The Evel Knievel Museum is attached to Historic Harley-Davidson but draws support from the entire Topeka community. The world-class operation is obviously a source of civic pride.
The shot of George Hamilton racing toward the canyon and destiny in the 1971 movie, “Evel Knievel,” had my eyes glued to the screen at our local theater. Like many kids in the ?70s, I wanted to be Evel. A true American icon, I?m glad somebody finally built a museum in his honor. I approached the Evel Knievel Museum in Topeka with cautious optimism, expecting to see one or two bikes and a couple sets of leathers. Man was I surprised. Along with four documented Knievel motorcycles, the centerpiece is his Mack transporter found rotting in a Florida salvage yard. Like the bulk of the exhibits, much of the work on the rig was handled in-house. The overall project was completed in a couple of years. The 1969 American Eagle by Laverda. A documented jump bike with 13 attempts and six crashes. Acquired in rough condition and restored in-house. Simply too heavy for the task.
Samuel: ?I looked down and I was wearing Evel Knievel?s leathers. I looked behind, and there was his cape, flapping in the wind. Cool!?
Along with bikes and memorabilia, the museum includes several interactive exhibits. One provides a virtual reality experience of jumping a Harley XR750 over 16 police cars, accomplished by outfitting rider Doug Danger with multiple cameras and doing an actual jump in downtown Topeka. A separ...