From the Curator: Motorcycles 

This month at KCAM, we’re trading in campers for chrome and kicking things into high gear with a celebration of the motorcycle and its undeniable place in American automotive history.

From vintage cruisers to high-revving sport bikes, motorcycles have long symbolized freedom, rebellion, and the open road. These machines offer a unique blend of simplicity and power, stripped down to their essentials yet capable of delivering unforgettable experiences with every twist of the throttle.

The rise of motorcycle culture in America is a story of postwar innovation, pop-culture icons, and weekend wanderers. In Kansas City, bikes have always had a strong following — from club rides down winding Missouri roads to backyard rebuilds and generations of enthusiasts who found community on two wheels.

This month’s Drive-In Exhibit showcases a wide range of bikes that reflect the diversity and passion of the motorcycle world. Whether you ride, restore, or just admire from afar, these bikes tell stories of craftsmanship, freedom, and life lived in motion.

Coming next month: Get ready for supercars and exotics — sleek, powerful, and designed to thrill, these machines represent the cutting edge of performance and style. Buckle up.

See you soon,
Butch Papon
Curator, Kansas City Automotive Museum