Many of us might identify ourselves as “car people” and let’s face it, this is Car Week in Monterey after all. But the reality of the situation is that many of us collect, appreciate and enjoy more than just four-wheeled road going vehicles. As a consummate petrol-head – a fancy way of saying “vehicle enthusiast” – I appreciate all things motorized. Which means, there’s more to Car Week than just cars. Nestled along the picturesque coastline of California, the towns of Pacific Grove and Carmel Valley beckon motorcycle enthusiasts and history buffs, like myself, to embark on a captivating journey through speed and innovation. Both of the venues we visited have been featured in the pages of Garage Style Magazine before and have been a part of the famed Garage Tours of the past and so we felt it appropriate to revisit and reintroduce them to this years Car Week participants.
Jameson’s Classic Motorcycle Museum
The Jameson Classic Motorcycle Museum is tucked away a couple blocks off the main street in Pacific Grove and is the private motorcycle collection of the recently departed (2022) motorcycle enthusiast and Neil Jameson. It stands as a testament to the timeless allure of motorcycling. This museum houses a remarkable collection of vintage motorcycles and special exhibits, meticulously curated to showcase the evolution of two-wheeled engineering. From Vespas and scooters, to Pikes Peak racing bikes and everything in between, visitors are transported through the annals of motorcycle history, tracing the lineage of iconic brands and groundbreaking designs that have shaped the landscape of riding.
From rare and pristine antique models to storied classics that once ruled the open road, the Jameson Classic Motorcycle Museum provides a captivating journey that celebrates the art, innovation, and passion behind these mechanical marvels. With each meticulously restored bike, enthusiasts and curious visitors alike can appreciate the artistry, craftsmanship, and indelible spirit that continue to define the allure of classic motorcycles.
If you’re planning a visit to the museum – located at 305 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 – be sure to highlight it on your weekend agenda as its only open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, free entry. Donations are welcomed; and proceeds from the modest gift shop also go to supporting the museum. While you’re there, speak with Mario Saviano, the current curator of the museum, and ask for a guided tour. He’s a wealth of information and is one of the many folks that help to carry on Neil’s legacy in the motorcycle community.
Moto Talbott Motorcycle Museum
Carmel Valley, is home to the Moto Talbott Motorcycle Museum and is well-known by motorcycle aficionados and admirers of mechanical artistry. This remarkable museum is a tribute to the lifelong passion of founder Robb Talbott, whose fervor for collecting and riding rare and historic motorcycles has culminated in an extraordinary assemblage.
Showcasing an eclectic array of over 170 meticulously preserved motorcycles from various eras and corners of the globe, the Moto Talbott Museum offers a captivating journey through time. From legendary vintage bikes to modern marvels like the all-electric Pikes Peak record holding “Lightning,” each detailed exhibit narrates a story of innovation, engineering prowess, and the enduring allure of the open road.
With its striking blend of beauty, history, and technological evolution, the Moto Talbott Motorcycle Museum is a destination that not only pays homage to the art of motorcycle design but also kindles a deep appreciation for the spirit of adventure that these machines represent. You can plan a trip to visit Robb’s collection at 4 E Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924, on Thursday’s through Sunday’s 11am-5pm, and the $10 entry fee goes a long way to keeping this gorgeous collection vibrant and available to everyone. LEARN MORE.
Beyond its famed coastal vistas and renowned attractions of Car Week, the Monterey-area boasts a hidden treasure trove for those with a passion for two-wheeled marvels. Its home to two great collections of exceptional motorcycles in unique museums: Jameson’s Classic Motorcycle Museum and Moto Talbott Motorcycle Museum. We invite you to explore other parts of Monterey and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of motorcycling heritage, from its earliest roots to the cutting-edge designs of today that have revolutionized the industry. If you have some extra time before or between the various shows on your agenda this week, be sure to stop by either of their locations and take a ride on the wilder side of the vehicle enthusiast world. And stay tuned for future Break/Fix Podcast episodes where we dive deeper into the back stories of both of these great venues.
