Our neighbor lady when I grew up had a 1927 model T that her husband had bought brand new and she never sold. It still ran and she had it in the attached garage on her house. I can still smell the oil, grease, leather, gas, rubber, etc. Every time I get around a old machine like that it instantly floods me with GREAT memories of being a kid. This is what Dale knew, the power of memories and simpler(better?) times. I glad Matt and the whole crew are keeping this goingl.
Car and motorcycle museums all smell like grease and old gas. I refer to it as "That OLD car smell." Like most of those places, WTT has catch pans under machines to capture drips... which is probably what we're smelling.
Matt , you are doing a magnificent job keeping your Pop’s legacy going. Thank you so much for treating me like royalty at this years opening day!! See you soon
What a magnificent piece of work. It is so nice to see these old bikes still surviving and being maintained for people to see. My first boyfriend in 1963 rode a 1930s Matchless, and I have loved the old machines ever since going to meets and shows with him.🖤🇨🇦
Regarding "original condition", it could be seen in two ways that are both exciting: It is magical to see the wear that time has inflicted on the bike, but also when one sees a restored one according to what it looked like from the factory back then. That it is still the original tires ... I guess that shows the value of simplicity. Natural rubber material no fancy stuff like softener chemicals that eventually leave the material and make it brittle. I wouldn't run that soot cannon in a showroom, though.
Love that these old bits of kit are still around and importantly their history/ pedigree is being kept alive. Hats off it still runs with the acquired knowledge and skills of the bloke and his team doing the vid clip!. Nice one! Nuff said. Maddog, Melbourne Australia
I love it, the history is incredible. I am a truck driver and delivered some of the first bikes to Dale, years ago. He had just retired from the Harley dealerships he owned and started "wheels through time". I spent the weekend in Maggie Valley and Dale and I had a really good time talking "shop". I drove for "Motorcycle Freight". Anyhow its a great dedication for a couple decades now and thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Matt for showing us this beautiful Excelsior motorcycle. I see that there was no provision for the rider's protection from the drive belt, which could make it to be quite dangerous to ride, but she runs and sounds like an almost new bike.
I should add that some friends of mine went to the museum just after it had opened. They rode from Iowa and got there right after it opened for the day. Dale was sitting by the front door talking on the phone when they rode up and he motioned for them to come in and when he got off the phone he walked in and BS'd with them for a while. Everyone said he was the real deal and the museum was a whole day visit. On my list for sure, wanna ride from Iowa and see the East.
What a glorious machine. I like that there is basically nothing hidden from you. It has the same will-last-forever aesthetic as the old sewing machines.
I'm so glad you guys do videos like this. There are not many organizations that can share this information, and there's no obligation for your to do so. But you do, and it is so very, VERY appreciated. I was lucky enough to have visited the museum a couple years ago, and the entire staff is amazing. Every member is willing to talk your ear off about any exhibit they have, and every few seconds you hear something somewhere being started. I'm trying to drag my brother back, but I'll be back sooner than later.
Thank you for sharing this. My great-grandfather had a 1914 Excelsior Twin. I have some pictures and the original owner’s manual, and have often wondered what it must have sounded like!
This video was "suggested" .... as I dig things with motors whether 4 or 2 wheels and also machines without motors like Schwinn's ... what a time piece. And with all the other machines in the background ... Subscribed.
Damn starts easier than my puch mopeds. I really think I was born in the wrong time I hate the stuff we have today but I'm fascinated with these old bikes and cars. Made to last and also made to be able for the owner to be able to do his own repairs
Thanks Matt so interesting and informative. Love to visit one day from here in Australia but for now I’ll show support through buying a raffle ticket for the bobber. Cheers Jon
I'm not a motorcycle owner, nor even a rider. But I've known about Excelsiors since I was a kid. I read a story about them being the motorcycle of choice in the NYPD fleet. What surprises me more than anything is that so few present-day motorcycle owners have even heard of the brand. Here's hoping your business is successful for a long time!
Thanks for sharing. Runs great. Quality used to be job one. I have a 1905 Kimball Player Piano that still works great. To be fair it has had required maintenance since pianos degrade just sitting but hey. it is still very impressive.
I love your channel and will sooner or later be able to come take the tour. But there's ONE thing you could do that would REALLY make your video's even better. Bring the camera in close when you're explaining some of the unique features of these priceless antiques.
