The museum holds over 170 different British motorcycle marques, many of which are now defunct.
A catastrophic fire in 2003 destroyed 380 of the museum's machines, but a massive restoration effort allowed the museum to reopen within a year.
The collection includes the 'Brough Superior,' often cited as the first 'superbike' of the 1920s.
The museum houses several speed record-breaking motorcycles, including those used in Isle of Man TT racing.
The site operates its own dedicated restoration workshop where staff maintain the active collection.
The museum contains rare 'one-off' factory prototypes that never reached mass production.
The National Motorcycle Museum houses the world’s largest collection of British motorcycles, featuring over 1,000 machines spanning from the early 1900s to modern superbikes. The collection is organized across five large exhibition halls, showcasing the evolution of motorcycle engineering and design. It serves as a comprehensive archive of the British motor industry, including rare prototypes and racing bikes. Many exhibits are fully restored to working condition. The facility is situated directly adjacent to the Birmingham International Airport and the NEC complex. In addition to the static displays, the museum hosts various motorcycle-themed events throughout the year. The site includes an on-site restaurant and extensive conference facilities. The displays are categorized by manufacturer and era, allowing for chronological exploration of technological advancements.
The main entrance foyer often displays high-profile, iconic bikes with ideal lighting for photography.
Check the museum's events calendar before visiting, as specific halls may be restricted during trade shows.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the five interconnected halls require significant walking.
Allow extra time to browse the on-site shop, which stocks hard-to-find motorcycle literature and memorabilia.
Trying to see everything in less than two hours; the density of the exhibits rewards a slower pace.
Closed for three days annually during the Christmas period.
Casual clothing is appropriate; refrain from touching the motorcycles to preserve the finish of the vintage machines.
