There are few places where you can experience the sights, sounds and feel of historic British motorcycles exactly as they were designed to be enjoyed. At the National Motorcycle Museum, our Try a Classic Bike Day offers Friends of the Museum the rare opportunity to do just that.
Held regularly throughout the year, this exclusive members’ event gives participants the chance to ride a carefully selected collection of motorcycles from the Museum’s world-renowned collection. Following a comprehensive safety briefing, riders chose their first machine before taking to a specially designed course in the Museum car park, swapping motorcycles throughout the session to experience the unique character of each one.
This latest event featured an incredible line-up of British classics spanning more than four decades of motorcycling history, including:
- 1914 New Comet Model A1 – 500cc
- 1936 Triumph Tiger 90 – 500cc
- 1940 Matchless G3WO
- 1941 Triumph 3SW – 350cc
- 1953 BSA A7 Star Twin – 500cc
- 1956 BSA B31 – 350cc OHV
- 1958 Ariel FH Cyclone – 650cc
- 1959 Triumph Tiger 110 – 650cc
- Francis-Barnett Cruiser 84
Watching these remarkable machines leave the galleries and return to life outdoors was a memorable sight. The unmistakable sound of classic British engines echoed around the course as riders experienced first-hand the engineering, handling and personalities that made these motorcycles famous.
Events such as Try a Classic Bike Day play an important role in bringing our collection to life. While the Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of British motorcycles, preserving these machines is only part of our mission. Wherever possible, we believe they should also be seen, heard and appreciated in motion, helping to keep Britain’s rich motorcycling heritage alive for future generations.
The enthusiasm from everyone involved once again demonstrated why this has become one of the most popular Friends of the Museum experiences. Whether riding a pre-First World War New Comet or comparing post-war Triumphs, BSAs and Ariels, every participant left with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of these historic motorcycles.
If you’d like to enjoy exclusive experiences like Try a Classic Bike Day, becoming a Friend of the National Motorcycle Museum offers access to a range of special events throughout the year, while helping us preserve and celebrate Britain’s incredible motorcycling heritage. Click here to join online.
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