Detour Pit Stop #129: David Silver Honda Collection, Suffolk, UK

Pit Stops

May 6

A sleepy corner of Suffolk might seem an unlikely spot for a gleaming array of vintage motorbikes, but the David Silver Honda Collection in Leiston houses over 200 models, spanning 1947 to 1992.

It's a must-see for motorcycle enthusiasts and anyone interested in the evolution of motorised transport.

The Collection started in the 1980s, when Silver, an independent dealer in new parts for older Hondas, purchased some bikes from Pennsylvania. Ending up with the largest collection of vintage Hondas outside Japan was, Silver says, “not planned that way.”.

The bikes, arranged chronologically over two floors, are displayed with their technical details and history, offering an insight into the ingenuity of Soichiro Honda. Displays show the timeline of Honda’s history and advertisement artwork, and television monitors offer snippets of interviews and factory tours.

The collection starts with a 1948 A-type – an engine, fuel tank and drive belt system that attached to a pedal bicycle and launched the fledgling Honda Motor Company on its path to global success.

Silver says one of his favourites is the Benly J, which ‘demonstrated the creativity of Honda back in the 1950s’ and was designed by Mr Honda using just a pencil and paper.

The youngest models on display are the 1992 NR750, a limited-edition, groundbreaking sportbike, and the CBR900RR Fireblade, a street-use superbike.

The Collection also showcases fascinating subcollections, including police bikes, fun models like the Z50 mini trail bike range and Kick ‘N Go scooters, and a RC30, an iconic symbol of Honda's engineering prowess that was previously owned by Top Gear’s James May.

A worthy tribute to both Soichiro Honda’s engineering flair and David Silver’s dedication, entry to the Collection is £10 for adults, £5 for over-65s and free for under-16s.

Words & Photography Indi Bains

ROADBOOK

CLASS: Museum

NAME: David Silver Honda Collection

ROUTE: Unit 14, Master Lord Industrial Estate, Station Rd, Leiston IP16 4JD

COUNTRY: ENGLAND

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