$1.28 Million for This Vintage Motorcycle: New Record Shattered!
When you think of auctions, the mind often jumps to pricey paintings or extravagant jewelry. But this time, a motorcycle stole the spotlight! In a Las Vegas auction, a 1915 Cyclone V-Twin Roadster shattered records, fetching a jaw-dropping $1.28 million. You read that right. A bike over a century old sold for a figure that could make motorcycle enthusiasts dream—or weep—at the thought.
Why the Craze?
This yellow ride is no mere two-wheeler. With its retro look, powerful engine for its time, and fascinating history, it stands out as the crown jewel for collectors worldwide.
The Cyclone V-Twin Roadster isn’t just any motorcycle. Produced only between 1912 and 1915, fewer than 200 units rolled out of the factory. Today, only 14 models are known to exist globally. Owning one is like holding a treasure.
Making its story even more intriguing, this bike hails from a company that lasted just a few years—a shooting star in the motorcycle industry that left a significant legacy.
An Engine That Was Revolutionary in 1915
Today, we talk about motorcycles with upwards of 200 horsepower. But imagine the revolution this Cyclone represented in 1915. With its V-twin engine, 996 cc, overhead valves, and liquid cooling, it cranked out 45 horses. That might not impress compared to a modern hypersport, but for its time, it was a beast!
This engine could push it to 100 mph! A speed that, back in 1915, would have been mind-blowing, especially with the roads of the day. It was, quite simply, a rocket on two wheels.
Painstaking Restoration
A legendary bike like this isn’t maintained casually. This Cyclone was lovingly restored by Stephen Wright, a well-known expert in bringing vintage motorcycles back to life. Its yellow paint was renewed to recapture its original glory, and every detail was meticulously attended to, ensuring it looks as stunning as the day it rolled out of the factory. With its stratospheric price tag, this Cyclone becomes the most expensive motorcycle ever sold at auction, surpassing a 1908 Harley-Davidson that nearly hit the million-dollar mark two years ago. A true game-changer in the world of vintage bike collecting.
