Can We Revive AND RIDE The World's Biggest Motorcycle? (17 feet long)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2024
- Today we are going to see if we can get the infamous "Roadog" motorcycle running and riding again after decades. When Matt found out that his buddy Sean had purchased the bike he told him he had to bring it to Wheels Through Time.
Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum, located in Maggie Valley, NC, features over 375 American motorcycles, unique cars, and transportation history.
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So, I sat here with my dad (Buzz Walneck) this morning and watched both yours and Sean’s videos. It was great to watch his reactions, and beaming pride to see the Roadog up and running. Even before it started, I was brought back to when it was in his garage, and in my mind I heard it running before you fired it up! Very happy to see Roadog up and running, and being appreciated.
Buzz is your dad ! Wow and I’m so honored that he watched my video also
Big thanks to your dad for having the passion to chase it down, the foresight preserve it and the desire to share it with motorcyclists new and old. He had a big part in making it as iconic as it is today! Thanks Buzz!!
@@wheelsthroughtime
Could it be that this guy "Buzz" (spoken of) may have some relevant information indispensible to the history of "Roadog"?
If so, perhaps it might be forever benificial to try for a supplemental interview.
- just saying and thanks for the sharing . . .
.*.*.*,
Incredible! This bike probably wouldn't have been known or preserved if it wasn't for him... Just another wacky creation that rusted away.
I live about 20 miles from the National Motorcycle Museum, and every year, I would go and check out the exhibits. I spent a lot of time just staring at that thing. When they said they were closing their doors, I thought the road dog would end up in some private collection, never to be seen again. So happy you're getting it, and now so many more people will get to check that thing out. Congrats on the purchase, my friend.
Thank you! Come see it next time you’re in our area!
I'm surprised Jay Leno didn't buy it.
I took a picture of Roadog in 2016 when it was at the National Motorcycle Museum about an hour and 45 mins from me; now I'll have to make a trip to Wheels Through Time to see it again.
@@Jayhawkga Because Mr. Leno drives what he owns, and I seriously doubt if he would be willing to ride it, so he likely wouldn't buy it. As Road Dog is like a super heavy Boss Hoss without the power or control. As Road Dog has a torque converter between the engine & rear wheel...
The museum should have been incorporated into another national museum to keep our national history on track. Every day I see our country being destroyed, and it makes me want to cry.
45 year motorcycle obsessor here. I swear that the first view of that bike going down the road, in full color literally put tears in my eyes. I don't think seeing the Spruce Goose fly again could have stirred the emotions of watching that single, iconic, black & white picture become an actual moving motorcycle, in the 21st century, for all the world to see. Absolutely gobsmacked. You win the internet for the entire year. I have to make it to your museum.
Perfectly said with the spruce goose... A piece of history that would be amazing to see again in a color video.
Think of the amazement of the random bikers riding the other way when totally unexpectedly they see that utterly unique bike on the road. "It's the Road Dog"!!
I felt their emotion on that first ride.
It's amazing how the original owner rode it Would be cool to have a smaller version
Roadog winding up at Wheels Through Time is the greatest fate this bike could ask for. I remember seeing it sitting quietly in a corner at the National when I passed through Anamosa a few years ago on a ride cross country. Seeing it actually running and moving is awesome.
Matt, when you get that beast put in its new spot in the museum, I’m telling you brother, you should allow couples to have their picture taken on it for like $10-$20 a picture. Folks would line up for that! It’s so damn tough nobody’s going to damage it, and it’d be a great way to raise a little money for the museum!!!
I was riding with a good friend in 1988 and he had us riding through Wisconsin when we stopped at a small Tavern out in the middle of nowhere. In the back room there Roadog was sitting in all her glory. Now she’s been brought back to life and if you haven’t seen her up close, please make a trip to Wheels Through Time. You won’t believe how big and and proud she really is. Thanks Sean and Matt for keeping a Legend alive!!!!!!
Sean has to leave that with you for the museum, would be criminal not to display it, at least for a while.
Youve got some balls riding that down the road at speeds!
edit: He couldnt sell it quick enough!
