Strong 4 stars. We went there today while spending the day in Solvang. First of all, great 1st impression by the docent, Daniel. He comes across as an incredibly knowledgeable motorcycle enthusiast and also just a genuinely good dude by the way he interacted with all of the people who came inside. Speaking of inside, it is pretty small and the entrance fee of $10 is not. Most of the bikes had information about them provided. I enjoyed the Triumphs, Vincents, and Indians, read more

See all

Very small museums. Had tons of motorcycles that was cool to read on. They only accept cash $10 fee

Only open on the weekends, Saturday and Sunday from 10-4. I showed up about 10:45 and people were already in the space looking around. This small private collection is vast and deep. With several limited production pieces and a few world record holders. Alcohol injection, a direct drive early era Indian, not one Vincents but four of which two only 30 were made. Like I said if you like classic motorbikes and motorcycles this little shop is worth a stop and the $10 adult admission price . I spent about an hour or so going through the place and spent a little time on a handful that made me stop and shake my head, like the 1915 Militaire (see photos) and the 1949 Vincent Black Lightning (the baddest boy in the room imho) a supercharge race bike that was designed for the rider to literally lay flat on and hang on when you hit the throttle... This private museum is kind of off the beaten path and has just a small sign at the parking front. Located just a couple 3-4 blocks off the main tourist areas and well worth the efforts to seek out. 4.5 Stars - rounded up for the friendly host 00841 read more

See all

It costs $10 in cash to be admitted into this museum, which is more like a giant showroom filled with vintage motorcycles. The entry price was perfectly reasonable, and a great price, so make sure you bring cash. I really enjoyed walking around for about an hour admiring all the motorcycles. Daniel, who I believe is a manager, was very passionate about motorcycles and super friendly. Both me and my friend thought he was super cute (so if you're reading this, Daniel, uh...hi!!!!). Really appreciate that he was very conversational about motorcycles and the engineering and history and overlapping with sewing machines As I explored and browsed all the motorcycles, it felt like a bit of a time travel experience to see all these bikes collected from across the different decades for over the past century. Definitely a gem here in Solvang! read more

See all

My first time coming to Solvang. I love motorcycles especially the Yamaha R1 , and my wife wanted to surprise me with the museum about motorcycles. I spoke with Daniel who was running the museum; He had a very nice collection of motorcycles, and he was very detailed on information on the bikes on display. Admission is $10 not bad. I thought we will be allowed to turn on the motorcycles, but I guess they're only for show display only it was a good experience very nice historic nearly 100 years of motorcycles bikes and models in his display. I bought some motorcycle magazines as a souvenir along with two post cards. read more

See all

Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. My son and I were just looking to kill some time while the rest of our party did some shopping. WE WERE BLOWN AWAY!!! Several motorcycle manufacturers that we have never heard of. Tons of details. And the gentleman working there was INCREDIBLY Friendly and KNOWLEDGEABLE, without being overhearing or acting like a 'know it all.' From the Amazing collection to the tremendous level of detail and the PERFECT staff, I HIGHLY recommend! read more

This little motorcycle museum is very small however, it is packed with some fantastic motorcycles and nice stories about them. If you have any interest in motorcycles with whoever you will enjoy this place! As I recall, there was a fee to get in, now I can't remember if it was $10 or $20. It was definitely a great time however read more

See all

My boyfriend loved it here. We went for his birthday and the host of the store is so nice and took the time to talk to us. Him and my boyfriend went back and forth for a little bit about motorcycles and had lots of information about each motorcycle there. Thank you for the great experience and history. read more

I love old motorcycles and this place is filled with them, the detail and beauty of the older bike are somewhat romantic in a way, a much simpler life and with that a style all their own. The motorcycles spanned decades of design and function which lead to the modern design and comfort that is desired by many. With estimated cost of millions, this gathering of gas fueled mechanical electrical contraptions garnish respect, desire and admonition. If you're a fan of two-wheeled death traps, the visit here will no doubt emboldened you to continue that lifestyle. Ride safe and chrome side up. read more

