museum. For more details go to petersen.org

Photos courtesy of Petersen Automotive Museum | MAF