Classic motorcycle collections in the Pacific Northwest

Where the old bikes are

From time to time, we do get our large museum exhibits of old bikes here in the Northwest. But they are few and far in between, and when they occur they may only last a few months. Regardless, there are a number of old bike collections one can view at just about any time of year. In the winter you might hold out for some sunshine, or simply take off in the car to see what we've got out here.

Above: This classic pair of AJS motorcycles from 1938 and 1924 reside in the collection of Oregon's Western Antique Airplane and Auto Museum in Hood River. WAAAM has more than 40 classic bikes on display at any given time.

But before you take off, be sure to check in with each location and insure they'll be open when you get there. We've included website links to help you with that, but a phone call to double-check never hurts. It's also important to note that bikes we note as in the collection may or may not be on display when you arrive. Some of the locations noted are motorcycle dealers shops. Don't expect an entry fee, but don't expect a docent to greet you either.

Idaho

North Idaho Motorcycle Museum - The North Idaho Motorcycle Museum is located in Kingston, I-90 exit 43, next to the Exxon station. There is a lot to look at in this small museum. Featuring 16 classic bikes from a 1947 Simplex, to a pair of 1970's Indians. Vintage toys ranging from classic cast iron bikes of the 1930's, and rubber riders of the 50's, to plastic pop culture motorcycles of the 70's (featuring Fonzie, the Bionic Man, Pink Panther, etc...). It also houses one of the most extensive Evel Knievel collections in the country. Motorcycle related comics, trophies, riding gear, records, and even a Harley Davidson snowmobile! The oldest item in the collection is a book titled Motor Bicycle Building, from 1906.

North Idaho Motorcycle Museum - Silver Valley Road, Kingston ID

Oregon

Northwest Vintage Car & Motorcycle Museum - Opened in Spring of 2010, this museum is located between the Oregon Truck museum and Oregon Electric Railway Museum in the town of Brooks, just off of I-5 near Silverdale. with those two book ends, there's plenty to see when you're here if your inner gear head must have more. The collection includes a Flying Merkel, several Harley-Davidsons, an Excelsior and more. The car collection is impressive as well.

Northwest Vintage Car & Motorcycle Museum - 3995 Brooklake Rd, Brooks OR

Western Antique Airplane and Auto Museum - Don't let the name fool you. Along with a large collection of autos and aircraft, this Hood River wonder displays more than 40 motorcycles at any given time covering just about every decade in the 20th century. You get quite a bang for your buck here as the bikes, autos and planes are displayed in a chronological order. The museum recently expanded doubling it's size. Well worth the price of admission.

Western Antique Airplane and Auto Museum - 1600 Air Museum Rd, Hood River OR

Motosport Hillsboro - Nice collection of more than fifty vintage and current bikes from the 60's to the present. Primary display focus is on racing, but they do hold serial #0000001 of the Honda Rhune in the collection for you metric cruiser nuts.

Motosport Hillsboro - 809 NE 28th Ave Hillsboro, OR

Above: This one-of-a-kind CB750 six cylinder can only be seen at Motosport Hillsboro along with 50 plus more vintage, classic and cool wonders.

Washington

LeMay-America's Car Museum - Here again, do not let the name fool you. The curators at America's Car Museum in Tacoma have made sure to represent the two wheel counterpart well with some nice permanent fixtures as well as a constant rotation of bikes. Support for the volume of bikes is provided by the Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts. The museum itself appears small from the outside until you realize there's a five story garage below that sardine-can-like rooftop - and you will get to tour every floor. In 2012 ACM held a mass occurrence of vintage iron on the outside lawn of the museum and they intend to do so again in 2013 aiming at making it an annual event.

LeMay - America's Car Museum - 2702 East D. St. Tacoma, WA

Vintage Antique Motorcycle Museum - Inside you’ll find plenty of old Iron, mostly American and British. The museum is a two story unique collection that features original and fully restored Pre-1916’s including Indians, Harley-Davidsons, Excelsior, Pierces, Emblem, Thor, Henderson, Sears, Yale, Reading Standard, plus a Neracar, Imp Car, and an assortment of antique bicycles, including an example of the first American-made bicycle from the 1800s. Beyond the 1916’s you’ll find some one-of-a kind models and even a sidecar or two. The museum was founded by local rider and mason, Frank Mason.

Vintage Antique Motorcycle Museum - 539 N Market Blvd, Chehalis WA

Hinshaw's Motorcycle Store - Ron Orr shares his delightful collection of Japanese bikes dating back to the 40’s. Orr’s collection is all top of the line restorations from all the major Japanese manufacturers and a few ill-fated ones as well. You’ll find the collection upstairs and you may need to ask permission to view it if it's chained off when you arrive.

Hinshaw's Motorcycle Store - 1611 West Valley Highway S Auburn, WA

British Columbia

Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition - The little museum that grew up, this museum founded by Northwest motorsport entrepreneur, Trev Deeley houses more than 300 bikes in it's collection. The exhibits rotate annually (see the website for current details).

 Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition - 1875 Boundary Road, Vancouver BC

PT/Winter2012