See all

Only open weekends, and a little off the beaten path, but such a great little find. I am not a motorcycle rider, or do I know much about motorcycles, but I really enjoyed this museum. My husband is much more knowledgeable and he also loved it. This is a private collection of a variety of ages and types of motorcycles. Daniel was telling us so many interesting facts about them. Daniel knew a lot, and was so great at sharing the information with visitors of the museum without being annoying or pushy. You are free to wander around and spend as much time as you like admiring the motorcycles. I have attached a few photos that I took of some that were interesting to me. read more

See all

A bit expensive, but super cool. My husband is a motorcycle enthusiast, so when we saw this pop up on Yelp, we had to visit. We spent about 30-40 minutes looking around, and that's basically all you can do. Don't touch the bikes! I took lots of pics and videos, though! If you or someone you're traveling with likes old motorcycles, new motorcycles, fancy motorcycles, or tricked out motorcycles---come here! read more

See all

If you are a motorcycle enthusiastic then this is the place for you. With ticket only 10$ but cash only, this place holds a collection of over 50 classic motorcycles. The guy in the front desk holds a very profound knowledge on these machines so i had a very good conversation about these machines and the owner's stories who lived his dream and followed his passion. If you ride and you are in Solvang, do check this place out. You might find your cafe racer idea from these motorcycles. read more

See all

What an awesome rotating collection. I've been riding the area for years and finally overnighted in Buellton. The guide is very knowledgeable and personable. Loved it and will stop in again definitely. read more

Excellent spot for fans of motorcycles or engineering. Staff was knowledgeable and added interesting details to bikes as we walked along our self-guided tour. read more

See all

Pretty big collection of unique bikes. Each bike has information posted and there are definitely things there you probably haven't seen before. Staff is very knowledgeable and passionate about the bikes. Friendly environment read more

You have to see the selection of vintage and racing cycles. Each has a nice informative plaque. Check hours and times though, it is closed too often... read more

We decided to make the Vintage Motorcycle Museum our destination on a whim Saturday morning, and it was an excellent decision. So, a 350 mile round trip later, we had made the ride to the location and were not displeased! First, getting there is a great ride. Along the coast or inland, it's beautiful country. Our biggest problem was actually finding the Museum after turning onto Alisal Rd in Solvang. There was no large sign indicating it's location (didn't see a small one either), so we rode past it and had to relocate it on a phone, turning in on the side road (Alisal Mesa Rd) beside the complex and parking in back. Ample parking in back, very nice, right off Alisal Mesa Road. The museum is actually inside the building complex, the entrance located off the central courtyard, not on the main street. $10 adult entrance fee. Posting it outside may be helpful, as a few people walked back out when hearing the cost. For us though, it was worth it, as we were easily there a couple hours and well after closing. Very nice facility! Clean and well-organized, and very well-packed with great bikes! Many of the bikes are accompanied by plaques that describe the bike's uniqueness, or place in history, or impact on the motorcycle world. To be able to view, first-hand, the history of motorcycle development over the century (from spindly "bicycle" vehicles with a motor attached, to the precursors of the high-tech sport bikes we rode in on) was really very interesting. But the biggest attention-getter for us was the Britten V1000. A vision all its own, and fascinating to learn about it, and the man that designed and built it. For my husband, this visit was a treat and something he had wanted to do for quite sometime. For myself, a new rider and learning about this world/his world quickly, being able to see the history and tech development firsthand was intriguing and definitely piqued my interest in motorcycles even more. I am very happy we took the time to venture here, and would definitely consider it again! Thank you! read more

See all

Cool place. One giant showroom. All bikes owned by 1 person. $10. Allowed to take pictures. Nice guy at the front desk. Easy parking in front. Located in the courtyard read more

$10 per person. 2 hours. Good deal. Rode in for Thanksgiving weekend and hit Solvang on our way back south from Monterey. This place has been on our list of places to visit for some time now, so it's good that we finally got around to coming. The collection is VARIED and covers a lot of ground. The timelines and stories behind these bikes are amazing and it's an indescribably feeling to see them all together in one room so close to each other. The bikes are on an open floor display with no ropes or glass walls to separate you from viewing them up close. I appreciate the close proximity the owner allows his visitors. It's an amazing thing. There are far too many bikes to list off but notables notes include: Indian, Vincent, and of course the NR750 and the Britten. I'll let the photos speak for themselves. If you're not into bikes, you probably won't enjoy this place too much, but if you have a passion for motorcycling as a lifestyle rather than a hobby, you will feel like a kid in a candy store. We were smiling ear to ear the entire time we walked the floor. My riding buddy knew the history of almost all the bikes so I was lucky to visit with someone who has been immersed in the motorcycling culture all his life. I would like to return again some day on one of our rides north. One more motorcycle spot checked off the list, but I have a feeling we'll be back again in July. read more

