New Museum Exhibit Features 100 Celebrity Motorcycles
By: MJ REYNOLDS for Bikeweek.com
Posted: Mar.17.08

The 2004 MV Agusta F4-SPR ridden by Will Smith in "I, Robot" and the Killin Time motorcycle by Austin Weiss for will.i.am (frontman for Black Eyed Peas) are among the celeb bikes featured in "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles" that opens in April 2008 at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio.

The exhibit will occupy more than 8,000 square feet of museum space and feature many priceless machines, exclusive memorabilia and tales from celebrities' favorite two-wheel adventures.

Over 100 of the world's most recognizable enthusiasts will be spotlighted, including today's stars of screen, sports, music and even the board room.

A dedication ceremony for "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles" is planned for June 28, on the grounds of the museum.

Auto racing legend, Alligator motorcycle inventor and manufacturer Dan Gurney will be featured with "Alligator IV." And museum visitors will get a peek inside General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz's garage.

Others in the show are "King of the Kustomizers" George Barris; and rock legend, "Rush" drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart. Exotic custom motorcycles designed and built by Austin Weiss for entertainers such as will.i.am, frontman for hip-hop group "The Black Eyed Peas", and Carlos Mencia, critically-acclaimed comic and star of Comedy Central's "Mind of Mencia", will also be featured.

"The Museum extends its thanks to those who have already agreed to play a role in this significant exhibit," said Mark Mederski, the museum's executive director. "To make 'MotoStars' as diverse and comprehensive as possible, the Museum welcomes further support and assistance from industry colleagues, collectors and celebrities in gathering pedigreed machines and memorabilia."

Throughout history, motorcycles have played a starring role in the public and private lives of a significant number of celebrities and personalities. Whether they are adventure tourers, collectors, builders or ambassadors of the sport, each MotoStar has a unique story to tell about what fueled their interest and love for riding.

"Motorcycling, whether an occasional hobby or lifelong obsession, has always connected individuals from very different walks of life," said Mederski. "Whether you work in a factory, the corporate suite, or on a Hollywood set, you'll always have a shared bond and make new friends if you spend time on two wheels. For that reason alone, we expect this to be our most popular exhibit ever."