A Look Inside A Million Dollar Motorcycle!

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Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum, located in Maggie Valley, NC, features over 375 American motorcycles, unique cars, and transportation history.
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wheels through time

[@gaborkorthy8355]

When I was there many years ago Dale did the 105' burn out on the Crocker stopping in a skid just short of a Duesenberg! The holy grail of motorcycles and the holy grail of classic cars. Something I will never forget.

[@just_voices91]

That thing ain’t just a motorcycle it is a literal piece of art

[@poppajretired410]

Does anyone know more about motorcycles than this man? Such a pleasure to watch and listen to him as he works.

[@HarleyGeezer1954]

The wife and I drove up from the Tampa Bay area ands can't wait to see these bikes run. Another bucket list item down.

[@t.s.racing]

Great as always Matt ! Crocker lovers, there's a YT video, Mecum Auctions, 2019, a '39 Crocker that sold for $640,000. As a motorcycle hotrod guy I ABSOLUTELY love this !

[@nitrousninja882]

I always tell people the best motorcycle show ever on television was "What's In The Barn?" Dale was so likeable and I was really saddened when I heard of his passing. I hope to visit your museum someday and tell you about my old neighbor Bob Beatty who rode for Indian from 1937 until the war.

[@cameronlawrence1254]

You gotta love this stuff! Matt you’re doing more then restoring old bikes. You’re keeping American Ingenuity History Alive. Plus the bikes are super cool!!

[@timrowell94]

Hi Matt, we came to the museum in June and met the nicest people . We will be back. Ps you're staff is awesome.

[@dominiccundari8334]

i would love to work at the museum just to be around all those wonderful machines.Matt you have the best job on the planet and the love for what you do shines threw just like your father!

[@peteradely885]

Spent a day at Wheels thru time. Stayed locally at a motel so we could be there early. That was 7 years ago. Now a donation to help with Fire Suppression System. I was a Certified Fire Inspector in my town. Fair Lawn NJ Volunteer Fire Dept. Just wanted to help. Peter

[@mattwalksler]

Thanks for your support Peter!! Hope to see you back this way again soon.

[@johndc2998]

You're the man, thanks for what you do.

[@michaelphillips5786]

You may know my uncle, Jim Phillips..He was a firefighter in Essex co..

[@jonkrocker6244]

got to love a Crocker

[@bob1therace]

Love to see that your dads trike is hanging out while yawl play with the crocker

[@mrsmith1179]

Very much enjoyed watching the video. Crocker oiling systems were less than perfect. I rode #58 for years. First off, there is NO scraper in the cases. So after a while at high speed running they will wet sump. You first notice a slowing down and then SMOKE out the tail pipe. You have to pull over and lean the bike over and let the sump pick it up and send it back to the tank. Ask me how I know . . . Anything under 55 - 60 mph was OK. Also, the chrome screw and lock nut in the pressure pump is your adjustment. You can change to flow with that screw. It should be an interm8ittant spurt at an idle to the head(s). Additionally, Hemi Heads were not used in 1940. They had the parallel valve heads. Richard Morris put those heads on a 1940 set of cases. That bike WAS # 39 - 61 - 55. It belonged to the Ross Brothers in Chico Ca. before Richard acquired it. I had my breather out too trying to figure out why it seemed to not drain fast enough. I learned some tricks with the parallel valve set up but don't have a clue about the Hemi Heads.

[@bnghjtyu767]

Nice to hear somebody that actually knows a lot about those bikes. When he took that vent gear out I was cringing, why didn't he Mark that so he would know where it was at and how much he changed it. More like a private collection that they play with there are bikes, and make money from people that want to look at them, rather than a true museum.

[@blueridgerider2023]

@@bnghjtyu767 In my opinion it is an amazing museum, one where everything actually just works. If you have not yet visited, you should, I bet it will change your mind!

[@mrsmith1179]

@@bnghjtyu767 I cringed also. The guy knows his stuff so I'm guessing he did put it on TDC #1 before starting the video. Never having split the cases I don't blame him for not knowing there's no scraper. In fact my cases and flywheels were polished smooth inside which only worsens the oil drain back. The flywheels are like Indian as in both wheels are the same. There's a little pocket on the R. case where a 1/8" pipe fitting screws in for the return line. Not very well thought out IMHO. But I have utmost respect for the brand and Paul (PA) Bigsby. He did all the castings. The transmission case cast in the frame is a work of art with two trap doors holding it all together. There was a man named Ernie Skelton who made a "dam" and screwed it in each side of the cases to make a scraper. He claimed his son got pulled over on the freeway doing over 100 MPH. I don't doubt it.

