Motorcycle Photographer Looking for Bikes

[jolsen]

Earlier this month I could spend a day at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa. It's a fine museum with bikes displayed for good viewing and great information signage about each one. It's sad to say, but they'll be closing forever at the end of this summer, so don't delay in making a visit if you haven't already. Pick up some museum tee shirts while you're at it.

I shot color and B&W with several battery flashes and a portable backdrop -really had a great day!

R2 N3 Curtis PMW.jpg
1906 Curtiss Twin

I Ariel 18 PMW.jpg
1933 Ariel Square Four

[jolsen]

A fine 1953 Panhead (previously AMCA-judged at 99 1/4) at the Pandemonium meet at the Harley-Davidson Museum yesterday. I heard there were 86 Panheads registered for the ride. The Badger Heritage Chapter organized the field games and everyone had a great day.

4 1953 Pan 1022 PMW.jpg

4 1953 Pan1024 PMW.jpg

[jolsen]

Also at the Wild Ones event in Milwaukee I found this 1975 Ducati. I used three battery flashes and the owner and bystanders held up a backdrop for me. I'd really like to get this into a garage setting so that I could refine the image, but this is still nice. If you've got a vintage bike that I could shoot (within 250 miles of Madison) send me an email at john.olsen337@gmail.com. More images at www.johnolsenphoto.com.

9 1975 GT 1046 PMW.jpg

[jolsen]

Back in action after a break, I got to shoot a group of 13 bikes that are slated for the 2024 auction in Vegas. We did 6 poses of each in digital color and one or two on B&W film. If you've got a vintage bike that I could shoot (within 250 miles of Madison) send me an email at john.olsen337@gmail.com. More images at www.johnolsenphoto.com.

1915 IndianHeldie Engine right 1475.jpg

[jolsen]

Here's another coming up for auction in Las Vegas - a 1918 Harley-Davidson - for the more ambitious restorer. See more at www.johnolsenphoto.com.

1918 H-D Engine right qtr1415.jpg

[jolsen]

I recently found out what a resource Throttlestop in Elkhart Lake WI is. Not only are they a dealer in vintage bikes, but their space includes a museum of 200 beautifully restored vintage motorcycles. Being just north of Milwaukee you might expect a heavy Harley-Davidson display. To my surprise they've got a range of Ducatis and plenty of Japanese Fours. There's even a Münch for your viewing pleasure. Here's their Flying Merkel. Other images from my day there are at www.johnolsenphoto.com. If you've got a bike to have photographed send me an email at john.olsen337@gmail.com. (It's free)

Merkel D Vign.jpg

[jolsen]

An exercise in excess, is the mighty Münch. A 1200cc NSU car engine crammed into the frame as custom build. We don't see a lot of these in the U.S., but there's a nice one at Throttlestop. See more at www.johnolsenphoto.com.

Munch D Vign.jpg

[jolsen]

I found many bikes to shoot at the Wauseon event last week. Rode my trusty 1999 Honda VTR there, so my photography was limited to two small flashes and a bunch of photoshopping afterward. There are more on my site at johnolsenphoto.com. Contact me for free photos of your bike if you're in the Wisconsin/Illinois area.

1906 Curtiss V8.jpg

[jolsen]

Just back from a couple of days at the Chief Blackhawk Chapter's show and swap meet in Davenport, IA. It was a fine event. I motored over on my Honda VTR with a camera, 3 flashes and a couple of tripods. (Riding was not so comfy.) All of the photos are at www.johnolsenphoto.com. Here are the first two as I walked in the gate:

1925 Harley-Davidson

2 25 H-D 1098 PMW.jpg

1948 MotoGuzzi Airone

1b 48 Guzzi 1096 PMW.jpg

[jolsen]

Just so you know that not all restorers are slaves to strict judging, here's a nice Hercules Wankel:

3 Hercules 1106 cropped PMW.jpg

[RichO]

Jolson, So much history in that 1925 JDH of John Cameron (original Boozefighter). Still lovingly maintained by his grandson Craig Taylor. Good to see it out and about.

[Rubone]

Love the Guzzi, I got to ride a nice Falcone Sport many years ago and still remember it!

[jolsen]

Thanks for the info on the JDH. Davenport also had a couple of Peashooters, both '34s.

More at www.johnolsenphoto.com

7a 34 Peashooter CAC 1121 PMW.jpg

6 34 Peashooter 1117 PMW.jpg

[Rubone]

A fine 1953 Panhead (previously AMCA-judged at 99 1/4) at the Pandemonium meet at the Harley-Davidson Museum yesterday. I heard there were 86 Panheads registered for the ride. The Badger Heritage Chapter organized the field games and everyone had a great day.

4 1953 Pan 1022 PMW.jpg

4 1953 Pan1024 PMW.jpg

Those judges need their eyes checked....

[exeric]

You got me looking, Robbie. I see the fudge-sickle starter pedal, and more bling, and flash than I like but you have better eyes than me. I am confused about the gear cover issue, but that could be a long thread all by itself.