The 1952 Vincent Black Shadow isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a landmark of engineering and the fastest production bike in the world for two decades. With only 1,774 units ever made, this British masterpiece remains one of history’s rarest and most coveted motorcycles.

History: The Birth of a Record-Breaker

Developed by Vincent Motorcycles (founded in 1924 by Phil Vincent and Harold Beart), the Black Shadow redefined speed. Its racing variant, the Black Lightning, shattered records in 1948 when Rollie Free hit 150.31 mph (241 km/h) at Bonneville Salt Flats—naked, in a bathing suit! This legendary feat cemented the Black Shadow’s status as an innovation icon.

Performance: Unmatched Power for Its Era

Engine: 998cc air-cooled V-twin
Power: 55 HP (massive for the 1950s)
0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds (faster than most cars)
Top speed: 125 mph (201 km/h)—making it the world’s fastest production bike for 20+ years.

Groundbreaking Features

The Black Shadow was decades ahead of its time with:
✔ Lightweight stressed-member frame (using the engine as structural support)
✔ Girdraulic front fork (hydraulic-damped girder fork for precision handling)
✔ Cantilever rear suspension (smoother ride than rigid frames)
✔ Dry clutch (less maintenance, better performance)
✔ Double drum brakes (with cooling fins for high-speed stability)

Handling: Agile & Stable at Extreme Speeds

Despite its power, the Black Shadow was shockingly nimble thanks to:

A long wheelbase (1435 mm) for high-speed stability
Engine-as-frame design, reducing weight and vibration
Cantilever rear suspension, absorbing bumps effortlessly

Specifications at a Glance

Why It’s a Museum-Worthy Masterpiece

The Vincent Black Shadow isn’t just rare—it’s a pioneer of motorcycle design. Its record-breaking speed, innovative engineering, and jaw-dropping scarcity make it a crown jewel of the Naked Racer Moto Co collection.

Fun Fact: Finding one today can cost over $150,000—proof that legends only grow in value.

2. 1937 Brough Superior SS100

Displayed at Naked Racer Moto Co Museum

The 1937 Brough Superior SS100 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a hand-built masterpiece that earned the title “Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles” for its unrivaled craftsmanship. With only 69 SS100 models ever produced, this British aristocrat of speed remains one of history’s most exclusive and valuable motorcycles.

History: A Machine Fit for Legends

Created by George Brough in 1924, each SS100 was custom-built to order, with a guaranteed top speed of 100+ mph (hence “SS100”). Its most famous owner? T.E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”) owned seven Brough Superiors and tragically died riding one in 1935.

Performance: A Gentleman’s Rocket

Engine: 996cc OHV V-twin (JAP or Matchless, depending on model)
Power: 45–55 HP (enough to hit 110 mph in 1937!)
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds (faster than period sports cars)
Top speed: 100+ mph (160+ km/h)—with a written guarantee from George Brough himself.

Engineering Brilliance

The SS100 was overengineered for perfection, featuring:
✔ Hand-finished aluminum bodywork (each tank took 100+ hours to polish)
✔ Front and rear plunger suspension (rare for pre-war bikes)
✔ Dual overhead camshafts (in later models, a racing innovation)
✔ Brazed (not welded) frame for unparalleled strength
✔ Optional supercharger (for “SS100 Alpine” models)

Handling: Grace Meets Grit

Despite its size, the SS100 was shockingly agile thanks to:

A low center of gravity (from its V-twin layout)
Precision-balanced crankshaft (buttery smooth at high RPMs)
Reversed front brake lever (for easier hard stops)

Specifications at a Glance

Why It’s a Museum Crown Jewel

The Brough Superior SS100 set the standard for pre-war luxury performance. Its hand-built rarity, celebrity pedigree, and George Brough’s obsessive attention to detail make it a centerpiece of the Naked Racer Moto Co collection.