See all

Boom! This is by far the most amazing hidden treasure in Solvang. Maybe even all of SB County. Located a few blocks off the main drag and just past the hotel Corque on Alisal road in the Eastern end of town. The museum is nestled in amongst a raft of completely nondescript business in a used-to-be outlet mall. There's tons of parking (especially on weekends as it doesn't seem like any other business is open sat or Sun). There are over 100 motorcycles ranging in vintage from the early 1900's through the modern era all cleverly arranged in not all that big of a space. If you are a fan of motorbikes then this is an absolute Must See. If you aren't a fan, then theres not much to entertain you here and maybe spend your $10 on an ebelskiver and call it good :-) The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays but they say they'll be happy to open up any weekday just give them a call and let them know. That could be dicey and I've not done it but I'd certainly suggest to do so in Advance!! Not while you're standing at the door. Admission is $10 but so very much worth it IMHO. Check out motosolvang.com for more info. read more

Ah, Solvang. A wonderful village founded in 1911 by a bunch of Danes who wanted to get out of the snow. It's a wonderful place that a person could easily think they were in a village outside of Copenhagen- if it never snowed there. It's a semi- agrarian-base community, with many notable wines produced in the area. So many, that the movie "Sideways" was filmed here. Yes, one could easily spend a weekend here, sampling wines and shopping for souvenirs- if that's your thing. Personally, there's a better reason to go to Solvang- the Vintage Motorcycle Museum. In March of 2000, motorcycle enthusiast and Virgil Elings opened the doors to his museum, not so much to put his rare and impressive collection on display as much as a way to store his motorcycles and make money at the same time- and quite the collection it is! Here you will see representations of motorcycles from the very beginning of the conception of motorcycles (back shortly before turn of the 19th century) to present-day superbikes and cruisers, and even the future of motorcycles. Future?!?!?!?!? You read right. A visit to the museum will give you the opportunity to view an ultra-rare 1995 Britton V1000 superbike, invented and innovated by the late, great John Britton. A bike so far ahead of it's time that it's only now that his innovations are seeping into the motorcycle industry. This in itself is worth the five dollar admission fee. There are, of course the usual selection of bikes from around the world. Most will make you dream and drool, while others will cause you to wonder "What in the hell were they thinking?!?!?" So matter what kind of gearhead you may be, a trip to the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum is well worth your time. read more

See all

Bring $10 cash or you can't get it. If you love old bikes, this is a can't miss. I was told it's a private collection and he's only showing about 1/2 his collection at a time. Impressive. My wife enjoyed the quiet courtyard outside while I geeked out inside. read more

See all

We had so much fun here for Father's Day! Amazing how many different motorcycles he has here! The staff was so friendly and helpful and made for a really fun time. read more

See all

Yes worth a visit if you're in the area or if you're a motorcycle enthusiast and need a reason for a vaca! Good selection of bikes!

Great shop full of beautiful antique bikes. You pay a $10 entrance fee and can take all the pictures you want. My boyfriend and I had a great time. Each bike has a little story with it so its pretty cool read more

Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum - Museums Near Me - Solvang, California

See all

Open during the week by appointment only. Very slow paced which I like. Jill was the lovely lady that let us in. Very nice and educated way more than most enthusiasts. I could spend a day listening to all the stories and info Jill provided to us about the bikes, makers, previous owners, racers, etc.... Jill seemed on her own schedule and I mean that in a nice way. Bikes, motorcar, and an eBay aluminum boat motor impulse purchase are all there for eye candy. One could do well, I imagine, to find the aging shop owner on-site and if lucky, hear an interesting page, maybe even chapter of this important mans life. read more

