Bike Museum is back

The National Motorcycle Musem re-opens for busines on December 1, 2004, just 15 months after a devastating fire.

We’ll be there to join the celebration and bring you first pictures from the event.

Three display halls were completely burned out, and in total around 380 bikes were badly damaged in the blaze, despite the efforts of 120 firefighters. A £20 million pound restoration means around 650 machines on display, with a target of 800 by 2007. This include machines like Harold danielle’s 1932 Racing International Norton and five-times TT winning Triumph ‘Slipper Sam’, both of whom have been expertly rebuilt.

There’s also an extended reception area, new displays, and a £1.2 million sprinkler system. Before the fire, the museum attracted around 250,000 visitors per year.

“The British Bulldog spirit has run through all we have achieved,” said development manager Nick Hartland. “The owner, Roy Richards, was determined we would not buckle in the face of adversity, and whilst all the staff kept their jobs, they showed a degree of support and dedication above and beyond the call of duty.”