1954 Zundapp, Germany 1921-1935

Nuremberg armaments company, ZUNDer und APParatebau, copied the design of the British Levi for their first motorcycle. At one time Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer, Zundapp became famous for its advanced technology. Zundapp motorcycles were also assembled in Britain under the Newmount name. By 1986, the company was sold to the People's Republic of China.

1953 NSU Sportmax

Engine: 246.8cc air-cooled OHC single
Bore x Stroke: 69 x 66mm
Power: 29hp @ 9,600rpm
Transmission: 4-speed
Suspension: Leading link front fork, twin shock rear
Weight: 240lb (dry)

During the 1930s and the 1950s NSU of Neckarsulm, Germany was the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in 1873 to make knitting machines, NSU became a revered manufacturer of bicycles (in 1886 under the Germania brand), motorcycles (in 1901) and cars (in 1905) that was eventually gobbled up in 1969 by today's behemoth Volkswagen Group.

In 1953 NSU launched their remarkably successful series of street (Max) and production race bikes (Sportmax) with its innovative, air-cooled 250cc overhead cam single. The cam drive was unique, using a pair of "connecting rods" from crankshaft to camshaft. Its cylinder is angled forward in a monobloque (unibody) pressed steel frame with a leading link front fork, all of which was created under the guidance of engineering genius Albert Roder. For the Supermax, an aluminum fuel tank and all-enveloping fairing - often known as a dusbin - was fitted to complete this fast, lightweight road racer.

NSU won several speed records in the 1950s, being no stranger to the Bonneville Salt Flats. However, perhaps their best-known machine of all is the NSU Quickly moped, of which more than 1 million were sold. By 1969 it was all over; NSU's newly found obsession with the Wankel rotary engine had ruined the company.

1937 Brough Superior SS80

The SS80 was so named because it was a Super Sports model guaranteed to do 80mph from the factory. It was first built in 1920. The Brough was once described as the "Rolls Royce of Motorcycles." The early models used JAP V-Twin engines, while later versions used matchless or mag engines. The current owner imported this bike from England and it is in running condition.

This Brough Superior SS80 is on loan to the National Motorcycle Museum by Aaron Mohr of Clinton, Iowa.

1912 Pierce Four

2.25in bore x 2.25in stroke
4 horsepower
2-speed transmission
Enclosed drive shaft
Pedal crank starting and coaster brake
Original price: $325 to $450

An innovative and luxurious motorcycle from the founder of one of America's early premier car builders. George Pierce began manufacturing during the Civil War - bathtubs, birdcages and ice boxes - forming George N. Pierce Company in 1878. High-quality bicycles came next from the Buffalo, N.Y. factory, soon followed by first a steam, then gasoline powered automobile in 1901.

The car business took off with the  Pierce Great Arrow of 1903. Four years later the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company was launched. The brand lasted until 1938 as one of America's finest and most prestigious, a favorite of the White House and royalty from Europe to Hollywood.

Percy Pierce stayed behind at the Hanover Street factory and built single and 4-cylinder motorcycles from 1909 until bankruptcy in 1914 having failed to find a large enough market for these expensive premier steeds.

The Pierce Four motorcycle comes top-quality, each component's design re-thought and then hand-crafted in the factory and not bought-in from a catalog as much of the competition was doing, becoming merely assemblers rather than manufacturers. Note the enclosed shaft drive to the rear wheel, the integrated fuel and oil tanks with two filler caps and 2-speed gearbox (uncommon in 1912).

Pierce created only a few thousand motorcycles in the five-plus years' production, and a century later few have survived.

1928 Harley-Davidson JDL Sport Solo

Major changes for 1928 Harley-Davidson models included a stronger fork and front brakes, which resulted in improved handling and a total-loss oil system fed from an oil tank concealed in the front half of the left fuel tank. The Harley-Davidson JDL Solo Sport had a 74 cubic inch engine.

1928 was also the first year for optional colors: Coach Green, Azure Blue, Police Blue and Maroon were priced at $24 (about $320 in 2012), while cream and white carried a $27 price tag.  The J series overhead valve V-twin was the basis for all the future 74 cubic inch and 80 cubic inch Harley big twins.

1951 Sunbeam S7

Originally a famous bicycle maker, John Marston produced his first Sunbeam motorcycle in 1913. It was a side-valve single with and enclosed primary. Sunbeam quickly established a fine reputation for high-quality enamel finishes, enclosed chain drives and the sound engineering designs of J.E. Greenwood. Sunbeam motorcycles were made in England from 1913 to 1957.

1912 Henderson Four-Cylinder

Designed by William Henderson in 1911 with a displacement of about 780cc (later increased to 1076cc), the Henderson four-cylinder motorcycle had opposed valves, chain drive and a tubular frame. It could do 100km/h (62mph) and was soon a popular motorcycle. In Italy it was sold by Lanfranchi. The Henderson four-cylinder was the first bike to use force-feed lubrication for the main and big-end bearings.

This particular Henderson, on loan to the National Motorcycle Museum, is the only known version of the four-cylinder bike that still has original paint. It also has the original tires.