Top 10 Motorcycle-Savvy Art Installations

Motorcycles themselves are a work of art. Brushed steel and intricate curvature are just a few of the design elements lauded by bike enthusiasts the world over. The methods by which they are honored, displayed, and paid tribute to, however, may also be considered an art. If you enjoy an afternoon at the museum, or just a ride on your crotch rocket, these 10 cycle-savvy art installations were tailor-made for you.

The Suspended Fireblade

In 2010, artist Kyle Bean suspended Honda’s infamous Fireblade motorcycle from the equally infamous Selfridges department store in London. Motorcycle parts perfectly counterweighted the machine in an impressive artistic display that functioned as a beautiful meditation on the laws of physics. You can see a fascinating video of the suspension here.
The Art of the Motorcycle

The largest art installation dealing with motorcycles ever, the Guggenheim Museum in New York launched “The Art of the Motorcycle” in 1998. The work, intended to capture the spirit of the motorcycle, traveled the world after leaving the Guggenheim. Of the featured bikes, many crowd favorites like the Honda Super Cub, the undeniably American Harley Davidson XLCR, and the Ducati 916 were not only artful, but road-ready, while historical bikes (like the 1885 Daimlet Einspur) and new-age concept bikes fleshed out the installation — making it high art.
Motorcycle Man

Simon Roberts’ Motorcycle Man is a sculpture made from more than 1,000 recycled motorcycle parts. Taking more than 750 hours to construct, the anthropomorphic statue is made entirely from reused materials — a project conceived by British graphic designer and motorcycle world traveler/cartoonist Simon Roberts, and executed by the arthouse RoboSteel.
20th Century Cycles: The Motorcycle as Art and Icon

In 2010, piano man Billy Joel opened a motorcycle gallery in Long Island’s Oyster Bay called 20th Century Cycles. A longtime bike enthusiast, the legendary artist’s collection was displayed first as “20th Century Cycles: The Motorcycle as Art and Icon,” at the Christy’s Building Art Center in Sag Harbor — but was given a permanent resting home in Oyster Bay.
National Motorcycle Museum

The National Motorcycle Museum contains scads of artistic motorcycles and motorcycle art. The permanent and traveling exhibits at the Anamosa, Iowa, museum feature many installments on motorcycle art.
David Mann’s Shows

David Mann was a California biker and painter that brought his riding lifestyle to his canvas. Integrating his lifetime of riding motorcycles with his art, Mann was a true proponent of the “Easyrider” philosophy. Called the Norman Rockwell of motorcycle art, and a fixture in both the motorcycle and painting communities of Western America throughout his career, Mann’s work has been on display in galleries, museums, and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Topanga Canyon Drive

In this California art gallery that you can speed through on your cycle, professional biker Rick Denman has created “The Great Wall of Topanga,” housing local L.A. artists and graffiti. This art gallery changes, and your commute could feature different art every time you bike by.
Urban Gallery, Salt Lake City

If you’re biking in Utah, be sure to check out the drive-through art gallery called Neighborhood House. This mural project is the result of collaboration and a focus on public art. Motorcycle friendly and brightly colored, Neighborhood House doesn’t even require you to get off the bike.
Kosmic Krylon Garage

Another California favorite, in 2004 L.A. artist Kenny Scharf created a way to showcase his artistic works — by turning a Pasadena parking garage into an art installation. If you need to park it and get off the bike for a moment, the garage — and the art — won’t disappoint.
Two Wheels, One Journey

In March of 2012, the small town of Belton, S.C. will host “Two Wheels, One Journey,” a motorcycle themed art show for lovers of the road from the deep South. All mediums will be considered for entry, and the focus is “the leather, the bikes,” and “the lifestyle.”