RIP Dale Walksler

[DynoDave]

AMA Hall Of Famer Dale Walksler, R.I.P.

Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum founder and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Dale Walksler died February 3.

www.roadracingworld.com

 

[DynoDave]

It is with heavy hearts that we at Wheels Through Time let you know that our beloved founder, curator, and friend Dale Walksler passed away peacefully, with his wife by his side, at home on February 3, 2021, after a courageous four year battle with cancer.

In 1967 at the age of 15, Dale built his first motorcycle, sparking a life-long love affair with American Motorcycles and their history. At 22, Dale established a Harley/Davidson Franchise in Mt. Vernon, Ill: Dale’s Harley-Davidson. His signal success as a dealer grew to include the decades-long work that would define his life: the creation of the museum we now know as Wheels Through Time. As the museum collection grew, so too did Dale’s vision for the museum, his reputation, his mechanical and curatorial skills, and a goal of always exceeding expectations of customers and guests. In 2002 Dale opened the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC. From humble beginnings in a small Illinois town, one of the world’s premier collections of rare and vintage American motorcycles, automobiles, and memorabilia emerged. Wheels Through Time became an Iconic American Institution and known internationally. Those who have visited Wheels Through Time know that Dale’s passion was not just something to be observed but rather experienced. Whether it was listening to his vast knowledge and stories of transportation history or watching him start a motorcycle, his was a passion that was infectious. It inspired in many, that same desire to preserve and celebrate American motorcycle history. His genius rested on the latter portion of the Wheels Through Time logo, “The Museum That Runs.”

Dale was a man of vision, zeal, intensity, imagination, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the staff at Wheels Through Time, and as well as by the countless tens of thousands who have visited the museum. Dale’s vision was not just one of preserving the past but was also focused on the future. In that regard, he made great strides to ensure that the museum and his legacy would carry on for generations to come. A celebration of Dale’s life will be announced at a later date. At this time, we ask for privacy for the family as they mourn his passing. At Dale’s request, in lieu of flowers, please send any donations and condolences to Wheels Through Time, PO Box 790, Maggie Valley, NC 28751. All donations will be dedicated to ensuring the continuance of the legacy that Dale created far into the future and to giving museum visitors historical insight into the vital role that transportation has played in American history. The thrill of hearing the cycles run coupled with thoughts of riding into the wind will continue to evoke thoughts of Dale’s vibrant spirit --- and his dream.

 

[byrddog]

Sad to hear! Old school from the word go. He could dam sure put one together!

 

[knothead]

Damn i hate to hear this....i had no idea he even had cancer....

I sold Dale a bunch of knuckle head parts about 6 years ago....he actually bought every knuckle head part i had...i had valves still brand new in the box...i had around 25 or 30 sets, cant remember the exact number....i also had cranks, cylinders and heads also.....Dale gave me more than i was wanting for all that stuff....Really great guy and my gosh so smart...

 

[knothead]

Here is a picture from a few years ago of my friend Ken and ofcourse Dale....My buddy Ken has so many Indians it will blow your mind....Ken has them all the way back to 1903 and they are all mint....Ken rides all of his bikes....so cool to see what he brings with him when we go to bike rallies....anyways Dale wanted Ken to bring his 1946 Indian so he could see it and set on it....Dale loved this bike....

 

[FrankBDPS]

Very sad news. He was very passionate about what he did and was very lucky to be able to follow his passion. I hope the museum can go on in his memory
.

 

[Mickmorris]

So sad to hear this. R.I.P. Dale. The Museum is awesome. Great pics you guys shared! Covered a great life!

 

[1 B.M.F.]

I saw a episode where he cranked every bike in his shop within a certain time fram and did it. He was wore smooth out but the adrenaline rush kept him going . What an amazing man.

 

[pknowles]

His museum is amazing. Been there a couple times. Sorry to hear this.

 

[awg]

I hate cancer.

 

[DynoDave]

 

[woodbutcher]

R.I.P.

 

[DynoDave]

Dale was always looking for the next big challenge, and in 1997 he took Maldwyn Jones' 1917 Henderson, which Jones used in a 24-hour endurance run, and broke the cross country record set by Alan Bedell in 1917. The journey took Dale from LA to New York in 6 days and 6 hours. His spirit of adventure will always live on.

 

[alxdamon]

Damn, Rest in Peace Dale!! My gf and I have gotten back into following Him and his son on their Youtube channels. He's going to be dearly missed in the old school bike community. He truly kept History Alive!!!

 

[DynoDave]

Maxton Miler - This 1930 Harley-Davidson DLD 750 was hand-built by Dale, Matt & crew for land speed racing at the Maxton Mile. The first and only time out, the machine beat Harley-Davidson's original record of 88 mph, with a record run of 93 mph.

 

[DynoDave]

 

[DynoDave]

Dale with artist David Uhl

 

[DynoDave]

Painting by artist David Uhl

 

[DynoDave]

 

[DynoDave]

When it came to vintage motorcycles, Dale helped redefined the meaning of preservation. He had a natural ability to recognize a "diamond in the rough" and spent a lifetime chasing and acquiring America's most historic and original machines. This mission led him to found Wheels Through Time in 1993. Over the next several decades, Dale assembled what many consider to be the best collection of rare American motorcycles in the world.