$1.32 Million Motorcycle Breaks Record—The Untold Legend Behind the World’s Most Expensive Bike
The Cyclone V-Twin: A Million-Dollar Piece of Motorcycle History
In the heart of Las Vegas, a 1915 Cyclone V-Twin just roared back to life—selling for a staggering $1.32 million at auction. At first glance, it might look like a bare-bones relic: a 996cc twin-cylinder engine pushing 45 horsepower, no front brake, and only a basic suspended saddle for comfort. Nothing flashy. But beneath that minimalist exterior lies one of the most iconic machines ever built on two wheels.
Manufactured by the Joerns Motor Manufacturing Company of Minnesota between 1912 and 1917, the Cyclone was far from ordinary. With fewer than 300 ever made, every surviving unit is a holy grail for collectors. The one that just sold isn’t a museum fossil—it’s a meticulously restored masterpiece, capturing the radical engineering spirit that made the Cyclone a legend over a century ago.
From Track Titan to Collector’s Holy Grail
This Cyclone wasn’t just a survivor—it was a track dominator. In its heyday, the Cyclone V-Twin went head-to-head with legends like Harley-Davidson and Indian, and often came out on top. Its edge? A fearless mix of brute power and cutting-edge engineering that made it nearly untouchable on the dirt ovals of early American racing.
Today, owning a Cyclone V-Twin isn’t about transportation—it’s about preserving history on wheels. Each surviving model is a sacred artifact for collectors, a reminder of the era when racing was raw, dangerous, and exhilarating. Its skyrocketing value is no fluke—it’s a reflection of timeless engineering and unrelenting spirit. After all, who wouldn’t want to own a piece of the machine that once redefined what “fast” meant?
More Than a Motorcycle—A Million-Dollar Masterpiece
Spending over a million dollars on two wheels might sound insane to most—but the Cyclone V-Twin is far more than metal and mechanics. Every curve, cable, and rivet tells the story of a time when motorcycles weren’t mass-produced—they were crafted with soul.
Over a century later, the Cyclone remains an emblem of daring innovation turned legend, proof that true design transcends decades. To modern eyes, it’s less about horsepower and more about heritage—the perfect marriage of art, speed, and legacy.
A Legacy Forged in Speed and Vision
The Cyclone V-Twin’s story is a lesson in how passion and innovation outlive their makers. Machines like this don’t just survive; they evolve into icons. Each restoration, each sale, breathes new life into a saga written by dreamers who refused to slow down.
So the next time you see an old motorcycle glinting in the sun, don’t just see steel and rubber. See the ghosts of racers who rode beyond fear, and the collectors keeping their fire alive. Because legends like the Cyclone aren’t just remembered—they’re reborn every time someone dares to care.