It’s official: The world’s most expensive motorcycle has just found a new owner—and with it, a legend roars back to life. A Cyclone V-Twin from 1915 has made headlines in Las Vegas, smashing records with a sale price of $1.32 million. At first glance, this stripped-down wonder, with its 996 cc V-twin engine boasting 45 horsepower, lacks a front brake and sports only a simple suspended seat. It might strike you as basic, even spartan. But don’t be fooled: behind its bare-bones appearance lies an irreplaceable fragment of motorcycle history.
A Rare Gem, Born in Minnesota
Produced by Joerns Motor Manufacturing Company in Minnesota between 1912 and 1917, the Cyclone V-Twin saw fewer than 300 units ever built. Over a century later, the model recently sold at auction shines again, restored with exceptional care. Its design, considered revolutionary in its heyday, has been resurrected, allowing enthusiasts—and genuinely lucky collectors—to experience a motorcycle that stood on the cutting edge over 110 years ago. Talk about a second (or hundredth) wind!
From Race Champion to Collectors’ Holy Grail
This Cyclone V-Twin was never content with merely being rare. On the track, it achieved true stardom. Pitted against iconic rivals such as Harley-Davidson and Indian, the Cyclone stole the show for years. Its secret? A heady mix of raw power and technical innovation that left competitors eating its dust. For a time, it reigned supreme, a champion blessed by both mechanical brilliance and racing pedigree.
- Less than 300 Cyclones ever made
- 45 horsepower from a 996 cc V-twin engine
- Silent but deadly: no front brake, just racing guts
Owning a Cyclone V-Twin today is about more than motorcycles—it’s about safeguarding a precious slice of racing’s golden history. With such rarity and backstory, it’s little wonder the world’s collectors have circled like hawks, driving the price to heights never before imagined.
A Work of Art on Two Wheels
At this price, you’re not only getting a vehicle—or even just a race-winning machine—you’re stepping into the realm of two-wheeled artwork. The Cyclone V-Twin has evolved into a symbol of enduring innovation. Even after more than a hundred years, it hasn’t lost an ounce of its mythic charm. Instead, time has polished its allure, making it one of the most coveted motorized masterpieces around.
The allure of this motorcycle transcends technical details or raw speed. What truly makes it special is the story it carries on its saddle: the tale of a pioneering era when motorcycles were securing their place on both streets and racetracks. For the modern onlooker, it’s this spirit—of discovery, rebellion, and relentless ingenuity—that shines brightest.
Why Legends Last
The Cyclone V-Twin offers living proof: when passion and cleverness come together, they can create things that outlast their era. These creations defy the passage of time, gain value, and, if they’re lucky, become legends. It’s not just about nostalgia or machinery; it’s about the moments, the races, the fearless inventors who dared to dream a century ago.
So, while we may not all have $1.32 million to drop on a historical game-changer, we can tip our helmets to the newest owner. After all, it’s not every day that you get to cradle a true legend in your garage—unless, of course, your idea of a collector’s item is a museum on two wheels.
Consider this a nudge for motorheads and dreamers alike: Sometimes, the stories we chase are just as important as the machines that carry us forward.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
