Quiet Pacific Grove Gets a Roaring Motorcycle Showcase

“Show ‘em, don’t stow ‘em.” So goes the mantra Neil Jameson will anchor his new - and extensive - motorcycle collection museum in downtown Pacific Grove.


Riding the tailpipe of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, Jameson plans to transform a sleepy strip of P.G. retail space into a museum of motorcycles and sidecars. They are something he knows a thing or two about: Jameson, now 74, has been collecting both since he was 14.


In addition to Jameson’s 30 bikes of various vintage, the collection will feature a few on loan from other collectors. Some of the two-wheeled highlights include MotoGP-style racers, Triumphs, BSAs, Nortons, BMWs, a commemorative 9/11 firefighter Harley-Davidson and one of the few Equalean sidecars ever made.


Though the museum wasn’t open as of mid-month, a fire engine red BMW already takes a prominent position in the front window display. A closer look inside reveals a work in progress, but about a dozen bikes can be seen flanking one of the showroom’s sheet-metal walls. An advertisement taped to one of the museum’s windows says that most of the bikes inside were driven daily and are in “as found” condition, followed by a quip stating the museum features “no trailer queens,” referring to the specimen of motorcycle carted around from show to show on wheels other than its own.


Once the GP rolls out of town, those still hungry for a taste of two-wheeled sweetness can steer over to Pacific Grove.

THE FREE MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM opens the weekend of Aug. 4 and will remain open on weekends and by appointment, 305 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. 10am-5pm Saturdays, noon-5pm Sundays. 331-3335