Most Expensive Motorcycle Ever Sold At Auction
Motorcycles have been a symbol of freedom and adventure for most people, but for some, they are a symbol of wealth and exclusivity. Motorcycles are not just a mode of transportation; they are a work of art that reflects the owner's personality and taste. Over the years, several motorcycles have been sold at auctions for staggering amounts of money. In this article, we will discuss the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction.
The 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer
The most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction is the 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer, sold for a whopping $929,000 at the Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction in January 2015. The Cyclone was manufactured by the Joerns Motor Manufacturing Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was one of the fastest motorcycles of its time, capable of reaching a top speed of 111 mph (179 km/h).
The Cyclone was powered by a 45 cubic inch V-twin engine that produced 45 horsepower. The engine was unique in that it had a chain-driven overhead camshaft and hemispherical combustion chambers. The bike had no transmission, so the engine was connected directly to the rear wheel through a leather belt. The bike weighed only 275 pounds, making it extremely lightweight for its time.
The History of the Cyclone Board Track Racer
The Cyclone Board Track Racer was designed by Andrew Strand and his team at Joerns Motor Manufacturing Company in 1913. The bike was an instant success, winning several races and setting world land speed records. The bike achieved its greatest success in 1914 when it won the prestigious Dodge City 300-mile race in Kansas.
The bike's success was short-lived, as the company went out of business in 1917 due to financial difficulties. The bike's legacy lived on, however, and it became a symbol of speed and power in the early days of motorcycle racing.
The Restoration of the Cyclone Board Track Racer
The Cyclone Board Track Racer that sold for $929,000 at the Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction in 2015 had been beautifully restored by the team at Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. The restoration took over 20 years to complete and required finding original parts and rebuilding the engine and frame. The restoration was completed in 2010 and the bike was shown at several vintage motorcycle shows before being sold at auction in 2015.
The Legacy of the Cyclone Board Track Racer
The Cyclone Board Track Racer remains one of the most iconic motorcycles in history, and its legacy continues to inspire motorcycle enthusiasts around the world. The bike's unique design and incredible speed make it a symbol of the early days of motorcycle racing and a reminder of the innovation and creativity that drives the motorcycle industry.
Although the Cyclone Board Track Racer is the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction, there are several other motorcycles that have sold for significant amounts of money. These include the 1951 Vincent Black Lightning, which sold for $929,000 in 2018, and the 1936 Harley-Davidson EL "Knucklehead," which sold for $750,000 in 2015.
In conclusion, the 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer is the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction, with a sale price of $929,000. The bike's incredible speed, unique design, and rich history make it a symbol of the early days of motorcycle racing and a testament to the innovation and creativity that drives the motorcycle industry.