A whole world of engineering history

by

You’ve been in the motorcycle equivalent of hibernation for what feels like an age…

It hasn’t just been a ‘normal’ winter, unable to get out for a few months, instead we’ve been locked down and shut out from all those places we love to visit for the best part of two years. So with spring here you are no doubt starting to think about getting back out on the open road.

We’re sure you will have your favourite route, but if you are looking for somewhere a bit special, that’s inspirational, entertaining and educational, you can’t beat a great day out at one of the fabulous museums highlighted on these pages. You can always find some interesting roads to and from any museum, and it’s also worth bearing in mind if you belong to a club, many museums offer deals for visiting groups, so give them a call and organise a bigger rideout.

Most museums have first-class restoration teams, which means you get the chance to compare an example of a complete and intact motorcycle, taking pictures of any specific colours and quality of finish to help your own project. And you can pick the brains of any experts you happen to find there!

But it’s not just bikes. There are more transport museums than pure motorcycle museums, yet most will have a selection of motorcycles in their transport collections. Let’s face it, whatever is on display you can’t fail to be impressed with the engineering skills, the designers and builders of those bygone eras.

Each museum has dedicated staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to recreate history and in some cases bring it back to life for our enjoyment, plus they have great cafes and facilities making a museum a perfect destination. They deserve our support, now more than ever.

As you can see from the map here, there are museums all around the country with large displays of static and moving transport vehicles and classic bikes, begging for your attention.

So go on, support the great British museums, get out there on your classic and pay them a visit… you will not be disappointed!

Please call to make sure the museum is open before setting off on your journey.

1. Battlesbridge Shows

Monthly breakfast meets commencing April. Spring/Autumn autojumbles.

For full updates visit: www.battlesbridge.com/events

2. Brooklands Museum Motorcycle Day

3rd July 2022. Book your place:

www.brooklandsmuseum.com/whats-on/motorcycle-day

3. The David Silver Honda Collection

Over 200 models from 1947 to 1992. Visit at: Unit 14, Masterlord Industrial Estate, Station Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4JD

www.davidsilverhondacollection.co.uk

4. Grampian Transport Museum Guy Martin Collection

Re-opening April 1st, Alford Aberdeenshire.

For more information, visit: www.gtm.org.uk

5. Crich Tramway Village Classic Motorcycle Day

3rd July, open to motorcycles built prior to July 1997

Crich Tramway Village, Crich, Matlock, DE4 5DP. Visit: www.tramway.co.uk for more information

6. The Norfolk Motorcycle Museum

An interesting collection of over 100 motorcycles from the 1920s to the 1960s

Admission: Adults £5. Senior citizens £4. Children £2. Station Yard, North Walsham, Norfolk NR28 0DS. Email: [email protected]

7. Moretonhampstead Motor Museum

Voted in the Top 10 Classic Destinations 2018

The Old Bus Depot, Court St, Moretonhamstead TQ13 8LG. Visit: www.moretonmotormuseum.co.uk

8. Sammy Miller World Rated Museum

Over 500 bikes, some the rarest in the world

See Facebook and the website for Auto Jumbles and Special Event Days. [email protected]


Advert
Enjoy more Old Bike Mart reading every month. Click here to subscribe.


Article Tags:

About the Author