Motorcycle Chase, Knott's Berry Farm, 1976
The Motorcycle Chase ride was part of the "Knott's Airfield" section of Knott's Berry Farm, which opened in 1976. This "steeple-chase"-type ride was built by Arrow-Huss and featured replicas of 1920s Indian motorcycles instead of the usual horses. The ride closed in 1980 and, after some significant alterations, was reopened later that year as the "Wacky Soap Box Racers." In this new incarnation, riders sat down in little cars rather than sitting atop motorcycles. It closed in 1996, and the last reminders of the Motorcycle Chase went with it. (Credit all further usage of this image, "Photo courtesy Orange County Archives.")
Comments and faves
phaedrider (57 months ago | reply)
we moved to buena park in 1975, i remember the motorcycle chase very well.. i got to ride the corkscrew and montezooma's revenge when the opened , but i remember i was to short for the motorcycles when we rode the corkscrew. these are the first pictures i have ever seen of the ride being single bikes.. a few years after the ride closed the motorcycles wound up in buena park's city parks, the wheels were replaced with big round cement slabs, i doubt they are still there..
ibleev777 (52 months ago | reply)
WOW I NEVER KNEW THAT... and i grew up in buena park.
Disney Digitally (51 months ago | reply)
I miss the good old days when Knott's was a safe and friendly place to go. The gangs have ruined the place and I'll never go there again.
jericl cat added this photo to his favorites. (48 months ago)
markus70 (47 months ago | reply)
is that where they put the soap box racer's?
vickilw and master_zedd_rahl added this photo to their favorites.
lorifaith65 (33 months ago | reply)
I loved Knott's as a kid... and it was were I had my first job - I moved out of CA in 1985 and have never been back. So sad to hear it's not like the past :(
Disney Digitally (33 months ago | reply)
Cedar Fair purchased Knott's and has totally abandoned any attempt at creating a "feel" or "mood" to the park. It's just about rides. No ambiance or atmosphere to make a connection with the guests. Just a bunch of thrill rides packed into a small space.
As a result, families have given up going there and opted for The Disney Resort a few miles away, leaving only rowdy teens and hardcore gang bangers to fill the seats.
oregon ducatisti added this photo to her favorites. (15 months ago)
Rainn D (10 months ago | reply)
I was there in 1977, the motorcycle chase was my favorite.. we must've rode it 10 x or more that day.... I wish they would bring it back, awesome ride!!!
Wonderlandfan added this photo to their favorites. (4 days ago)