Fun Fact: A 1939 SS100 sold for $600,000+ at auction—proof that “the best motorcycle ever built” (as T.E. Lawrence called it) only appreciates.

3. 2003 Indian Chief Terminator III – The Legendary Movie Bike

Displayed at Naked Racer Moto Co Museum

This 2003 Indian Chief isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s Hollywood history. As the actual bike ridden by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator III: Rise of the Machines, this iconic machine retains its original police lights, sirens, and movie-used electronics. Later featured in Cat in the Hat, it’s one of the most recognizable motorcycles in cinema.

History: From Springfield to Hollywood

Original Manufacturer: Indian Motorcycle (founded 1901, 2 years before Harley-Davidson)
Bankruptcy & Revival: After closing in 1953, California Motorcycle Company (CMC) revived the brand in 1998.
The “Bottle Cap” Engine: In 2002, Indian redesigned the engine with a distinctive “Bottle Cap” cylinder head—visible on this bike.
Fatal Flaw: Assembly issues led to catastrophic engine failures, forcing CMC’s 2003 bankruptcy. Few survive today.

Movie Star Credentials

Terminator III (2003): Ridden by Schwarzenegger as the T-850; fully functional police lights/sirens are still operational.
The Cat in the Hat (2003): It was repurposed as a police bike in the chaotic chase scene (watch at 1:19).

Technical Highlights

✔ Engine: 1,638cc “Powerplus” V-twin (Bottle Cap top end)
✔ Power: 92 HP (with that classic Indian rumble)
✔ Weight: 320 kg (a heavyweight, like its Terminator rider)
✔ Unique Feature: Original movie electronics (lights, sirens)

Why It’s a Museum Masterpiece

This Indian Chief is one of the rarest movie bikes in existence. Its dual Hollywood roles, doomed factory story, and Arnold Schwarzenegger pedigree make it a star attraction at the Naked Racer Moto Co Museum.

Fun Fact: Only a handful of 2002–2003 “Bottle Cap” Chiefs survived the engine failures, making this Terminator bike doubly rare.

4. 1979 Honda CB750 “Mad Max 1” – The Last of the V8 Interceptors’ Original Stallion

Displayed at Naked Racer Moto Co Museum

This modified Honda CB750 isn’t just a cult classic—it’s an authentic survivor from the original Mad Max (1979), ridden in the dystopian chase scenes that launched a global phenomenon. Discovered by Johnny Gee of Naked Racer Moto Co, this bike comes with its original parts, NOS spares, and a Hollywood pedigree—making it one of the rarest movie motorcycles.

History: From Aussie Wasteland to Museum Legend

Film Debut: Featured in Mad Max (released April 12, 1979) as one of the Toecutter’s gang bikes.
Rediscovery: Johnny Gee initially passed on the heavily modified CB750—until the seller revealed it was a genuine Mad Max stunt bike, complete with original parts and memorabilia.
Exclusive Status: This was the only verified Mad Max 1 vehicle at fan reunions for years.

Mad Max Mods: Post-Apocalyptic Upgrades

This CB750 was transformed into a wasteland warrior with:

✔ Star Mag Wheels (replacing stock spokes)
✔ Custom Twin-Disc Front End (for high-speed stops)
✔ Bikini Fairing (sleeker than the factory setup)
✔ Triumph Trident Oil Cooler (combatting Aussie heat)
✔ Kerker 4-into-1 Exhaust (aggressive growl)
✔ S&W Rear Shocks (for hard landings)
✔ Jerex Electronic Ignition (reliable sparks in chaos)
✔ Flat Bars (for a more aggressive riding stance)

(Plus internal engine tweaks for extra performance—just like the film’s “last of the V8 interceptors.”)

Why It’s a Museum Must-See

Rarity: One of few surviving authentic Mad Max bikes—not a replica.
Original Parts: Comes with NOS spares and factory components saved by the owner.
Cinematic Legacy: A key prop from the film that defined the post-apocalyptic genre.

