And that was just the reason to head off to the lovely Larz Anderson museum in Brookline, Massachusetts for the wonderful lawn show of European motorcycles on their beautiful 64-acre compound. The show featured every brand of European motorcycle you know about and a hell of a lot of others you had no idea about. The designs, configurations, and colors were stunning and could easily give a V-twin custom builder new angles to ponder and incorporate on their own bikes. Apparently a lot of Harley riders felt the same way as the number of H-Ds parked in the ring around the event was pretty damn high. Yeah, I was a little shocked by that, but it probably shouldn’t have surprised me as motorcycles are motorcycles regardless where they come from to true motorcyclists.

There is also the Larz Anderson Museum to check out too with great displays of cars and motorcycles in a remarkably beautiful carriage house built in 1888. With factory test rides, good food, a wide spectrum of enthusiastic and friendly people, and a beautiful lawn and surroundings to stroll around on, what’s not to like?

If you’re looking for something different to do and especially an excuse for someplace different to ride to, check out the museums or the local shows in your area. You might be surprised what they host and it’s a great way to spend a day without blowing a ton of dough. Plus, you just might find some cool ideas you can incorporate in your own bike whether it’s an exhaust or a paint scheme.

For more info on America’s oldest privately owned auto museum, please visit http://larzanderson.org/.