Harley-Davidson fans flocking to museum

Milwaukee -- Fans of Harley-Davidson say the allure of the famous motorcycle brand is drawing them to Milwaukee to visit the new museum chronicling its history.

Michigan native Bob Milan said he drove hundreds of miles to the Wisconsin city just to enjoy the numerous Harley-Davidson creations displayed at the Harley-Davidson Museum that opened Saturday, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported.

"Even though I have a brand-new Harley, I like the old 'rat bikes' from years ago," Milan said.

Thousands of H-D fans were on hand for Saturday's opening ceremony of the $75 million tourist site, allowing a glimpse into the counterculture associated with the company.

"The social history of Harley-Davidson riders is just as interesting as the bikes," Clemson University Professor Jan Holmevik said.

The Journal-Sentinel said Harley-Davidson created the museum hoping it soon would become a major tourist destination like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.