[@bnghjtyu767]

@@blueridgerider2023 don't get me wrong I'm in all of the pieces on display and the bikes that are there but a true museum has a Restoration group that knows the units whatever they would be airplanes bikes cars inside and out as well as the original manufacturer and designers. This place is more amateur than that. In essence what this guy did on the floor is something like I would do and I am no curator of a museum that have crockers and or Vincent's and the like.

[@johnmartin7158]

@@mrsmith1179A video will only show so much.

[@daveco1270]

Did you see the arms-crossed spectator club in the background? That's how you watch another man work on his vintage motorcycle when you can't help out or have a beer to sip.... you go arms crossed, legs shoulder width apart, occasional nod. I wish I was there watching Matt do his thing. : ) 16:20

[@danielseymour6726]

What a machine ! Enjoyed looking into the heart of that beast. Trying to talk my ole butt into heading west early in the morning. We'll see.

[@mohawkdriver4155]

Gorgeous piece of machinery there. Thanks for sharing this classic bike.

[@2000tc88]

I just LOVE watching you guys do this sort of stuff to these old bikes. I cant thank you enough for posting these for us to watch and learn from. 👍🙂

[@0616ko]

Exciting stuff. Will be tuning in tomorrow.

[@msharmony2001]

You said that nothing is easy. Most things that are worthwhile typically are not. I love the engine stuff. Thank you so very much for sharing.

[@willhouse]

Do you guys have any info about Paul Bigsby on display? From what I gather he was Crocker's master mechanic & shop foreman (& OHV designer) after exiting the race circuit... but when Crocker ceased cycle production to manufacture aircraft parts during WWII, Bigsby started building guitars & electric mandolins. Soon enough he had quite a few illustrious clients, & his heavily-sprung vibrato tailpiece is still in production today. The shape of Bigsby's headstocks was even adopted by Fender for their Jazzmasters & Jaguars & Stratocasters to boot. 🎸

[@collewis6681]

Nice bike. Looks great

[@divine_swine9665]

Such amazing work of art and engineering. I’ve said this on Pacific Mike’s channel and I’ll repeat it here… I really enjoy consuming content from people who have a genuine passion for what they do. It doesn’t matter if it’s classic motorcycles (like this), making knives, or whatever the heck… it’s awesome to see. Having said that, I’ve GOTS to get out to your establishment to see the collection.

[@edreeder9853]

I saw your dad do that in I think 2017..... Been there 5 or 6 times after doing the dragon...

[@adamr4115]

😲 How cool was that 👍

[@user-bm1um9il3c]

Happy 20th aniversary guys.Man your dad was one of the rarest men they just dont makem like Mr.Dale except we git you man.

[@DailyDrivenBikes_1]

The videos you guys do they're always awesome, and crocker always said if someone got beat in race crocker would buy it back and he never had to. The sears bike is pretty awesome as well.

[@thevoxofreason8468]

When I was a young child (maybe around 8 or 9), I wanted a motorcycle like my dad. He had a pristine 68 FLH in the early 80s. Then I learned how expensive they were and my 9 yo self needed to find an alternative. It was around the same time when saw a few pictures of Crockers in a magazine. I didn't read any accompanying articles, but I fell in love. I thought they were beautiful. However, I never heard of them and never saw them on the road. I figured guys didn't really want them. I didn't know why. Oh well, their loss. These were my affordable alternative!These poor unwanted machines had to be pretty cheap. Right? I believed I had discovered a hidden gem! ...then I grew up.

[@coinneachmacghilleathain8587]

What a beautiful motorcycle.

[@marcmuke6378]

Matt if I was to visit the museum. What would be the best day to have a chance to meet you. Would be making a trip from Pittsburgh

[@mattwalksler]

I’m here almost every day! Gone to the Wauseon Swap mid July, but other than that, should be here all summer. Museum is open Thursday-Monday, 10-5.

[@jamesfvandeventerjr9012]

@@mattwalksler thank you Matt you did give me some fantastic gifts. I will see you Jim

[@marcmuke6378]

@@mattwalksler just noticed that you answered me. Thank you sir

[@chrisw8391]

Hi Matt. I visited last weekend. I wanted to see three bikes. Dale’s trike, the Crocker and the 41 red white and blue flat tracker. What a treat! We saw them all. And to take a photo with Dale’s trike was an honor. The Crocker is a work of art. Thank you to Andy for the great visit. Can’t wait to visit again. Chris W

[@brandontrivette340]

I’ll never forget watching your dad rip a mean burnout on the Crocker.

