Moto Talbott Collection in Carmel Valley

August 2, 2024
Images by Shawn Glad

Located in Carmel Valley, California, the Moto Talbott Collection showcases an impressive array of motorcycles owned by Robb Talbott. This collection is housed in a single-story building with an adjacent workshop for maintenance. Beneath this building lies a spacious basement, effectively doubling the collection’s size. Visitors often find themselves pleasantly surprised to discover the extensive lower floor, so it’s wise to plan for a longer visit to take in the full array of bikes.

The museum blends motorcycles and memorabilia with Talbott’s personal and family history, creating a distinctive atmosphere. It embodies Talbott’s vision of a museum that serves the community and promotes education, providing a space where motorcycle enthusiasts of all backgrounds can come together to share and celebrate their passion for motorcycles.

For further details, you can explore the Moto Talbott Collection’s official website here:

Cheers!

1957 Mondial 125cc GP Dustbin

The Moto Talbott Collection greets visitors with a stunning array of motorcycles the moment they step through the front door. With a distinct Italian emphasis, the collection also includes several road and salt flat racers including a 1957 Mondial 125cc GP Dustbin.

MV AGUSTS IN ALL SIZES

The collection included a tasty lineup of MV Agustas in all sizes, from a 1951 MV Agusta 150 Sport Racer to a 1977 MV Agusta 850SS, among others. Superbo!

1972 MV Agusta 125 GTL-S Carenata

The 1972 MV Agusta 125 GTL-S Carenata was designed for agility and performance, ideal for the winding mountain roads and racing circuits of Europe. Despite its compact size, the Carenata is powered by a stout single-cylinder 4-stroke engine paired with a precise five-speed gearbox, enabling it to reach an impressive top speed of 115 km/h.

1925 BMW R37

The 1925 BMW R37, conceived by visionary engineer Max Friz, was a groundbreaking motorcycle featuring the first aluminum cylinder heads. This innovation significantly increased its performance, doubling the horsepower of its predecessor. The R37’s enhanced power and efficiency delivered BMW to the forefront of European racing, with the motorcycle securing multiple race victories and winning the 500cc German championship every year from 1925 to 1929. With a storied race history and a limited production of only 152 units, the R37 is exceptionally rare. It is believed that only 7 or 8 examples still exist today, with this particular bike possibly being the only remaining factory race model of its kind.

1971 Benelli 500 GP Pasolini Replica

The 1971 Benelli 500 GP Pasolini Replica commemorates the storied history of Benelli, founded in Pesaro by Teresa Benelli to support her six sons after being widowed. Despite the hardships of World War I and family disputes, Benelli thrived, leaving a significant mark in the motorcycle world with its notable production and racing successes. Inspired by the 500cc Quattro, this motorcycle honors the legacy of Renzo Pasolini and Benelli’s racing triumphs in the 1970s. One of only six replicas, it features period-correct components and embodies the spirit of Benelli’s racing heritage, crafted for vintage racing events.

1965 SIS Sachs V5 Sport

The 1965 SIS Sachs V5 Sport is an important part of the legacy of SIS, a prominent Portuguese motorbike and moped manufacturer based in Anadia, Portugal. Known for producing not only motorbikes but also light three-wheeler pickup trucks, SIS utilized Sachs engines with a 5-speed gearbox to create the SIS Sachs V5 brand. This brand became a hallmark of success in Portugal, particularly throughout the 1970s, and gained popularity in countries such as the USA, Germany, Austria, Greece, Morocco, Angola, and Mozambique. The V5 Sport model stood out as the most iconic, with a production run from 1965 into the 1980s, featuring several upgrades and versions.

Moto Talbott Basement

OSSA, Harley, Honda, and BSA are just a few of the names you’ll run across in the basement at Moto Talbott.

1971 Ossa Baker 250cc Short Tracker

The 1971 Ossa Baker 250cc Short Tracker is a fantastic example of Spanish engineering and design during the golden era of Short Track Oval racing in the mid-1970s. Spanish motorcycles, including those from Bultaco Astros, Montesas, and Ossas, dominated the racing scene with their superior performance and handling. This motorcycle features a Dallas Baker-designed frame built by the talented specialists at C&J, and its engine is a 1971 Ossa Stiletto paired with a 5-speed transmission.

1960 BSA / Norton Manx 500

The 1960 BSA/Norton Manx 500, built by Ron Halem, aimed to dominate the Isle of Man TT races and surpass the 100 MPH average lap speed—a feat no BSA had achieved. Despite his best efforts, including a close attempt at 99 MPH, the dream remained just out of reach. The bike features a 1960 Norton “Featherbed” chassis combined with a 500cc BSA Gold Star single-cylinder engine. It boasts an extensive list of modifications, including custom-designed cylinder heads, a modified gearbox, and numerous other enhancements.

1974 Honda CR250M Elsinore

This 1974 Honda CR250M Elsinore, in production for four-years, was Honda’s inaugural purpose-built motocross machine—breaking away from the tradition of modifying existing street models. The ‘Elsinore’ moniker, a nod to the famous off-road races at Lake Elsinore in Southern California, signifies its North American identity. Notably, the CR250M features a distinctive green stripe over the top of the shiny aluminum tank, a pragmatic solution to the glaring reflection that plagued riders under the sun. This design choice, inspired by a notable rider’s improvisation with green house paint to mitigate the glare, was subsequently embraced by Honda, incorporating the green striping into the CR250M and its sibling, the CR125M. The CR250M shown here is an all-original survivor, complete with earned battle scars.