Fun Fact: The Kerker exhaust alone is a holy grail for CB750 collectors—paired with its movie history, this bike is priceless.

5. 1905 FN Fabrique Nationale – The World’s First 4-Cylinder Motorcycle

Displayed at Naked Racer Moto Co Museum

This 1905 FN Four isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s the dawn of multicylinder engineering. As the world’s first production 4-cylinder motorcycle, this Belgian marvel was decades ahead, featuring innovations like shaft drive, front suspension, and a revolutionary “panic stop” lever—all in 1905!

History: A Firearms Giant’s Foray into Motorcycles

Maker: Fabrique Nationale (FN), Belgium’s legendary arms manufacturer (founded 1889).
Milestone: After building cars in 1899, FN launched its first motorcycle in 1902—and by 1905, shocked the world with this 4-cylinder pioneer.
Rediscovery: Found in a Sale, Victoria museum (2019) by Naked Racer Moto Co, it’s the only known surviving example—still running, 100% original, unrestored.

Engineering That Rewrote the Rules

✔ 4-Cylinder Engine: A 362cc inline-four (water-cooled, 8 HP)—unheard of in 1905.
✔ Shaft Drive: No chain or belt—just a smooth, low-maintenance drivetrain.
✔ Safety Rims: Prevented tire blowouts at speed (a first for motorcycles).
✔ “One-Lever Stop” System: Pull a single lever to cut ignition + engage a rear brake—an early “ABS” prototype.

Specs at a Glance

Why It’s a Museum Treasure

Rarity: The sole surviving 1905 FN Four—no others exist.
Innovation: Its tech wouldn’t become standard for another 50+ years.
Originality: Never restored; patina tells its 118-year story.

Fun Fact: In 1905, most “motorcycles” were motorized bicycles—yet FN built a 4-cylinder, shaft-driven proto-superbike.

6. 1978 Kawasaki Z1R Turbo Stage 3 – The Rockstar’s Forced-Induction Beast

Displayed at Naked Racer Moto Co Museum

This isn’t just a turbocharged Kawasaki – it’s Billy Gibbons’ personal “Destroyer II”, a Stage 3-modified Z1R-TC representing the pinnacle of 1970s turbo madness. This is one of the rarest Japanese turbo bikes with gold-plated hardware, 120+ horsepower, and a ZZ Top rockstar pedigree.

History: When Kawasaki Played With Boost

Turbo Pioneer: 1977 Kawasaki partnered with American Turbo Pak to create the first factory-sanctioned turbo motorcycle – the Z1R-TC.
No Warranty, All Risk: These bikes were disassembled and modified in California, then sold without warranty through dealers.
Rockstar Ownership: This specific bike was built by RC Hill’s Kawasaki (Orlando) for Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) – a known gearhead who demanded extreme performance.

Stage 3 Upgrades: Brutal Power Meets Bling

✔ Engine: 1015cc inline-four with Rayjay turbocharger (6:1 forged pistons, welded/balanced crank)
✔ Power: 120+ rear-wheel HP (nearly double the stock Z1R)
✔ Oil System: Dual-stage pump + deep sump for turbo reliability
✔ Gold Everything: 24-karat gold-plated bolts, hardware, and accents
✔ Custom Paint: Gold-leaf “Destroyer II” livery (named after Gibbons’ guitar)

Specs at a Glance

Why This Bike is a Museum Masterpiece

Rarity: One of only a handful of Stage 3 Z1R Turbos.
Celebrity Provenance: Owned, customized, and ridden by Billy Gibbons.
Turbo Legacy: A factory-backed experiment that foreshadowed the 1980s turbo bike craze.
Time Capsule Condition: Just 6,000 original miles – preserved like a rock ‘n’ roll relic.

Fun Fact: Most Z1R Turbos blew up quickly – but Gibbons’ deep-pocketed build survived thanks to over-engineered upgrades.

