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(Asylum: An institution for the care of the needy or afflicted)
The Asylum Museum is finally taking shape and the time has come to get it on the web. Instead of sending updates via e-mail, this site will serve as a virtual progress report on the project.
If you're a friend or customer who would like to keep up with the ongoing development of the museum, save this in your favorites! If you're just browsing, enjoy!
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New Bike! A 1974 Benelli Tornado. This bike has 1700 miles on it, but had been parked for many years. The left side was stuck, and the carb on that side was missing an internal plug, probably why it was parked. Runs great now! Daily transportation! |
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New Project! A 1971 police Ambassador. This is a frame up cosmetic restoration with an original engine. See "Works in Progress" for details. |
History of The Asylum
"The Asylum" is business we started in 1976, selling parts and working on local British, German and Italian motorcycles. Mechanical and restoration work on customer motorcycles is still a priority, but we will also be spending much of our time over the next few years developing the museum.
There are about 60 running motorcycles in the Asylum collection and another 20 or so parts bikes which may, if I live long enough, become whole again as well.
The original Asylum business was operated out of a 20X22 shop for years, and it was driving us nuts. The problem was, of course, space to store the bikes and parts, and room to work.
The decision was made, supported by my lovely and tolerant partner (wife) to expand, with two conditions: We build enough space to park her car inside in the winter, and we move the motorcycle out of the living room, where it had been for over 15 years.
The Asylum name was "reinvented" as a partnership between my wife and me. We still have to store about half the bikes, but at least now we can display the best and have room to work and appreciate the fruits of our labors. It makes a very interesting addition to the shop and our customers love it!
We have also expanded the scope of the Asylum museum to include old Mercury outboard motors and a collection of toy outboards from the 50's and 60's.
In other words, The Asylum has grown.
The old Asylum shop building is history, replaced with a 32X46 two story structure. The lower floor is the work shop, equipped with mill, lathe, welders, etc, etc, etc. The process of repairing and restoring old motorcycles and old Merc outboards should be considerably enhanced!
The reddish blob of light on the bench is "The Asylum" neon sign that is shown above, now upstairs. The bike on the lift is a '77 900SS Ducati, one of the crown jewels of the collection.
The upper floor is a finished display area, which required a great deal of slave labor to complete! Just ask the kids! The floor was the greatest challenge, but well worth the effort.
The finished product (The reddish blob above the flag is the Asylum neon sign):
The lower level also provides space for the parts inventory, now all in one place, for the first time!
Disclaimer: Well, this is a start, and I'll try to keep it current. Any problems viewing it, or suggestions, you can email me at hultman@rea-alp.com
Links to the rest of the site:
Interesting Links: Motorcycles
AJ Lewis' Ariel Motorcycles Revisited
Velocette - Goodman Engineering
Interesting Links: Outboard Motors
The Antique Outboard Motor Club
Alterscale Miniature Outboards
Interesting Links: Miscellaneous
Alexandria Minnesota Class of '67
