Kickstands Up! Exhibit Opens at MOHAI in Seattle

Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) officially kicked off a major new motorcycle exhibition today with Kickstands Up! Day of Champions, marking the opening of Kickstands Up! 125 Years of Motorcycling in the Pacific Northwest.

The opening-day event celebrated the people and organizations that have shaped motorcycling culture, sport, and safety across the region. Award recipients shared personal stories that brought the long and varied history of motorcycling in the Pacific Northwest to life, setting the tone for an exhibition that spans more than a century of riding.

Why It Matters to Sport Touring Riders

Sport touring blends riding with discovery, and Kickstands Up! 125 Years of Motorcycling in the PNW adds context to the roads and communities many riders travel through today. The exhibition highlights the machines, racers, safety advocates, and organizations that shaped, and continue to shape, motorcycling in the Northwest.

For riders passing through or spending time in Seattle, MOHAI offers a meaningful off-bike stop that complements a multi-day tour: historically rich, motorcycle-focused, and directly connected to the region’s riding culture. It is a reminder that sport touring is not just about covering distance, but about understanding the story behind the journey.

A Deep Look at Northwest Motorcycling History

Visitors to Kickstands Up! 125 Years of Motorcycling in the PNW will find motorcycles of every kind on display, with a particular emphasis on rare and vintage machines. Some bikes have been restored to showroom perfection, while others are presented in their naturally aged condition, highlighting their authenticity and the eras they represent.

The exhibition explores how motorcycling has evolved in the Northwest—from early machines to competition, clubs, and community—making it a worthwhile stop for riders interested in both the mechanical and cultural roots of the sport.

Honoring the Champions

As part of the Day of Champions program, MOHAI and the Pacific Northwest Museum of Motorcycling recognized individuals and organizations for their lasting contributions to motorcycling in the region. Honorees included Debbi Selden, Steve Baker, the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association (WMRRA), the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the Washington State Motorcycle Hall of Fame, and Terry Saxlund.

The program also featured guided exhibit tours led by local motorcycling historians, hands-on activities for visitors, and appearances by members of the legendary Cossacks Motorcycle Stunt and Drill Team.

WMRRA and the Northwest Racing Community

The Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association was also on hand, underscoring the strong connection between Northwest motorcycling history and its active racing community. WMRRA has long played a role in developing road racers while emphasizing safety, accessibility, and rider education, making it a natural fit within an exhibition that traces the evolution of motorcycling in the region.

For visitors interested in the competitive side of motorcycling, WMRRA’s presence highlighted how today’s racing culture continues to build on the foundations represented throughout the Kickstands Up! exhibit.

More to Come in 2026

MOHAI’s motorcycle programming continues into the new year. On January 13, 2026, the museum will host Breaking Barriers: Women in Motorcycling, a presentation celebrating the history and legacy of Northwest women who have made lasting contributions to motorcycling.

Plan Your Visit

Kickstands Up! 125 Years of Motorcycling in the PNW runs through April 26, 2026, making it an easy addition to spring ride itinerary – or a destination stop for riders traveling through Seattle.

For hours, ticket prices, and additional details, visit the Museum of History & Industry website.