New exhibit opens at the Harley-Davidson Museum



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Before a Harley-Davidson can hit the road, it is first a concept, then a prototype, and then an iconic motorcycle.

"That's why we're displaying this museum exhibit, to re-tell the story of the biggest development evolution that Harley-Davidson has ever gone through," says Project Rushmore Chief Engineer Ben Wright.

The Harley-Davidson Museum just opened its newest exhibit, which takes visitors through the evolution of its 2014 Touring bike.

Project Rushmore is both the name of the exhibit and the 3-year development process for the more than 100 upgrades and changes made to this popular motorcycle.

"Our exhibit focuses on how these issues were addressed and kind of the creativity and ingenuity of all of the folks out at Harley's product development center," says Harley-Davidson Museum Curatorial Director Jim Fricke.

The exhibit highlights the high-tech additions, the upgrades in comfort, and of course the extra power.

"Customers want more passing power so hit the throttle and be able to pass those vehicles. We have displays here showing the new twin cool power-train and how that gets more performance so you can have more power for passing," says Harley-Davidson Director of Product Planning Scott Habegger.

With the Touring bikes being among Harley-Davidson's top sellers, many motorcycle enthusiasts can't wait to make the 2014 model their own.

"Last Monday, the bikes started arriving at all of the dealerships and we literally had customers at dealerships waiting for the trucks to arrive," says Wright.

Now they're waiting for the clock outside the Harley-Davidson Museum to hit zero, so the celebrations can begin.

The Project Rushmore exhibit is now open at the Harley-Davidson Museum.

The museum is extending its hours from 9am to 9pm through Sunday for the 110th anniversary.