During first years of the 1970’s, I was seeking JD components for an aged 24′ Harley Davidson basket case I had purchased inexpensive at an AMC convention in Schenectady, New York. During the search, I discovered Bill’s Custom Cycles in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. A phone call confirmed Bill’s shop had many of the pieces I was looking for, and so I borrowed my mother’s car, brought my friend with me, and off we traveled to Pennsylvania in quest of rusty gold! Located in a nondescript cinder block structure not far off the highway, I was uncertain of what to anticipate from Bill’s shop. As I walked in, the building opened up into a large room, the angels started to come down singing, and bright light streamed forth from God. I was definitely in the right destination.
I discovered display cases jam packed with aged saved motors, NOS H-D components in those wonderful black and orange boxes, a niche of antique biking hats , and an extended, L-shaped countertop with shelves filled with stuff behind it. Distributed over the big space were reconditioned Barleys of every model known: Panheads, 45’s, Knuckleheads, just a few Indians. Take your pick and yes it was there. Bill Morris, the proprietor, specialized in buying out Harley Davidson retailers that have gone belly up. His shop was piled with NOS parts from all eras. He also specialized in collecting all sorts of stuff and would certainly buy out something old that he loved; his assortment evolved to immense proportions!
In 1999, he questioned himself, what good was all this stuff if you could not see it, feel it, touch it, enjoy it, and share it with others? Hence, he started work on what would end up being the beginning of his expanding museum, known as Bill’s Old Bike Barn. He put to use an entire barn he obtained and reassembled the interior of the building to store the exhibits, and it looks good as a backdrop where they would present his stuff. He stacked the place which has a huge cross section of bikes and motorcycle memorabilia.
Bill observed that the museum was best for individuals that are into motorbikes and vehicles, but Bill wanted to show something for everyone to ensure the gallery could be a destination for not only bike and automobile lovers but for families as well. He bought two more buildings, now totaling 45,000 square ft. and supplied them with some other relics to interest even the most picky antique lovers.
Bill prepared a large number of antiques in a group of stores that resemble a small town called Billville, which has everything from a 1939 World’s Fair bar, to a mayor’s office, to a post office and anything in between! The museum is awesome, so take the whole family with you, and intend on spending a day to take it all in. There is something for everyone.
When upgrading your bike, make sure you install high quality parts and accessories like, brake cables, Z bars, chains, rims, and a lot more. This gives you the confidence and comfort knowing that you’re safe riding with products that will not fail on the road.
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