A lifelong passion for motorcycles is encapsulated through a collection that took decades to put together and is on show at the Helderberg Motorcycle Museum, which opened it’s doors along Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road in Helderberg Rural in December.
The man behind the collection is David Neto, a former Johannesburg resident who has called Somerset West home for the past nine years.
“I grew up with a motorcycle obsession,” recalled Neto during a walk-through of the museum, which he is proud to share with fellow enthusiasts, families and visitors. “I got my first bicycle at the age of 12, which made me feel as if I was the coolest kid at school.
“This collection started with one bike. It was kind of a hobby, which I really enjoyed, at first and then it just became a lifestyle.
“My dad used to buy and sell, and soon after I started doing the same. Eventually I started renting warehouses and sheds where I used to store the bikes, without anyone ever seeing them. I thought if I can’t open a museum one day, then I should rather sell it all.”
The 62-year-old would buy some bikes and even old vintage garage signs from scrap dealers for next to nothing and have them fully restored. Over the years he has built a network of fellow motorbike enthusiasts who’ve helped him source parts, paints and components from all over the globe.
There are more than 250 motorcycles on display at the local museum, featuring models from 1910 and from all over the world. From Harleys to glorified bicycles with motors, 50ccs and mopeds, to Ducatis and even a classic ice-cream motorcycle, the collection is certainly a feast for the eyes, enthusiast or not.
“I don’t keep two of anything, so every motorcycle here is different from the next, and I don’t restore motorcycles that are up to 70% in original good condition,” Neto related.
“It’s the first time all my bikes are in one spot and it is just fulfilling to see. Hundreds of people have already visited the museum and the reactions and appreciation are just priceless. It’s really what all this is about.”
Neto, himself unable to ride anymore as a result of issues with his back, said opening the museum was a long, painstaking process, but worth all the effort now that the facility is finally open to the public.
“It was a mission to find the right premises, but in the end we found the perfect one,” he said. “We’ve also incorporated a restaurant and other amenities to make it a pleasant experience for all visitors, and we welcome all to our museum.”
VThe Helderberg Motorcycle Museum is located at 16 Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road and can be contacted at 067 303 0265, or visit helderbergmotorcyclemuseum.co.za
