Dale, You are correct. the original V-8 Curtiss is in the Smithsonian. Many years ago the Curtiss museum was allowed to borrow it, and they made a perfect nut and bolt copy of the original bike. Many of the early Curtiss planes on display are 100% accurate replicas as well. mainly because the originals don't exist anymore. I'm gonna try and get better pics uploaded this weekend.
My favorite part was that there were all kinds of antique engines hiding in every corner. That place is heaven for anyone who loves any kind of early machinery. From a wine crate labeling press, to Curtiss' machinists' drill press(It's huge!) to machine guns, Very early planes (He invented the aleron, and performed the first publicized flight for an audience) to potato diggers, WWII flight trainers, typwriters, outboard engines, sewing machines, seaplanes (He invented the first pontoon that would allow a takeoff from water, and launched the first plane from the deck of a ship) tools, time clocks, cars, campers (Curtiss invented the 5th wheel) and tons more.
Glenn Curtiss is one of my heros. He had guts to do many of the things he did.Personally performed Many avation firsts, and always developing new ideas. I think a big part of his genius was knowing who to surround himself with to do and learn the things he needed. And, very unlike the Wright brothers, who guarded thier inventions and patents like junkyard dogs guard a hambone, Curtiss was noted for allowing his patents to be employed by other companies and inventors for free because he believed that was the only way avation was going to advance.