7. 1923 Harley-Davidson Broad Racer – The Forgotten Speed King

Displayed at Naked Racer Moto Co Museum

This 1923 Harley-Davidson Broad Racer isn’t just a vintage motorcycle—it’s a missing link in Harley’s racing history. It’s a rare factory-built board-track terror that dominated the deadly “murderdrome” circuits before being overshadowed by its Indian rivals.

History: Harley’s Answer to Board Track Mayhem

Era of Danger: Built for wooden velodrome racing, where riders hit 100+ mph on bikes with no brakes, no suspension, and no fear
“Broad” Design: Featured wider frame rails for stability at insane lean angles
Forgotten Legacy: While Indian’s “8-Valve” racers stole headlines, these Harleys won countless races before board tracks were banned as too lethal

Engineering: Brutal Simplicity

✔ Engine: 1,000cc F-head V-twin (later called the “JD” motor)
✔ Power: ~25 HP (enough for 100+ mph on wooden planks)
✔ Weight: Just 250 lbs – stripped to the bare essentials
✔ No Brakes: Riders slowed by rear tire skids or gravity
✔ “Suicide” Clutch: Hand-shift, foot-clutch operation

Specs at a Glance

Why This Bike is a Museum Treasure

Rarity: Few survived after racers were scrapped following the board track ban
Authenticity: This example retains original racing lugs and engine numbers
Danger Factor: Represents the most lethal era of motorcycle competition

Blood-Soaked Fact: At least 14 riders died in 1922 alone on bikes like this – leading to the sport’s collapse by 1931.

8. 1919 Traub – The Greatest Motorcycle Mystery

1919 Traub at Dale's Wheels Through Time — Image Credit – Dale’s Wheels Through Time

Displayed at Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum

The 1919 Traub isn’t just a rare motorcycle – it’s the industry’s most baffling enigma. Discovered inside a Chicago apartment wall in 1968, this machine features engineering so advanced that experts still debate its origins.

History: A Bike That Shouldn’t Exist

The Wall Find: In 1968, plumbers tearing down a building heard metal inside a wall – behind the bricks sat this fully-functioning Traub, likely hidden by its owner in the 1920s
Mystery Builder: No records of “Traub Motorcycles” exist – the engine’s unique helical-cut gears and overhead valve design suggest it was either:
✓ A prototype from a major manufacturer
✓ Built by a brilliant engineer working alone
Current Home: Permanently displayed at Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum (Maggie Valley, NC)

Engineering That Defies Time

✔ Engine: 80ci (1,300cc) side-valve V-twin – massive for 1919
✔ Transmission: 3-speed with helical gears (a first for motorcycles)
✔ Starter: Unique hand-crank mechanism
✔ Frame: Curved seat tube inspired by aircraft design
✔ Brakes: Rear-only external contracting band

Specs at a Glance

Why Experts Are Stunned

No Paper Trail: Zero factory records, patents, or ads for Traub
Ahead of Its Time: Features that wouldn’t become standard for decades
Survivor Status: Found with original paint and tires – now preserved unrestored

Unsolved Mystery: Some believe it’s a Harley-Davidson experiment, while others insist it’s the work of Chicago inventor Richard Traub – but no proof exists either way.

9. 1907 Indian Camelback V-Twin – The Original American Powerhouse

Displayed at Naked Racer Moto Co Museum

This 1907 Indian Camelback isn’t just an antique motorcycle – it’s the first production V-twin ever built, marking the moment American motorcycles became power machines rather than motorized bicycles.

