The Volland Store gallery in the rolling Flint Hills near Alma, Kansas might seem an unlikely place for a vintage motorcycle exhibit, but motorcycles have been an integral part of this building’s history since it was constructed in 1913.
Otto Kratzer, one of the owners of the original Volland general store, was such an avid motorcyclist that he and Gene Hawes set off for California on their Indian motorcycles in October of 1914. Kratzer also liked photography, and he recorded the life in and around the community of Volland (which is now mostly gone). But there are numerous pictures of him with his motorcycle.
In 2012, Patty and Jerry Reece purchased the Volland store to save it, as its roof and floors had fallen into the basement. The exterior was in excellent shape, so the structure was rebuilt from the inside out. The building is now a gallery and event space, and exhibits of various kinds are held throughout the year.
In 2016, I suggested an October vintage motorcycle exhibit called Time Machines to honor Kratzer’s California adventure, as well as his history with motorcycles. In addition to showcasing nine significant bikes in the gallery, the event is a gathering place for local enthusiasts who like to ride the rolling, winding roads of the Flint Hills. The two-day exhibition includes food trucks and music on the lawn.
There are several well-known motorcycle collectors in Kansas, and the high-quality bikes on display are as breathtaking as expensive jewelry. Here are six of them:
Image Credit: Volland Store Archives.
1. 1950 Vincent Red Rapide
The Red Rapide is extremely rare, and thought to be one of the most collectible motorcycles in the world. The 998-cc, V-twin engine is known for its power even today. While most Vincent motorcycles were black, Phil Vincent reached a sales agreement with Indian Sales Corporation, which became his American agent in 1950. It is estimated that Indian repainted 107 Vincent motorcycles Chinese red. The color then became part of the vehicle’s name. Dale Keesecker of Washington, Kansas restored this model.
Image Credit: Volland Store Archives.
2. 1913 Sears De Luxe
Sears, Roebuck and Co. added a motorcycle to its catalog in 1912. The De Luxe Dreadnought Twin had a V-twin engine purchased from the F.W. Spacke Machine Company of Indianapolis. It delivered 9 horsepower. Dan Holman of Gardner, Kansas, owns it.
Image Credit: Volland Store Archives.
3. 1941 Indian Four
The 1941 Indian Four’s deco styling is two-wheeled elegance. Indian bought the Ace Motorcycle Corporation in 1927 and quickly turned this model out from 1928 to 1942. The 77-cubic inch engine was updated with a five-bearing crankshaft. Additionally, the large, decorative fenders and a plunger-type rear suspension were added in 1940. Jim Justice of Overland Park, Kansas, is the owner.
Image Credit: Volland Store Archives.
4. 1972 Norton Commando
Ken Tripkos picked up his Norton Commando as a basket case. He meticulously rebuilt the combat engine and added electronic ignition, a Dunstall gas tank and a Dresda fairing. The motorcycle is no trailer queen — Tripkos raced it in three American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association road races. His best finish was a third in class at Road America in Wisconsin.
Image Credit: Volland Store Archives.
5. 1962 Parkin Vincent
This remarkable 998-cc Vincent is the actual machine developed and raced by Derek Parkin of England. In 1962, after racing his Black Shadow for several seasons, Parkin decided to create a production machine that could challenge the best from Norton and Triumph. Parkin completed the bike in 1967 and scored six firsts, three seconds and one third out of 10 events. Dale Keesecker of Washington, Kansas, restored it.
Image Credit: Volland Store Archives.
6. 1955 BSA Gold Star
Dan Lowery of Lawrence, Kansas, is a BSA collector. His Gold Star is configured as a Clubman that you might find in the United Kingdom. It has an RRT close-ratio gearbox, a racing seat, a four-gallon Clubman tank, clip-on handlebars and rear-set foot pegs. Gold Stars, made from 1938 to 1963 in 350-cc and 500-cc models, dominated the Isle of Man TT in 1956.
Part of the Volland Store’s legacy is that it is once again a center of community activity whenever there is an exhibit. Next year’s motorcycle exhibition will be October 19-20. Alma is just south of I-70, about 90 miles west of Kansas City.
This article originally appeared on ClassicCars.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Image Credit: Volland Store Archives.