You know you have to ride it.. I mean master it. Ride it enjoy it. It's the hill you're going to climb. ❤
I beg to differ. It would be criminal NOT to ride it!!!!! All around the USA on a grand tour...with a support crew, van plus trailer of course.
ONLY after 20,0000 miles should it be relegated temporarily (one year max) to a museum.
Then, gas it up again for a European tour, but only to the cool countries like Poland, Hungary, Estonia, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain Finland, and Czech Republic. Who did I miss?
Sorry: Germany, Sweden, Norway, France and the UK. You are OFF the list.
Italy MAY be on the cool list. Who they vote for depends on everything.
This is unironically the happiest video I've seen today.
I made a special trip out to Iowa this past summer specifically to see Roadog before the old museum got closed and it was sold off. I fully expected for that to be the last time I ever saw it. Knowing that isn't the case anymore is the best news ever.
When I watched Sean's video this morning I said to myself that bike has to go to the museum. I'm so glad it's going to be there. It's in great hands.
Years ago, I sat on that bike, as it was on display outdoors "somewhere" in the Midwest. Don't remember where, but it is definitely immense! Glad to see it running again, several decades later.
It would be at our Woodstock swap meet every year, and my dad would cart it around to most of the big events. It was cool that he let people sit on it and take pictures, etc. That’s the way it should have been.
That makes sense. Encountered it on one of my motorcycle cross-country trips years ago. Grinned from ear to ear seeing it again, and running no less.@@edwalneck
Glad to see such an iconic motorcycle make it to Wheels through time museum.
Got to say, loving the friendship you guys are developing. Contents brilliant! What a find Sean!
Man, you gotta know that Wild Bill Gelbke has a huge grin on his face right now! Incredible! The Road Dog has been ridden once again!
Your dad would be so proud that you actually got ahold of that bike he tried to get a hold of it earlier on and was unable to but he did write it
I remember seeing and reading about this bike in Walneks Classic Cycle Trader.....Always wondered what happened to it!!👍
I remember the issue of Walneck's "Classic-fieds" where he was looking for this bike. NEVER thought I'd see it moving. What a treat. Thanks you guys.
Thank you Sean for securing and putting it in the proper home wheels through time will keep this American monstrosity in it's finest form for decades to come thanx again to you all
I was at your museum last week. What a fantastic place. I did see that bike there. But I saw many more beautiful and interesting bike there along with some great cars. It’s a must place to visit!!!
Thanks for visiting! See you next time!
@@wheelsthroughtime I’ll be back soon, just make sure to pick my ticket in that knucklehead raffle.
Wow! Quite a machine, but damn, the story! 😮
I saw it earlier this year in IA and need right away where it came from. Glad to see that not only will it have a fitting home, but it too lives up to the museum's motto.
Buzz Walneck is still hosting motorcycle swap meets in the Midwest . i remember when he had it on the trailer and would bring it around to the shows! going on Sunday Walneck swap meet Morris Illinois ! i think it is at home in the museum! FANTASTIC
That is definitely where it belongs. Such a scary cool experience. I really miss the type of people who made these creations they used to be so creative with parts and pieces brought home in lunchboxes. Definitely a different world now
So awesome of Sean to sell it, it belongs there. Brilliant episode gents.
My Recently departed Uncle loved your museum. I’m sure my dad, your dad, and my uncle Rick loved this ride.
*_You know what... It was an honor to hear this run. Thanks for doing the video on this and putting in the effort._* 😎😎😎
As an aerospace engineer, perhaps Gelkhe figured in gyroscopic force to keep her upright. The faster you go, the more stable she becomes. Or, it could be a magnificent yootoob crash vid just waiting for the right person & the right place & the right time...
Love it! Ride her till the wheels fall off!
Buzz Walneck helped to find the old beer cans that act as shock tower covers. The beer cans were part of a restoration many years ago. The reason why is because that is the way Gelbke rode it!
Was looking forward to see if you made a video on this as well after watching Sean's video earlier! Love your channel Matt!!!
Thank you for watching!!!
I remember first hearing about this bike on a History Channel show as a kid. They claimed only the builder himself knew how to actually ride it and I never thought in all my life I would get to see a video of this magnificent beast rolling down the road under its own power.
I truly have no words for how amazing this is.