History: Birth of the V-Twin Legacy

World’s First: Indian beat Harley-Davidson by 4 years with this pioneering V-twin design
Camelback Name: Derived from the distinctive humped fuel tank (a signature early Indian feature)
Racing Pedigree: These bikes dominated early board track racing and endurance competitions

Engineering That Started an Era

✔ Engine: 633cc (38.6ci) V-twin – massive for 1907
✔ Power Delivery: Direct belt drive to rear wheel
✔ Innovations:

Automatic oiler system (no hand-pumping required)
Cushioned seat spring (a luxury for rough roads)
Coaster brake (the only stopping power available)

Specs at a Glance

Why This Bike is Priceless

Survivor Status: One of perhaps 12-15 remaining from first production year
Original Condition: Unrestored patina with matching numbers
Ancestral Importance: The direct predecessor to all American performance bikes

Daredevil Fact: Riders hit 60+ mph on these in 1907 – with no suspension, no front brake, and minimal tire traction

10. 2016 Egli Vincent – The Ultimate Evolution of a Racing Legend

Displayed at Naked Racer Moto Co Museum

This isn’t just another Vincent – it’s a modern masterpiece by Fritz Egli, who redefined what a Vincent could be. Built in 2016 as one of the last Egli creations, this 1300cc beast represents the pinnacle of 50 years of Swiss engineering brilliance.

History: From Hill Climb Failure to Icon

1965: Fritz Egli began modifying his Vincent Rapide for Swiss hill climbs
1967: After realizing the stock frame couldn’t compete, he built his own – birthing the Egli-Vincent legend
2016: In a rare comeback, Egli hand-built this bike for Sydney doctor Luis Gallur instead of retirement

Engineering Perfection

✔ Engine: 1300cc Vincent V-twin (Lightning spec) – 100+ HP
✔ Frame: Egli’s signature chrome-moly tubular design (60 years evolved)
✔ Modern Classics:

Ceriani racing forks
Girling rear shocks
Brembo brakes
5-speed gearbox

Specs at a Glance

Why This Bike is Special

Last of the Line: Built after Egli sold his company to Patrick Godet
Ultimate Spec: Combines 50 years of development in one machine
Time Capsule: Just 800 km since completion

Racing DNA: The frame design that made Vincents competitive into the 21st century

11. 1915 Cyclone V-Twin – The World’s Most Expensive Motorcycle

1915 Cyclone V-Twin - rarest Motorcycle — Image Credit- Mecum

Auctioned for $1.32 million (2025)

This 1915 Cyclone V-Twin isn’t just rare—it’s motorcycle royalty. In February 2025, it shattered records at Mecum Auctions, selling for $1.32 million (USD), making it the most expensive motorcycle ever sold. With only 14 Cyclones known to exist, this roadster represents the pinnacle of pre-war engineering and collector prestige.

History: From Racetracks to Auction Block

Design Genius: Engineered by Andrew Strand, its 996cc V-twin boasted overhead cams and hemispherical combustion chambers—decades ahead of its time.
Celebrity Pedigree: Owned by Bud Ekins (famed stuntman for Steve McQueen) and later Urban S. Hirsch III, a pre-1916 motorcycle connoisseur.
Record Breaker: The 2025 sale surpassed all previous auction highs, cementing its status as the “blue-chip” of classic bikes.

Engineering Marvel: 1915’s Superbike

✔ Engine: 996cc OHV V-twin (45 HP—unmatched in 1915)
✔ Top Speed: 100+ mph (rivaling contemporary race bikes)
✔ Innovations:

Hemispherical combustion chambers (predating Chrysler’s Hemi by 30+ years)
Overhead camshafts (rare for production bikes until the 1960s)
✔ Restoration: Expertly rebuilt by the author of American Racer books, Stephen Wright.

Specs at a Glance

Why It’s Irreplaceable

Rarity: 1 of 14 survivors from a short production run.
Provenance: Linked to Hollywood stunts and elite collections.
Technical Legacy: A 1915 engine that outperformed 1950s designs.

Auction Drama: Bidders at Mecum’s 2025 event drove the price to $1.32 million—proving even a softening market bows to unicorns.