What a collection of motorcycles, like nothing we have ever seen! If you like motorcycles or history you should visit this museum. My husband felt like one of the kids in Willie Wonka's chocolate factory. read more

Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum - Museums Near Me - Solvang, California

See all

The motorbike collection here is absolutely amazing. But the management of the museum is beyond disappointing. The lady was overly ditzy, disorganised and a general pain in the ass. I would only return if passing through town, but not make any detours for it. Impressed but annoyed. read more

The fee is $10. Here is what you get.... You can see the whole place in about 5 minutes. Then you get to hear the lovely woman up front talk on the phone as if she were on a soap opera. Very inappropriate, very dramatic dialogue that almost seemed more interesting than the motorcycles. I was also hoping that maybe they would have a docent...NOPE! Overall, bikes looked great! read more

The owner definitely has an IMPRESSIVE collection here! For 10$ a person you can do a little travelling through time and witness motorcycles from different decades and eras. For those who complained about seeing the place in 5 minutes, you must have not paid attention or been interested in the collection, for there was definitely plenty to see, and we were probably here for about 30 minutes, and could've stayed even longer had we not been on a time constraint. My husband is the one who's obsessed with motorcycles, but I definitely enjoyed our visit here and learning about all of the different bikes in this collection as well as their significance in history. If you're an avid motorcycle lover, or just interested in vintage collections, make sure you stop by if you're in town! read more

Sorry, but I do not ride a bike. My gearheadness generally stops at four wheeled vehicles but if you are even remotely interested in anything involving mechanical items and speed then you will want to take some time here. Personally I think this place is the only thing that Solvang really has going for it. I could only take so many windmills and Danish kitsch. The admission is a little steep, seeing as it was $5 just a couple of years ago, but it will take a little over an hour to do the place justice and notice all the cool features of the different bikes. Once again another reason why I love the iphone Yelp app, because otherwise I never have found this place and would have called Solvang a total bust. read more

See all

Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum was an amazing experience to say the least. I cannot tel you how much fun my husband (and myself) had here. These people have motorcycles down pat and their sheer knowledge is amazing. If you visit Solvang, and everyone should because Solvang is one of a kind for sure, than you owe it to yourself to visit the Motorcycle Museum. It's a must see for even people that are not into motorcycles. read more

This is an amazing place for people who are interested in bikes. Huge variety ranging from the last 100 or so years. In response to some of the criticism in other reviews: don't think it's reasonable to complain about it if you're not interested. True $10 is a lot but not if you're a bike enthusiast. Look I only went in cause my husband wanted me too. BUT I can be objective and appreciate that others will want to spend hours there looking closely at all of them. read more

The museum isn't very large, it's one big room but it's clean and has a TON of bikes. It's a cash only business so be prepared. They had a really large selection of motorcycles with interesting facts on them. read more

Impressive collection of motorcycles. Great place to check out if you are in Solvang especially for motorcycle enthusiasts like my boyfriend. read more

This place was awesome! The collection is fascinating and has something for every taste. My kids were not sure what to make of it when I told them we were going here but they ended up Loving it! The lady who opened up for us was very informative and kept my kids spellbound with facts about the different machines. read more

Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum - A few of the bikes on display - Museums Near Me - Solvang, California

See all

Various brands and styles of motos to keep any rider salivating. Went on a whim and it was a weekday and the doors were locked. Called the number on the front door and a kind gentleman opened the door for me within 5 minutes! Hands down coolest bike was the Guzzi V-8, but I might be a little biased... read more

Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum - Don't know how to pronounce it, but Zündapp must be German for Ba'd A'ss. - Museums Near Me - Solvang, California

See all

I really enjoyed my visit there in October. Call the number on the window and they will open it up for you. The lady who helped us was very nice and the best part is I got to meet the owner himself. Awesome experience. I will definitely return. read more

I was very impressed with such rare motorcycles. It's $10 to get in but well worth it. The Vincent black shadow bike is a must see.

This place is good see if you are craze about the bike revolution. Too many bike and clutter with little beasts. They should expand the place with 10$ what they get. Hope to checkout some more models in their collection. read more

Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum - Museums Near Me - Solvang, California

See all