The Cyclone Motorcycle: A Legend Poised for Revival

Discover the legendary Cyclone Motorcycle, a historic US roadster from the 1910s, now rumoured for a modern revival in 2025.

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The Cyclone Motorcycle, an iconic American roadster, is making headlines again. This high-performance machine left its mark from 1912 to 1917. A dedicated team aims to modernize it while keeping its vintage appeal.

A Storied Past: The Rise and Fall of the Cyclone Motorcycle

The Cyclone debuted in 1912, made by Joerns Motor Manufacturing Company. It became the first US overhead-camshaft motorcycle. Engineer Andrew Strand designed the Cyclone with an advanced 996cc engine reaching over 160 km/h.

It dominated board track racing circuits in the 1910s and 1920s. By 1917, Joerns Motor struggled to compete with cheaper models. The design was sold to Ignaz Schwinn of Excelsior Motor Company. Excelsior adapted some of its engineering but later developed better engines, leading to Cyclone’s discontinuation in 1922.

The Mecum Las Vegas 2025 Auction: A Cyclone Reawakens

A restored Cyclone by Stephen Wright appeared at Mecum Las Vegas 2025. Only 14 Cyclone motorcycles exist today, five in racing form. The auction reignited interest in this historic roadster, sparking revival speculation.

Engineering Prowess: The First Overhead-Camshaft Motorcycle

The Cyclone had a pioneering overhead-camshaft (OHC) engine. Unlike traditional camshaft systems, it used a vertical shaft with bevelled gears. This improved efficiency and performance.

Despite its advanced design, the Cyclone had durability issues. Its lubrication system relied on oil dripping onto the camshaft. This caused overheating at high speeds, limiting long-distance racing performance.

The Cyclone featured a dome-shaped combustion chamber and came in canary yellow or dark blue. It had a lightweight frame and self-aligning roller bearings, increasing agility.

The Future: A Revival on the Horizon?

The last update on the Cyclone revival was in 2021. However, the project’s website still references 2025, hinting at development progress. A modern version could bring this legendary roadster back.

Many questions remain. Though details are scarce, the Cyclone’s history makes its return exciting. Riders and collectors eagerly await news about this ambitious revival. Whether classic or modern, the Cyclone’s legacy remains strong.