[@michaelnieman6218]

I remember watching your DAD running around that building starting I believe it was 100 bikes in a 100 minutes

[@yamahjett]

I love it! 105' long burnout on a priceless bike!

[@Ed-ty1kr]

What a beautiful machine.

[@katmandoism]

I remember that find.

[@automotiveaddiction428]

I never get tired of watching..always something amazing in your museum.

[@55scooterdude]

Your Dad would be proud of how much you have learned and keeping his dream alive, I had a lot of respect of Dale and you have earned mine as well

[@roberthocking9138]

What a magnificent bike, beautifully restored.

[@larspederson1451]

These videos explaining the mechanics of these awesome bikes are my favorite. Looking forward to anniversary and start up of 20 bikes 😊.

[@stevebumstead9840]

This is great stuff, thanks Matt!

[@justingreen4450]

Thank you so much for this Sir.

[@markschuman3615]

Dale is looking down from heaven with a proud smirk 😏 saying that's my son

[@gerrypowell2748]

Love your knowledge and passion,as for the bikes absolutely unique❤️👌

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Join in our Kickstart Challenge here > www.wheelsthroughtime.com/kickstart

[@jplav2952]

Love those colours

[@vincentbyron7086]

Love that chunky bronze bushing on the breather housing

[@DrPowerElectronics]

Great video! Very informative. My dad would keep the screws in the same holes when doing a job like that. It reduces wear on the threads. Also he used a tiny amount of molybdenum paste. Wonderful to see inside.

[@jimjohnson1285]

Wow that's is awesome bike... I'm definitely going to make sure I see it run... Looks like it will be a great day to tune in 👍👍👍

[@browngreen933]

Crocker is rare and desirable, but I much prefer the Knucklehead look. By comparison the Crocker looks like a 1920s vintage motor.

[@mattwalksler]

Knuckleheads are among the best of their time, but a Crocker will walk all over a Harley as far as performance goes.

[@browngreen933]

@@mattwalksler No doubt. But what about reliability? Was the Crocker bulletproof like the Harley-Davidson Knucklehead motor and transmission?

[@dennisriddle197]

Had an amazing time at the WTT museum Saturday as always, and the 2nd time i got to see the wall of death there in the last few years. Looking forward to seeing you grow. Happy 20th anniversary!!👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@mattwalksler]

Thanks Dennis!!

[@VoodooDewey69]

I want to wish you all a happy 20th anniversary, keep up the great content .

[@DrDickason]

I am just doing my first Harley (Evo) motor rebuild and just wrapped up the cam chest so watching you make an educated guess on the breather timing (and pour gas near that beautiful paint) was a bit stressful, haha! Keep up the good work!

[@jnault6441]

Tease!.....See you tomorrow

[@richardthomas1566]

I’m thinking Matts Dad would almost be Jealous if he wasn’t so Proud on the Job Matt is doing with Wheels Thru Time.

[@paulaabrams7058]

Loved the Video Matt. See ya tomorrow 😘 🤗

[@eastendcustomsandconversio4485]

Matt I love your channel it's friggin awesome I would love to be able to visit the museum it would make mine and my wife's day my friend just visited it last month and love not been able to get anytime off or had the funds to make the trip but I love bikes and can't wait to get to make the trip

[@peyotepete4903]

That's a beauty! Thanks!

[@gregkistner1955]

Anouther Great bike to the museum! Truly fantastic!

[@darknitethunder]

Having good Fire Insurance is one thing, but having a Great Fire Suppression System is quite another thing. Gota keep those Bike safe Matt. Thanks for the Show, as always it was superb. Love these old classic Harley's, Indians and all the other there in Wheels Trought Time. I Ride a Classic Harley for the Love of it all.

[@rogercrouch5866]

Matt I look forward to seeing you this year on vacation .

[@pg981]

Amazing craftsmanship ! 👊🇺🇸👍

[@michaelphillips5786]

Some year's ago I was at wheels watching Dale, doing burnouts down middle of the museum on a Crocker! Wheels is like no other...

[@robertwells6454]

Cool as cool get's. That is a really great looking engine and bike. 😉👌

[@greyy357]

12:21 it's like you flipped your sunglasses up with a cool sound effect

[@underrscored5617]

I met Al Crocker Jr. at church twenty five years ago... I had a Harley-Davidson shirt on and Al Jr. asked do you like motorcycles...Yeah and he started telling me of his Father and the Crocker motorcycle at the time I think Jr. was in his eighty's super cool dude....

