Napoleon Harley-Davidson® Marv's Museum

The museum showcases nine 1962 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles that Marv has collected and restored over the last 40 years. 1962 is the year that Harley-Davidson® Sales & Service opened its doors for business. For more information about the history of Harley-Davidson® Sales & Service, go to our About page. All of these motorcycles are displayed in the museum in their own "garage." As you walk through the museum, you will feel as though you are visiting a village and glancing into motorcycle workshops. Marv restored four of the motorcycles himself: the FLH, the XLCH Sportster®, the GE Servi Car, and the XLH Sportster®.

The museum is full of memorabilia that Marv has collected over the years. It boasts an impressive knife collection, a display dedicated to Scott Parker, and many more items of interest. Even if you don't own a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, come on out and visit us. We guarantee that you will have an enjoyable and informative visit.

A Tribute to Bill (Pops) Soals

Bill Soals, along with Bryce O'Daniels, started a motorcycle repair business in 1962... Harley-Davidson® Sales & Service, Inc. As the story goes... Harley-Davidson® Sales & Service began with $500 and two basket cases of parts. Motorcycles were nothing new to Bill, prior to serving his country in World War II, he had worked with motorcycles for quite a long time. Then while serving in the army, he trained military police to ride motorcycles. Bill set into motion what is now his daughter and son-in-law's life accomplishment.

The Executive Ride Celebrating the Buy-Back from AMF

In 1981, Harley-Davidson® Motor Company returned to private ownership through a buy-back from AMF. The Motor Company celebrated this event with the now famous "Executive Ride" from York, PA, bringing it all back home to Milwaukee. Nine dealerships were selected as stopping points for the Executive Ride and, in June 1981, Harley-Davidson® Sales & Service welcomed the executives of Harley-Davidson® Motor Company to Napoleon, OH. A commemorative gas tank was presented to Marv and the dealership. The tank, signed by the Harley-Davidson® executives responsible for the buy-back, is one of only nine in existence. Pictured left to right: Willie G. Davidson, V.P. Styling; Vaughn Beals, C.E.O.; Charles Thompson, President; Marv Yagel with children, Mike and Elizabeth. The gas tank you see in the picture is displayed in the museum.