The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum

by Michael Satterfield

If you are looking for a fun weekend getaway just outside of Los Angeles? Take a drive up the 101 to the Danish-inspired town of Solvang. But, besides the food, wine tasting, antique stores, and wooden shoes, Solvang also has something for us gearheads, the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum.

The museum houses part of the private collection of Dr. Virgil Elings, philanthropist, MIT Graduate, and entrepreneur who has been collecting and racing motorcycles for decades. The museum is the former Brooks Brothers store in a shopping center owned by Dr. Eling. The museum rotates several bikes each month so that there is an everchanging display of motorcycles including, AJS, BMW, Ducati, Gilera, Matchless, Moto Guzzi, MV, Norton, Triumph, Velocette, and Vincent.

The museum is open on weekends from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm and by appointment mid-week. Admission is $10 per person and children under 10 are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To plan your trip or visit MotoSolvang.com.