[@philmclamb1219]

Excellent. I had a guy build a Knucklehead engine for me decades ago. Good job except he didn't put in the right breather valve. Knuckleheads are different than Pans and Shovels. Caused me a lot of grief and oil leaks till I figured it out.

[@geoffreyjones2000]

I would call her "Betty"

[@Wootangtw]

Awesome video… thanks buddy…

[@kickstartonly2527]

Awesome video!!!!

[@usmclee65]

Thanks !

[@andyandrews788]

Very cool! If you don't already have one near A CO2 fire extinguisher would be good to have nearby if starting indoors.

[@superdragUSA1]

Saw 5 Crocker's side by side at a show/swap meet in California

[@mattwalksler]

What a sight!!!

[@superdragUSA1]

@@mattwalksler sorry, it was only three. But still...lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZprbiJd8o7doY5o

[@tonyloechte9994]

Beautiful bike 👍

[@thinman8621]

Oh to have been a Crocker rider in the late 1930's. Gotta love the Knucklehead Harley but sweet as it was, the Crocker was the beast to beat if you wanted to go fast.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

AMAZING BIKE....Thanks Matt....Shoe🇺🇸

[@lewismocaby3646]

Excellent video and footage. Always been curious about the Crockers valvetrain, I wondered if it was similar to the Indian setup but wasn’t sure. At a younger age I also had a curiosity to know if it was setup with a bevel drive like the Ducatis but common sense eventually ruled that out. Really enjoyed seeing your Dad’s Servi Car in the background, been a while since I’d seen it and put a smile on my face to see if today. Great job Matt !!!

[@mattwalksler]

Thanks Lewis! We appreciate the support!

[@b.a.d2249]

I remember the show when it was found.thats the nicest bike ever

[@roncj6937]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ( :

[@Goat67]

Awesome bike!

[@charliefromnh7631]

Funds sent... Wish I could do more..

[@mattwalksler]

Thanks for your support Charlie!

[@steveschneider3872]

Matt’s passion for these machines is exceptional. His hands are always dirty. Some day I need to shake those dirty hands. My kind of guy!

[@kbenham7683]

Great museum and beautiful bikes. Makes me wonder what gasoline (and oil) considerations you have, with machines ranging over a hundred years in age: octane, unleaded or leaded, fuel stabilizers, additives, empty or full tanks. Proper storage could be a video. I will be contributing to your fire suppression project.

[@The_Kid_84]

thanks! Unbelievable to see how awesome some of the engineering history we had.

[@Oneguyinc.]

Matt you are a incredible dude and a plethora or Harley knowledge,I love your videos! So fact or fiction,is idling down to get the legendary lump bad for the motor because lack of lubrication? I appreciate your time thank you!!

[@dellison659]

I was at Accurate Engineering in Dothan Al a few years ago and saw these castings for a motor. I asked what motor they were for and they told me it was a Crocker that they want to start building... The castings were not machined yet but they were smooth and very good quality.

[@americanbornwalkaway9110]

Impressive bike to say the VERY Least ..I Tuned in!!!

[@oldguyBMX]

I love your videos brother!

[@jessekauffman3336]

Awesome bike

[@441rider]

Such a nice engine, BSA 441 runs Hemi piston design.

[@timshaw8187]

Excellent

[@dspence8086]

Those guys who don't ride their motorcycles are off their Crockers.

[@H4rleyBoy]

It's a shame that we can't watch the "What's in the barn" show here in the UK. We don't get any bike shows here.

[@ruthc8407]

Thank goodness you are getting a fire suppression system. It's something I've worried about for you, for quite some time.

[@fredmasse6451]

How many pushrods, 2 or 4 ? You kill me, this bike is the Graal ! (From an Indian Rider 😉)

[@johnjyoungjr7400]

I was gonna ask the same thing!

[@fearlessshadow5856]

"a lot of work" I could only dream of an easy job

[@dennisriddle197]

Thats me in the back ground on the last bike crank up ringing the bell on tour glide up stairs by the way lol👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@jagdpanther6327]

Saw 3 Crockers together on Hunting Harleys channel a couple of weeks ago. Great bikes great channel.

[@derekcollins1972]

Yes,he would have loved to sell those to Japan.

[@rlp2806]

You should a do premium pay raffle for that bike ro support your expansion ...

[@ccrider8483]

Very interesting bike and video. Does the heat of the oil in the tank ever create discomfort for the rider or overheat the gas in what appears to be a two part right tank?

[@craigstreetzel7743]

I'm sure that your oldest daughter will remember that as grampa's bike😢 celebration of lifetime's in his church of the motorcycle 🎉