1915 Cyclone V-Twin Sells for $1.3 million at Mecum Motorcycle Auction

When we talk about some of the most expensive motorcycles in the world, this brighter-than-the-sun Cyclone V-Twin has just launched itself into ultra-rare territory by claiming a fee of $1,320,000 (roughly £1,068,370) during the Mecum Motorcycle auction in Las Vegas.

Featuring a 61ci air-cooled OHV V-twin engine, this Cyclone motorcycle is rich in history and has been restored by expert restorer Stephen Wright, who also restored a 1912 Indian V-Twin Board-Track Racer during his time.

You would be forgiven for thinking this was a joke, but no, this Cyclone, which has been comprehensively restored according to the Auction lot on Mecum’s official website, has indeed sold for what can only be described as a mind-boggling fee.

So what else does this bike include? Well, for starters it features a Shebler carburettor, Bosch magneto ignition, a single-speed gearbox with a foot-operated clutch, a kick starter and a Sprung leather bicycle-style seat.

It also features a five-inch single-leading shoe rear drum brake (no front brakes fitted)

2.5/28 front and rear tyres, bespoke wheels with yellow steel rims, two-into-one black canister exhaust and it even comes with the Cyclone sales brochure.

During this bike’s time, Cyclone was known for building some of the fastest road and racing bikes around. I must admit it doesn’t look like the most comfortable, nor does it look like the safest bike you will see today, but it’s a collector’s item only and isn’t even road-legal. 

Several other bikes similar in style were also sold at the auction, including a 1913 Henderson Four which produced a winning fee of $352,000 (£284,899), while a 1938 Crocker Twin, which went for $880,000 (£712,247).

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