Liked and subbed, beautiful collection. Cheers from Canada.Looking forward to working my way through all your content and sharing with friends here in the snowy north of Calgary, Alberta.
Great video. Would love to see your museum. If the headlight worked liked a miners light it used carbide and water to produce acetylene same as I used head lighting rabbits when I was a boy (71). Belt looks new too. Sounds great.
Matt, is it possible to get a Throttle diagram? Like to see the entire system from handlebars to the carburetor. Even a few close up pictures then a couple of sketches. As everyone always says, you and your team are the best!
That mechanical throttle linkage is really cool! Now days just some boring colored wire runs out of a throttle to a servo lol; the visuals of all the mechanical action are half the draw to these old machines.
What we think of it as primitive technology for today's standards. Was actually the highest of technical advancement of the time. Cool then and even cooler now 👍 thanks WTT
Great bike! Can we have the story of Henderson, with all your current examples? I'm also wondering what you may know about cyclecar racing. Several drivers in the 1920's used Henderson bike engines, to power their cyclecars, in southeast Michigan, and they raced those, early motorcycles, and stripped down Model T's at the State Fairgrounds in Detroit, at the time. I know this happened elsewhere around the country, but southeast Michigan and northern Ohio, had more Henderson bikes around than other states.
Love your dedication and commitment Matt. How do you close the shop and sleep somewhere else? If I was left to take care of what you have, I'd sleep in the shop on my swag with my Pittbull X beside me.
..one of my older cousins inherited a 1913 Excelsior Board Track Racer from the Uncle that raised him.. it's never been apart it's still in it's original paint it's never not been a running rideable motorcycle...
I'm glad that Matt is so dedicated to keeping the museum running. I pray that Maggie Valley promotes and supports this work.
"They're only original once" That is a fantastic quote, and so true.
Who ever designed that throttle linkage, that works around a moving handlebar was an engineering genius. Great bike, thanks for showing us
All those levers,springs and gears, so cool and I bet it smells amazing ! Hey, I’m not a weirdo (I just love old machines)
Our neighbor lady when I grew up had a 1927 model T that her husband had bought brand new and she never sold. It still ran and she had it in the attached garage on her house. I can still smell the oil, grease, leather, gas, rubber, etc.
Every time I get around a old machine like that it instantly floods me with GREAT memories of being a kid. This is what Dale knew, the power of memories and simpler(better?) times.
I glad Matt and the whole crew are keeping this goingl.
Ever heard the saying, "Everybody funny" George thorogood
It's not weird at all, there's just something about that smell. =)
Car and motorcycle museums all smell like grease and old gas. I refer to it as "That OLD car smell." Like most of those places, WTT has catch pans under machines to capture drips... which is probably what we're smelling.
My parents live over in Cullowhee...going to be visiting the museum with my Dad next month and we can't wait !!!
Matt , you are doing a magnificent job keeping your Pop’s legacy going. Thank you so much for treating me like royalty at this years opening day!! See you soon
See you again soon Robert!
Woh the throttle linkage was amazing.
Magnificent motorcycle! Unbelievable to have something so original from 1912! Just beautiful thank you for the video!
Can't believe how quiet it way , just beautiful
What a magnificent piece of work. It is so nice to see these old bikes still surviving and being maintained for people to see. My first boyfriend in 1963 rode a 1930s Matchless, and I have loved the old machines ever since going to meets and shows with him.🖤🇨🇦
Regarding "original condition", it could be seen in two ways that are both exciting: It is magical to see the wear that time has inflicted on the bike, but also when one sees a restored one according to what it looked like from the factory back then.
That it is still the original tires ... I guess that shows the value of simplicity. Natural rubber material no fancy stuff like softener chemicals that eventually leave the material and make it brittle.
I wouldn't run that soot cannon in a showroom, though.
So much knowledge for one person is amazing. No idea Schiwnn made motorcycles. As always “WOW”😮
I agree WOW
I think Schwinn made everything for over a 100 year period or so they even made unicycles
Yes, he should be working at a motorcycle museum with that much knowledge
Historic piece. Gorgeous.
So cool to see bikes from this era. With the twin cylinders it feels like the real jump from bicycle to motorcycle.
Love that these old bits of kit are still around and importantly their history/ pedigree is being kept alive. Hats off it still runs with the acquired knowledge and skills of the bloke and his team doing the vid clip!. Nice one! Nuff said. Maddog, Melbourne Australia
Really cool ...i'd love to see the light work too!