12. 1966 Honda RC166

Displayed at Honda Collection Hall, Motegi, Japan

This isn’t just a Grand Prix racer—it’s a 250cc engineering miracle, an 18,000 RPM screamer that rewrote motorcycle racing history. The 1966 Honda RC166, with its jewel-like six-cylinder engine, didn’t just dominate the 250cc class—it humiliated the competition with 10 wins in 10 races, piloted by the legendary Mike Hailwood.

History: Honda’s David vs. Goliath Moment

1966 Debut: Honda shocked Europe by fielding a six-cylinder 250cc against rivals’ twins and fours
Total Domination: Won every race in the 1966 season (only bike to achieve a perfect Grand Prix record)
Retired Undefeated: Withdrawn after 1967 as Honda shifted focus to larger classes—leaving the RC166 unbeaten

Engineering: A 249cc Masterpiece

✔ Engine: 249.4cc air-cooled inline-six (60 HP @ 18,000 RPM)
✔ Redline: 20,000 RPM (unheard of in 1966)
✔ Weight: Just 115 kg—lighter than a modern 125cc bike
✔ Innovations:

45-degree cylinder bank (for aerodynamics)
Twin overhead cams (with 24 valves)
6-speed gearbox (when rivals used 5-speeds)

Why It Was Revolutionary

Power Density: 240 HP per liter—a record that stood for decades
Sound: A high-pitched wail compared to a Formula 1 car
Precision: Each engine hand-assembled by Honda’s racing division

Performance: 150 MPH on 250cc

Top Speed: 150+ mph (240 km/h)—faster than period 500cc bikes
0-60 mph: Under 3.5 seconds (rivaling modern supersports)
Race Wins: 10/10 in 1966, with an average margin of 30+ seconds

Specs at a Glance

Why It’s a Motegi Highlight

Rarity: Only 5-6 survive in museums (most at Honda Collection Hall)
Cultural Icon: Featured in films like TT3D: Closer to the Edge
Legacy: Inspired Honda’s CBX and modern RC213V-S

Fun Fact: In period tests, the RC166 outperformed 500cc bikes on straights—despite half the displacement.

13. 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller

Displayed at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

This 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller represents the very dawn of motorized two-wheelers. As the world’s first series-produced motorcycle, this German pioneer established the template for all motorcycles to follow, with approximately 2,000 units built before production ended in 1897.

Historical Significance

World’s First: The first motorcycle to enter industrial-scale production
Technical Pioneer: Featured the first twin-cylinder, four-stroke engine on two wheels
Commercial Challenge: High price (~1,200 marks) and technical limitations hindered sales
Legacy: Lasted only 3 years but proved motorcycles were viable

Engineering:

✔ Engine: 1,488cc twin-cylinder four-stroke (2.5 HP @ 240 RPM)
✔ Transmission: Direct rod-driven rear wheel (no clutch or gears)
✔ Innovations:

Water tank frame (coolant and structural element)
Steam locomotive-inspired piston linkage
Pedal-assisted starting system

Why It Was Revolutionary

First vehicle officially called a “motorrad” (motorcycle)
Proved gasoline engines could replace steam power
Established the motorcycle as distinct from bicycles

Performance:

Top Speed: 28 mph (45 km/h) – terrifying for 1894
Range: ~90 miles per tank of “light benzene”
Braking: Spoon brake on rear wheel only

Specifications

Why It’s Special:

One of perhaps 5-6 operational examples remaining
The only one on public display in North America
Part of Barber’s “Origins of Motorcycling” exhibit

The Hildebrand & Wolfmüller Legacy

This motorcycle proved:
✓ Personal motorized transport was possible
✓ Internal combustion could replace horses and bicycles
✓ The foundation for a $100 billion global industry

Did You Know? Riders had to pedal like mad to start the engine – making it history’s first “hybrid” vehicle.

14. 1983 Honda CX650 Turbo – The Last of the Turbo Pioneers

Now Displayed at Naked Racer Moto Co Museum

This 1983 Honda CX650 Turbo represents the thrilling climax – and abrupt end – of motorcycling’s first turbo era. As one of only 1,700 ever built, this unrestored survivor captures Honda’s boldest 1980s engineering in pristine factory condition.