Well yeah, I think Ya could call it a Bike. IT LOOKS MORE LIKE A TRAIN.
Figured Sean would loose his nerve after the bridge incident.
Matt made another Classic Buy for the Museum, Super Great.
Can't wait to see it there for the coming Drawing next month. 😊
you know your dad was right behind you smiling all the way👍 perfect edition for the museum. Can’t wait to see it.
I’ve been wanting to come visit the museum so bad for a while now… I want to even more now!
I've seen this bike a couple times, once at least at Sturgis, back in the nineties, pretty sure I saw it in Illinois, back when I was still living at home in the seventies. I'm glad it's going to the museum, I moved to N.C. back in the seventies and retired here. I hope to visit the museum this summer and spend some time in Maggie Valley again, haven't been there since my wife died some years ago. Her family was in eastern Tennessee, we used to drive there three or four times a year for a visit. We both loved the road trip, I'm looking forward to it again. Glad you got the bike, it's a treasure!
Take it from an Old BMW rider, the effort difference between the left and right turns is from the flywheel that is spinning across the frame -- my boxer-engined bikes do the same thing, except that yours has -- ehem! -- somewhat more flywheel.
"The scariest thing you've ever done?" -- that IS saying a lot.
I never thought I would ever see The Roadog cruising under its own power. Made my day and I don't know how you EVER top this.
So where are we going on your first road trip with the best new toy in the world? 😁
I just finished watching this intense video. It had me on the edge of my seat. Thank you Sean and Matt for making this motorcycle accessible to us. I can't wait to see it in person ! I remember seeing my first picture of it in the late 70's. If I'm not mistaken, it was in an Easy Rider magazine. I'm so excited that she's finally home.
Sean is such a solid guy ! SO stoked that he sold it to you !!
The best!
I’m happy you got it… it’s where it belongs 🍀👍🙏
Matt, always the excitement in your voice and spark in your heels! Great video. Sean awesome also
The bike was at Del Mar bike show near San Diego back in the 90's. I saw it there.
When I first saw the poster 50 years ago, I wanted to ride that bike. Now with these two videos I have come as close as I will ever get. Great story, thanks for posting them and thanks for preserving this bike as an operational machine, not just a static exhibit.
What an iconic bike! Another great addition to the museum. Y'all are just a bit crazy for taking that monster out on the street. I can't wait to see the Road Dog in person.
It wasn’t the best idea! Thanks for watching!
Can't wait to get back to Wheels Through Time! Congradulations on getting the Raoddog!
I'm 68 and I'm not sure when I first heard of the Roadog but I was young. Can't even tell you what magazine I first saw it in because it was in so many. I have a vague recollection of an article maybe 40 years ago about someone trying to ride it. Every time something has stirred the memory of Roadog I've tried to find a video of it being ridden and now I have. Super happy to see it in the hands of someone who RIDES bikes and doesn't just collect them.
I remember that guy being on the news after he built it. That was fun watching you guys.
Hats off to the both of you for having the cojones to jump on that beast!!! Awesome job!
Love that you guys got that bike on the road. I look forward to seeing it in your museum...awesome job
no better place in the world for that one of a kind bike. So glad its going to be on display there for everyone to be able to enjoy it.
ITs where it belongs now in good company with other one-off bikes for the people to see and marvel at great job Matt and crew and Sean for knowing its worth and track it down after the auction .
This might be the ultimate touring motorcycle if you don't want to go fast, stop at all, or take any winding roads lol. It is cool as hell tho and definitely a piece of history. Congratulations to you and the Bearded Biker for bringing this bike back from the dead.
Well its a bike that go on a tour and have people come look at it.
The road to Riverside was not exactly straight back then
The small Package store at the end of my street had an 8.5 x 11inch picture of the road dog while I was in High School and it always intrigued me. Coming from a family of serious gear heads and the owners of a Chrysler Plymoth dealership here in Torrington CT You guys are my serious HEROS you truly are. Thanks Bros for preserving a real piece of AMERICANA.
There were so many bikes in Anamosa that I wondered what would become of them. This was one that I really really hoped would not disappear and be lost forever! Wheels Through Time is the perfect home for it! Awesome!