I just visited this place this past week end. It is fantastic and well worth a visit.👍 👍
Love your museum. I'm not a motorcycle guy, but I love the history and the way you tell it, and the bikes themselves tell their own story
I love it, the history is incredible. I am a truck driver and delivered some of the first bikes to Dale, years ago. He had just retired from the Harley dealerships he owned and started "wheels through time". I spent the weekend in Maggie Valley and Dale and I had a really good time talking "shop". I drove for "Motorcycle Freight". Anyhow its a great dedication for a couple decades now and thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Matt for showing us this beautiful Excelsior motorcycle. I see that there was no provision for the rider's protection from the drive belt, which could make it to be quite dangerous to ride, but she runs and sounds like an almost new bike.
Just bought my raffle tickets. Can’t wait for November. First year I actually care about November after losing my son 16 years ago.
I hope to get another closeup look again. Thank you for your time. Beautiful when they are used.
I visited that museum 15 minutes from Asheville North Carolina! It was awesome! And the Town of Maggie Valley is a beautiful town!
My bucket list is to spend a day or two at this place.
The museum is in a beautiful area, life is short.
I think I'd need a week. 👍
You will not be disappointed!! It is amazing and overwhelming!! Matt is a gracious host as well as the entire staff!!
Go bud, do it! Just be sure to call to make sure they’re open for the day, one trip I can say you won’t be disappointed!!
I should add that some friends of mine went to the museum just after it had opened. They rode from Iowa and got there right after it opened for the day. Dale was sitting by the front door talking on the phone when they rode up and he motioned for them to come in and when he got off the phone he walked in and BS'd with them for a while. Everyone said he was the real deal and the museum was a whole day visit. On my list for sure, wanna ride from Iowa and see the East.
Totally awesome, 1912 and still running, wow
Great episode, very informative.
Spectacular! What great condition!
Thanks for showing us this bike it's amazing how it stills runs
That throttle linkage is fascinating. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
Pretty sweet that its on display without being restored.
Too cool for school. I appreciate that you keep those bikes in original condition when possible. Keep up the good work Matt.
Thanks for putting a smile on my face first thing Monday morning 😃
Buddy what your doing is so important i thank you and hope you receive the support you deserve.
Starts and runs amazingly well.
What a glorious machine. I like that there is basically nothing hidden from you. It has the same will-last-forever aesthetic as the old sewing machines.
God i love that old stuff! What great machines these are!
Music to my ears. What an amazing machine, thank you for sharing!
Thanks for another fantastic video, Matt. I really love your videos!
Thanks for watching. Stay tuned for more!
That Excesior is so amazing!!! Over 100 yrs.old and still runs great!!!😊
allways loved veterans, so many ingenius solutions to engineering problems.
the throttle linkages on the excelsior are a marvel.
Matt, I love your enthusiasm for this fantastic old bike. Great video, too. , man.
I'm so glad you guys do videos like this. There are not many organizations that can share this information, and there's no obligation for your to do so. But you do, and it is so very, VERY appreciated.
I was lucky enough to have visited the museum a couple years ago, and the entire staff is amazing. Every member is willing to talk your ear off about any exhibit they have, and every few seconds you hear something somewhere being started. I'm trying to drag my brother back, but I'll be back sooner than later.
Thank you for sharing this. My great-grandfather had a 1914 Excelsior Twin. I have some pictures and the original owner’s manual, and have often wondered what it must have sounded like!
I love his knowledge and passion.
This video was "suggested" .... as I dig things with motors whether 4 or 2 wheels and also machines without motors like Schwinn's ... what a time piece. And with all the other machines in the background ... Subscribed.
Damn starts easier than my puch mopeds. I really think I was born in the wrong time I hate the stuff we have today but I'm fascinated with these old bikes and cars. Made to last and also made to be able for the owner to be able to do his own repairs
Reminds me of my old Puch, the pedaling to start, the magneto, the compression release, the single speed... was an awesome vehicle in it's own way....
Man, I Love this channel! This was so AMAZING! Thanks to Matt and crew for all they do!
Love your videos. Your kind of knowledge is very rare. Bravo!
Have you guys seen Paul Brodies Excelsior Board Track Replica? A wonderful homage and a true labor of love.
Always a pleasure to watch your content. Learning and enjoying the most innovative motorcycle technology...
