| Author | Message | ||
     Hughlysses |
My wife and I just completed a 6200+ mile 40th anniversary trip across the US and our last stop was at Barber in Leeds, AL. It’s a truly amazing collection (the largest in the world) with a vast array of years, types, manufacturers, and models. I was surprised to find an entire section on Buell, as well as various Buells scattered throughout the building. This included everything from an RS750, to the last Buell off the production line, several EBR’s and some prototype bikes. Here’s a sampling of what they have.          The last Buell...  The first EBR...  (Message edited by Hughlysses on June 05, 2021) | ||
| Fireboltwillie |
that's just amazing to see! thank you tons for sharing! | ||
| 86129squids |
True story- I was eating boiled peanuts at a pull-off on the new section of the Foothills Parkway, a few months ago. An SUV pulled up with Alabama tags, mom and dad get out and begin a diaper changing routine for their young boy. Dad had tats, big fella... so naturally, I spoke with him. I said "Alabama, huh? How close to Birmingham? Ever been to Barber?" He then informed me that he had helped build the Motus that's on display not far from the entrance. Also, that the owner of Motus had entrusted him with a prototype, +- 250RWH, and told him to ride it, try to break it. Hugh, THANK YOU for those pics!!! GAWD I've got to get back there. I actually fondled the Britten. Whilst drooling.  | ||
| Hughlysses |
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| Odd |
Thank you Thank you !!I can see the the bike I donated. I never had the chance to go see it myself yet. | ||
| Buellish |
Thanks Hugh,that's the next best thing to a visit in person! | ||
| Hughlysses |
Thank you Thank you !!I can see the the bike I donated. I never had the chance to go see it myself yet. James- which bike is it? I may have another picture of it. | ||
| Ebutch |
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| Odd |
It's the picture of the cyclone, it was a m2 low. One of the best bike's I ever owned | ||
| Cupcake_mike |
SO, interestingly enough, I stopped by barber after leaving Suches on 5/22. I always have to stop when I am in the area and it had been a couple years since I had seen the place (and the new wing). I didn't get to spend as much time as I wanted to, because I got there late (luckily they had an event going so they stayed open a couple hours later) and I was still 800 miles from home and had to be back to work in a couple days. Anyway, I was on my CR, that I had lost the kickstand spring/plate from a few days earlier riding through KY. Not a big deal, I rigged it up with a spring from the hardware store and a bungee cord. I mentioned to one of the guys working at barber (jokingly) that I could sure use the kickstand off the 1125 that was on display and laughed how they didn't even need a kickstand since they are tethered by cables. The guy just laughs and I go on my way. About a half hour later I am making my way to the door to leave and the lady at the reception stops me and says hang out for a minute. I'll be damned if about 5 min later that same fella showed up with the kick stand and a allen socket and ratchet. I went out to the lot and put it on right there, returned the tools and thanked him profusely, and assured him that I'd have a new part sent back to them just as soon as I got it ordered. I did and it was delivered about a week ago. Super cool folks | ||
| Hughlysses |
It's the picture of the cyclone, it was a m2 low. One of the best bike's I ever owned Hopefully this is it. Nice bike! _C793121A-8F5C-4F0C-885B-D622FD1906AB.jpeg) | ||
| Tootal |
Thanks for sharing Hugh! Seeing the RR1000 brought back some memories. Back when Dale Walksler owned the Harley dealer in Mt. Vernon Illinois I had bought a Harley from him. While I was waiting for them to finish my 1000 mile check up Dale asked if I'd like to ride the RR1000, which I took him up on. I had never ridden anything that handled like the RR. Even with the Iron head 4 speed engine it was an amazing ride. I just looked at a corner and it was leaning. Now you've even made me want to go to Barber even more! | ||
| Crusty |
Just a warning: If you're going to Barber, get there when they open in the morning and plan to be there all day. | ||
| 86129squids |
  Also- If you schedule an appointment, they'll let you play in the archives. But as Crunchy said, you'll need from opening minute til at least 330pm to look at everything... including vintage Lotus racecars. | ||
| Odd |
Yup that my bike | ||
| Tootal |
If I go it will be at least 2 days. I remember how it was at Wheels though time museum! Besides, Birmingham is nearby and I haven't visited every brewery they have yet! | ||
| Hughlysses |
^ There’s actually a decent brewery at a sort of outlet mall just on the other side of the interstate from Barber (~1 mile away). Brewery, pizza, and BBQ all in the same building at one end of the mall. They even have a drive-in with multiple screens outside. | ||
| 86129squids |
I may have heard of the same place... apparently they have kickaiiss 'za. | ||
| 86129squids |
... saw this today at the Calderwood Dam overlook... absolutely pristine. Had Kevin Schwantz' signature on the tail- bonus is he's a local guy. Giggity. Rode partway home behind the fella., had to stop to look at about two dozen vintage VW's... one was a Ghia with a sano Porche motor tucked in the back. Giggity two goo.  | ||
| Tootal |
That's cool Brad. I had 3 beetles and a Ghia. I think I could take one apart blindfolded! | ||
| Mtjm2 |
That’s very cool ! Thanks for sharing | ||
| Court |
Like digging through the barn . . that brings back so many great memories . . . Erik Buell changed motorcycling in a way few have . . . . Thanks for sharing . . . | ||
| 86129squids |
"Like digging through the barn . . " | ||
| 2003xb9r |
If I ever get to the USA this museum is a must. Great photos, thanks so much Hugh. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Since y’all enjoyed the Buell products, I thought you might like to see a sampling of the other bikes there:          | ||
| 86129squids |
Well... I aint no George Barber, not by a stretched frog hair, but- here's what followed me home this evening. So cute... now I gotta name it and feed it.  | ||
| Tootal |
Hey Brad! I took my riding test on one of those. It was my mom's bike and was the 90cc version. When taking my test the tester told me to do a figure 8 in the parking lot. I was riding observed trials at the time so I just went to full lock and made a tight circle and then reversed full lock and made the second one. The tester just shook his head and says, "You know you got the whole parking lot don't you!" Those things are amazing with the dual transmission. Nice find! | ||
| Crusty |
The Service Manager at the Honda Shop I worked in in 1974 was a professional trials rider. When he took his license test, he did the whole thing at 5 MPH with the front wheel in the air. The inspector asked him if he was a Professional Rider and when Bob said yes, he told him that he ought to flunk him for being a smartass. However, he did pass him. (Message edited by Crusty on June 08, 2021) | ||
| Buellish |
That's funny John! | ||
| 86129squids |
I've been noodling around in my back yard with it, managed to roll over a couple of doggie land mines already. Oh well. Still got to hook up the lights, get a battery (runs on mageneto alone  ), put a mirror on, and go poot around town. Yay! |
