Legends come to life

Entrance to the Design Lab on the Museum's lower level.

From clay to steel. This model of the V-Rod was created in 1996 and modified numerous times during development.

Development of a new product involves engineering drawings and prototypes, such as this frame nicknamed the “Betatail”

Early tools of the trade. An engineer's arsenal in the 1940s often included calipers, scales, slide rules, and notebooks featuring detailed sketches.

The Design lab presents both engineering and artistic sides of Harley-Davidson. Seen here are preliminary tank-art sketches.

Design Lab

Within the frosted-glass walls of this gallery lie the testaments to Harley-Davidson's neverending drive towards uncompromising quality and design.

From a hand-written design notebook dating back to the 1940s, to the original clay styling prototype of the 2002 V-Rod® motorcycle, you can trace Harley-Davidson's design influence. This exhibit covers the early Engineering Departments as well as the first Styling Department formed in 1963 – all the way to today's Willie G. Davidson Product Development Center.

More Exhibits

• Worn To Be Wild
• Experience Gallery
• Engine Room
• Clubs & Competition
• Custom Culture
• Design Lab
• The Harley-Davidson Journey, Part 1
• The Harley-Davidson Journey, Part 2
• The Journey of the Iron Elite
• The Motorcycle Gallery, Part 1: 1903 – 1940s
• The Motorcycle Gallery, Part 2: 1940s – Present
• Tank Wall
• Imagination Station
• Build A Bike
• Tsunami Bike
• Designing a Celebration