A 1915 Cyclone board track racer sold for $1,320,000 at Mecum Auctions’ Las Vegas Motorcycles 2025 sale. It marks the first time a motorcycle has sold for over $1 million at an auction. The 1915 Cyclone was part of the Urban S. Hirsch III Collection and was restored by Stephen Wright. The board track racer was based on the 1915 Cyclone Model 7, C-15, which had a list price of $250, the equivalent of $7,765 in 2025 dollars.
While we don’t have a top speed for the Cyclone, it had a peak output of nearly 45 horsepower from its 61ci (1000cc) 42-degree V-twin—the board track version could up that to 45 horsepower. The valvetrain featured a pushrod operating on an overhead cam in each cylinder. Rocker arms operated the valves, which had a nickel stem and cast-iron face. Ignition came from a waterproof Bosch magneto. The one-speed transmission had an Eclipse clutch that the rider could operate via a hand lever or foot pedal.
The hardtail chassis featured a front end with five-leaf vanadium steel, and the rider enjoyed the comfort of a sprung seat. The only braking was a six-inch drum in the rear. The 28-inch wheels were originally fitted with tires from either Goodyear or Firestone.
Mecum Auctions secured the $1.32 million selling price on February 1. The previous highest auction sale price for a motorcycle was two years ago, with a 1908 Harley-Davidson strap tank sold at Mecum Auctions’ Las Vegas Motorcycles 2023 for $935,000.
Photography courtesy of Mecum Auctions
1915 Cyclone Model 7, C-15 Specs
ENGINE
- Type: 42-degree V-twin
- Displacement: 61ci (1000cc)
- Bore x stroke: 3 5/16 inches x 3 17/32 inches
- Maximum power: 45 horsepower
- Valvetrain: Pushrod-actuated overhead cam; 2 vpc
- Cams: Forged vanadium steel
- Valves: Cast-iron face w/ nickel steel stem
- Fueling: 1-inch Schebler
- Ignition: Bosch magneto
- Starting: Kick
- Lubrication: Splash and vacuum
- Transmission: Single-speed
- Clutch: Hand lever- and foot pedal-actuated countershaft-mounted Eclipse
- Final drive: Roller chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Double-D continuous loop reinforced tubing
- Handlebar: 7/8-inch steel w/ crossbar
- Wheelbase: 59 inches
- Front suspension: 5-leaf vanadium steel springs
- Rear suspension: Sprung seat
- Wheels: 28-inch wire-spoked w/ C.C. type rim
- Tires: 28 x 3 Goodyear studded or Firestone corrugated
- Front brake: None
- Rear brake: 6-inch internal expanding drum
1915 Cyclone Model 7, C-15 Price: $250 FOB at factory ($7765 in 2025 dollars)