Amazing. Only ever seen the photo. To know it still exists, let alone runs and rides, is mind blowing. It's found it's rightful home now. Cheers.
That bike deserves to be in your museum, if i ever go to America, wheels through time would be a must visit
I love it that two favorite channels are working together and Matt has his dad working with him.
Awesome, that bike definitely belongs in museum!
We think so too!
I remember the episode of "What's In The Garage?" when Dale visited the RoadDog where it resided at that time. I had seen photos of the bike before and had always wondered about it. Dale purchased a homebuilt minibike from the man who owned RoadDog on that episode. I would love to see that program again.
Just watched this and Sean's videos back to back. I gotta say, I love Matt's laugh throughout the entire video. You guys are having you much fun!
Rode out to WTT from Texas a year or so and it's hands down the coolest motorcycle "museum" ever. So stinking cool to see it find a home there. Looking forward to seeing where you put it next time we visit.
fwiw...I would totally ride that thing! 🤪
I saw this in Iowa before the museum closed, glad to see it went to a wonderful new home
Totally amazing motorcycle. My hat is off to both of you for actually riding it. I think it’s ended up in the right place. ...all the best...Chris 🇨🇦
You'd almost expect to see Fred Flintstone riding that beast I also think a tri glide rear end would make it more stable then you and Sean could make a coast to coast road trip
Wouldn't be the same originality or historic I believe, Safer yes ,Think of the guy that engineered it & operated years ago,
@@1340flh79 true but if Matt and Sean were to actually ride it from coast to coast it would be a whole lot safer and I'm sure Matt could make it look like an original stretch trike
Then add a side car from the period of time that Road Dog was made...@@robertcribb3859
Hello from Newfoundland Canada!!! What an awesome couple of videos about the legendary Road Dog. A visit to Wheels Through Time is on my bucket list for sure.
I have been riding for 51 years. Great to see it running when I was 10 years old my Dad's buddy sold my dad a snowmobile that he put a 66 Triumph motor and transmission that was wild . Keep it going ✌️
Would have been cool if Dale would have gotten the chance to ride this. Yep that's a Rochester carb , a Chevy Nova 4 cylinder engine is a rare thing by itself
He actually rode the other one! 🏆
I wanna see Roadog on Ride 5. That would just be interesting.
Either that, or a real track day.
Wouldn't that be a hell of a thing for a road trip? By the time you got out of town, you'd be looking for a motel to recover!🤣 I saw this on Sean's channel earlier.. glad you guys actually got it somewhat operational!😄👍👍
If you got used to riding it then you would be able to ride for hours, however that is a big "If"...
The road dawg lives
Wild Bill would be laughing his ass off watching you two try to ride that. He was the only one that could ride it with full confidence and even then it was sketchy at times depending on the road pop level.
Looked at a picture of that thing all my life. I hope you secure it for WTT. It is a huge piece of biker folklore.
This is one of the best videos I've seen on TH-cam! Matt you are a MADMAN!!
Literally a terrifying machine. I would fit large heavy duty leg protection bars. Amazing job getting it back up and running.
The air cooled powerglide was used in the chevy II and rare now. 1963 i believe. The engine and tranny belongs together and a great swap. If you put it in drive it will still start in low and shift to high depending on how fast you are going. The 2.5 Chevy II engine was a really good engine. I can't wait to make a road trip to the museum next year.
wheels has always been my favorite bike museum. gotta come by again and see roadog!
They said the buider was the only person that could ride it, I believe it what a beast. Glad your friend sold it to you so it will be preserved and people can see it. Good thing it can only fall over so far before it just stops. Must be a bear to try and balance, then try to get it moving...
This was so much fun to watch!! We were at the museum but did not see the monster bike on display. Quite the acquisition n the story behind it. Wow!👍
Read an article years ago about the bike and its builder in Cycle or Cycle World, so nice to see it running and on display. I have only been to the museum once, kinda long ways from where I live, but if I ever make it down to the museum again, I will stop by for sure!