History: Honda’s Turbo Gamble

1982 Debut: Followed the CX500 Turbo with enlarged 674cc engine for stronger boost
Technical Marvel: Featured fuel injection when most bikes still used carburetors
Short Reign: Discontinued after just one year as the turbo craze collapsed
Rarity: Fewer than 200 likely survive worldwide today

Engineering: 1980s Future-Tech

✔ Engine: 674cc liquid-cooled turbo V-twin (100 HP @ 8,000 RPM)
✔ Boost System: Garrett T25 turbo with 6 psi peak boost
✔ Groundbreaking Features:

Digital instrument cluster (with boost gauge)
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Pro-Link rear suspension
Comstar wheels (for reduced unsprung weight)

Why It Was Revolutionary

0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds – matching period 900cc bikes
130 mph top speed made it the fastest production Honda of 1983
First Honda streetbike with digital dash and fuel injection

Performance: Boosted Brilliance

Power: 100 HP (50% more than non-turbo CX650)
Torque: 56 lb-ft @ 6,500 RPM (flat curve thanks to turbo)
Handling: Surprisingly nimble despite 520 lb weight

Technical Specifications

Why This Example is Special

Time Capsule Condition: Unrestored with original paint and components
Complete History: Includes original documentation
Rarity: Among the last CX650 Turbos still in factory specification

Did You Know? The CX650 Turbo’s engine was so robust that tuners later extracted 150+ HP – foreshadowing modern turbo bikes.

15. 1936 Crocker Small Tank

The 1936 Crocker Small Tank represents the pinnacle of pre-war American engineering – a bike so advanced it briefly humiliated Harley-Davidson before vanishing into obscurity. Only 110 were ever built, making original examples like this among the rarest motorcycles in existence.

Why Crocker Still Matters

First American OHV V-twin (predating Harley’s Knucklehead)
206 km/h top speed in 1936 – 30+ km/h faster than any production rival
Hand-built in Los Angeles with aircraft-quality aluminum castings
Business Tragedy: Crocker lost money on every $495 bik e (v s$ 380 Harleys)

Technical Brilliance Ahead of Its Time

✔ Engine: 986cc (61ci) OHV V-twin making 55 HP
✔ Innovations:

Hemispherical combustion chambers (first 17 bikes)
Dry-sump lubrication with dual oil pumps
3-speed constant-mesh transmission
✔ Weight: Just 240 kg – 36 kg lighter than a Knucklehead

Specifications at a Glance

Where to See a Crocker Today

While not in our collection, these institutions display original Crockers:

Wheels Through Time Museum (Maggie Valley, NC)
National Motorcycle Museum (Anamosa, IA)

Fun Fact: Crocker offered cash to any owner outrun by a Harley – historical records show he never paid out.

16. 1914 Levis

This unassuming 1914 Levis “Popular” represents a quiet revolution in motorcycling history. While overshadowed by larger, faster machines, this 211cc single-cylinder workhorse brought personal transportation within reach of ordinary Britons for the first time.

The People’s Motorcycle

Price Breakthrough: At just £35 (equivalent to ~$5,000 today), it undercut competitors by 30%
Designed for Accessibility: Simple controls appealed to first-time riders
Proven Technology: Adapted from Levis’ successful racing engines
Survival Rarity: Few exist today – most were used until worn out

Engineering Philosophy: Less is More

✔ Engine: 211cc air-cooled single (62x70mm) producing 2.25hp
✔ Key Features:

Maintenance-free belt drive (unusual for 1914)
Automatic oiling system with adjustable flow
24×2″ bicycle tires for affordable replacements
Pedal starting – no need for a crank

What Made It Special

Remarkably light at just 55kg (121lbs)
Surprising performance – could maintain 30 mph all day
Weather-resistant – testers noted no belt slip even in heavy rain

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Survivors

While most were ridden into oblivion, a handful of “Popular” models exist in:

National Motorcycle Museum (Solihull, UK)

17. 1931 Coventry Eagle 196cc

This recently documented 1931 Coventry Eagle 196cc represents one of Britain’s most intriguing engineering gambles. While most manufacturers stuck with tubular frames, Coventry Eagle’s radical pressed-steel chassis marked a daring departure that couldn’t survive the conservative motorcycle market of the 1930s.

