Largest Honda collection outside of Japan opens...in Suffolk

Freddie Spencer and James May help open David Silver's museum

The largest collection of Honda motorcycles outside of Japan has been created...in Suffolk and owner David Silver has opened his doors to the paying public. We'll have a full review next week but for now, here's what you need to know.

Attended by an invited selection of VIP’s, press, and senior motorcycle industry figures the David Silver Honda Collection hosted an opening party at its base in Leiston, Suffolk on Wednesday 29th June with the facility officially opening on Monday 4th July.

TV celebrity and passionate motorcyclist, James May was the guest of honor alongside three-time world Grand Prix Champion for Honda, Freddie Spencer who made a special visit to the purpose made two-storey facility.

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150 different Honda models from '51 - '91

David Silver started his business in 1986 by supplying new, old stock parts to Honda owners around the world. Thirty years on, his operation now stocks parts for over 1000 past Honda machines and carries a comprehensive range of spares for most models from the early 1960’s through to 1999.

The Honda collection comprises of over 150 different models produced by Honda from 1951 to 1991. Starting with the Cub F-type and finishing with the iconic CBR900RR Fireblade it’s a fitting tribute to the company’s founder and mastermind, Soichiro Honda. Displayed over a brand new purpose built facility, visitors will see an extraordinary range of machines that befit the most successful motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

The museum opens for business on Monday 4th July

The Collection will be open to the public from 09.00 on Monday 4th July. Full details of opening times, visiting hours and much more can be found on www.davidsilverhondacollection.co.uk 

Owner David Silver, said, "I guess the whole collection started as a parts resource. Spares is our business and having a bike is an easy way to see what goes where – and the stock of bikes grew from there really. What we have now is a great collection of Honda machines that will take people down their own particular memory lane."

TV personalisty James May, said, "This is a great history story of how Soichiro Honda built a great company taking the visitor along a fascinating journey through their own individual past. I’m lucky enough to own several historic Hondas and I found myself dreaming about the next bike I wanted by getting lost in my thoughts in this wonderful collection. I’m sure bike enthusiasts will be equally fascinated by what Silver has gathered together. I worthy trip to the depths of Suffolk I’d say.

Triple world champion, 'Fast Freddie' Spencer, said, "I’ve been very lucky to have travelled the world with my job I have seen some bike collections in my time but I have to say I can’t remember seeing such an interesting and large collection of Honda road bikes – that has been so well laid out with so much thought. I was lucky enough to meet Mr Honda who was a brilliant innovator. This collection of bikes covering his lifespan illustrates his creativity superbly."

James May, David Silver and Freddie Spencer seem happy with the new wall art installation

We're going for a full-on snoop around mext week so will report back with our findings!