I saw this Contraption about 25 years ago at the “Hog Farm” annual bike show. I had read about it but it’s impossible to comprehend it without seeing it! Wild Bill has all my respect 😊
I love this so much. I’m sad the National motorcycle museum is closed. I’m from tge quad cities and visited as much as possible. The shop I worked at Brennys motorcycle clinic had tge road dog painted on the wall. I’m happy to see that it’s in good hands
Best birthday for me. To visit wheels through time, meeting Matt , and him letting me sit on the beast , and get a picture! Thanks Matt! Great trip awesome museum!
wow if i ever get to visit the USA I’m going to go to wheels through time I just wish dale could have been there as well. what a guy such enthusiasm. we done dad would be proud 👏👏👏👏.
Wow ! That was waay cool! My Girlfriend and I saw that Bike at Anamosa. We visited your museum this August. Great time seeing all the bikes there. Look forward to another visit. And see the “Road Dog”
I wonder how much torque it would take for that thing to do a wheelie?
All of it lol
That is a great addition to your museum.
I absolutely love that this will live at WTT now. Must schedule another trip up to see it! Well done, gentlemen...
That bike reminds me of a dual-engine BSA I looked at many moons ago. Unfortunately for some reason they guy wouldn't sell it to me even though I offered his asking price. I have no idea what happened to it. It may still be kicking around the Detroit area somewhere. Keep the good stuff coming guys.
That bike is sick, I remember seeing that beast when I was a kid. Such a awesome piece of bike history.
More like a 2 wheeled car than a motorcycle! I love it! looks like it might be easy to work on since everything is right there. Riding this thing takes strategy and planning way ahead- imagine having to do a U-turn on a 2 lane road riding this thing!
That bike BELONGS in your museum, how cool!
Any good around hairpin bends ?
Beautiful bike. I just started watching your videos and I'm well impressed, no stupid music or hours of unboxing stuff 😅 I like your style of commentary too.
I've got a 1953 Tiger 100 and I'm currently going through the process of sorting out bodge up jobs from it's past.
Unfortunately, just at the start of summer something disastrous happened to the engine, which in a way was a good thing because it gave me a reason to pull it apart and rebuild it to my standard. Just waiting now for the barrels to come back from being re sleeved and the Tiger will purr again😊
So, just finished watching episode one and thoroughly enjoyed it, I'm looking forward to seeing the work progress 👍
By the way, I completely agree with you about enjoying riding slower old bikes as opposed to tear arseing around trying to keep up with riders whose skill is higher and sense of self preservation is lower than mine is these days 😅 Been there, done it, got the scars 😂
Great work, enjoy!
I’m willing to bet that it’s not the bike in the poster. I’m sure you know as much about this story as I do lol. When Buzz Walneck (that editor) finally found that bike he went to pick to negotiate a deal with Wild Bill’s mother. And the story I heard was he bought it. I believe another motorcycle magazine was going to do a big story about the bike, the poster and how Buzz got it. Before the article was published the magazine got a call threatening to a suite if the printed it because (as the caller pointed out) that wasn’t the bike in the poster. The magazine got back to buzz and asked him if it was true. He said yes, it’s probably true. Then he explained that when he arrived at Gebke’s mom’s house she took him to the garage and there were two of them! One had over a hundred thousand miles on it (clearly the one Gebke drove everywhere and one (albeit identical one) that was brand new. Gebke evidently built one for a neighbor who backed out of the deal later on. Buzz explained he decided to buy the brand new one. The bike in this clip is so clean I’m betting it was in fact Buzz Walneck’s, the bike built for the neighbor.
everyone buys it and sells the Gilkey bike right away it's as heavy as a car like the Flintstone machine😂 The perfect place for it is the wheels through time museum 😎👍🏻✨
Brakes only slow you down brother! 😂 y’all are wild, great video
That was a Fun Video!
I am Glad the Bike is where People can see it.
Best Wishes! M.H.
I was watching you guys and suddenly realized that's the place over in Maggie valley!!
I live in Clyde but I used to live on fie top.
Great to see y'all!
It was so awesome to be part of this
This is the best video that I have seen in a long time !!
Thanks for watching!!
So cool of Sean to let it go to the best museum in the world
Wheels Through Time honestly has to be the best home for the road dog
The best thing Shawn ever did!
One of ur craziest videos so far! Great stuff!