Matt that bike really is AMAZING.....Thanks for showing us it 👍
Old Navy Flying Shoe🇺🇸
Beautiful motorcycle Matt . Killer video. Cheers mate
Thanks Matt so interesting and informative. Love to visit one day from here in Australia but for now I’ll show support through buying a raffle ticket for the bobber. Cheers Jon
Great machine. Paul Brodie's excelsior is a killer modern rebuild of this beast
What a neat old bike! Thanks for doing this!
I'm not a motorcycle owner, nor even a rider. But I've known about Excelsiors since I was a kid. I read a story about them being the motorcycle of choice in the NYPD fleet.
What surprises me more than anything is that so few present-day motorcycle owners have even heard of the brand. Here's hoping your business is successful for a long time!
A truly beautiful machine!!
Thanks for sharing. Runs great. Quality used to be job one. I have a 1905 Kimball Player Piano that still works great. To be fair it has had required maintenance since pianos degrade just sitting but hey. it is still very impressive.
Wow!!! Matt, that bike is fantastic!!! Gene from Tennessee.
I love your channel and will sooner or later be able to come take the tour.
But there's ONE thing you could do that would REALLY make your video's even better.
Bring the camera in close when you're explaining some of the unique features of these priceless antiques.
Liked and subbed, beautiful collection. Cheers from Canada.Looking forward to working my way through all your content and sharing with friends here in the snowy north of Calgary, Alberta.
Great video. Would love to see your museum. If the headlight worked liked a miners light it used carbide and water to produce acetylene same as I used head lighting rabbits when I was a boy (71). Belt looks new too. Sounds great.
Probably the most beautiful throttle and timing linkage I've ever seen was on a 1910 Yale single. Absolute mechanical art.
Matt, is it possible to get a Throttle diagram? Like to see the entire system from handlebars to the carburetor.
Even a few close up pictures then a couple of sketches.
As everyone always says, you and your team are the best!
When we gonna get a video on some of them Choppers on the background there? That'd be Rad!
Love what You guys do. 🤙🏼
Coming up soon!
Beautiful bike!
Thanks, Matt
Very, very interesting and informative nice work your doing 👍 cheers 🥂
One of my favorite Bikes
That mechanical throttle linkage is really cool! Now days just some boring colored wire runs out of a throttle to a servo lol; the visuals of all the mechanical action are half the draw to these old machines.
Awesome so cool you get to start a bike that old
Once again you have made a great video. Keep it up Matt!
Thank you for watching!
Thats one beautiful bike
What we think of it as primitive technology for today's standards. Was actually the highest of technical advancement of the time. Cool then and even cooler now 👍 thanks WTT
TH-cam knew what they were doing when they directed me to this channel. Subd!
Great bike! Can we have the story of Henderson, with all your current examples? I'm also wondering what you may know about cyclecar racing. Several drivers in the 1920's used Henderson bike engines, to power their cyclecars, in southeast Michigan, and they raced those, early motorcycles, and stripped down Model T's at the State Fairgrounds in Detroit, at the time. I know this happened elsewhere around the country, but southeast Michigan and northern Ohio, had more Henderson bikes around than other states.
That is what you call a survivor.
Please never restore it.
Officer: "Your headlamp isnt working". You: "My matches got wet."
Wow! Amazing old machine.
Wow, that was fantastic.
It's beautiful!
Awesomely awesome 😍😍
That was crazy good!...
Love your dedication and commitment Matt. How do you close the shop and sleep somewhere else? If I was left to take care of what you have, I'd sleep in the shop on my swag with my Pittbull X beside me.
Several years ago, a good friend of mine bought a 1911 like this model. He let me ride it and man did it go!
Reminds of a movie I watched as a kid in early 60s, early Cannon ball run . So Cool chug chug chug.
Totally awesome
I have a 99 Super X, love it.
Great stuff , ...😎
Excelsior along with Flying Merkel were my two favorite names of companies.
Awesome idle!
Excellent, if the lamp electric or carbide?
Wow. Just Wow!
Marvellous!
..one of my older cousins inherited a 1913 Excelsior Board Track Racer from the Uncle that raised him.. it's never been apart it's still in it's original paint it's never not been a running rideable motorcycle...
You should go up to Pioneer Village in Minden Nebraska and check out their excelsiors.
Amazing 👍👌
Hey Matt, do you know anything about Hensev headlights specifically what bike it /they might have been on back in the day?
Wonderful
I worked on Charles Linbergh's 1920 Excelsior at The Henry Ford Museum.