Historical Significance

Recent Research: Historians have only recently fully documented the pressed-steel frame’s development
Bicycle Roots: Evolved from the 1890 “Royal Eagle” cycle company
Engine Strategy: Used reliable JAP engines across model ranges
Lasting Impact: The pressed-frame concept would later influence postwar designs

Technical Breakdown: Ahead of Its Time

✔ Engine: 196cc two-stroke (JAP or proprietary)
✔ Frame: Pressed-steel unibody construction
✔ Weight Advantage: ~85kg vs 100kg+ for tube-frame rivals
✔ Recent Findings: Modern analysis shows the frame was 30% stiffer than contemporary tube designs

Why It Failed

✓ Buyers distrusted the unconventional construction
✓ Traditional manufacturers improved tube-frame efficiency
✓ The Great Depression crushed demand for experiments

Where to View:

Coventry Transport Museum (Recently restored example)
National Motorcycle Museum (In storage, rarely displayed)

Specifications

Why This Bike Matters Today

Recent scholarship has reappraised Coventry Eagle as:
✓ A visionary attempt to revolutionize production
✓ A case study in how good ideas can fail commercially
✓ An important precursor to modern monocoque designs

Modern Connection: BMW wouldn’t successfully implement pressed-steel frames until 1935

18. 1948 Vincent Black Lightning

This Black Lightning tribute captures the essence of Vincent HRD’s most fearsome creation – the motorcycle that redefined speed in postwar Europe. While only 31 genuine Lightnings left the factory, this faithful recreation embodies the same 150mph spirit that made the original the world’s fastest production bike.

History: The Record Breaker

1948 Debut: Created as Vincent’s ultimate factory racer
Speed Demon: First production bike to guarantee 150mph performance
Racing Pedigree: Dominated at Bonneville and Montlhéry circuits
Extreme Rarity: Just 19 matching-numbers originals survive today

Engineering:

✔ Engine: 998cc air-cooled OHV V-twin (70 HP)
✔ Weight: 370 lbs (168 kg) – lighter than most 500cc bikes
✔ Key Innovations:

Racing cams with higher lift
Lightened flywheel for quicker revs
Aluminum alloy wherever possible
Straight-through exhaust with no silencing

This Recreation: Lightning in Spirit

✔ Built to Original Specs using period-correct NOS parts
✔ Authentic Components:

Amal GP carburetors
Lightning-pattern exhaust
Correct Smiths instruments
✔ Frame: Hybrid Vincent construction (Rapide/Shadow)

Why It Matters

Technical Showcase: Represents Vincent’s engineering peak
Historical Accuracy: One of the most faithful Lightning tributes
Racing Legacy: Keeps the 150mph dream alive

Specs at a Glance

The Lightning Legacy

The original Black Lightning proved:
✓ British engineering could outpace the world
✓ Lightweight mattered more than brute power
✓ Some legends only grow with time

Did You Know? Each original Lightning came with a factory speed certificate – no other manufacturer dared make such guarantees.

19. 2001 Münch Mammut 2000

This 2001 Münch Mammut 2000 represents Friedl Münch’s lifelong obsession – creating the world’s most powerful production motorcycle. With its 2.0L turbocharged engine and 260 HP, it remains one of the most extreme two-wheelers ever built.

History:

WWII Origins: Friedl Münch honed his skills as a Luftwaffe aircraft mechanic
Horex Roots: Began building bikes in the 1950s using Horex components
Evolution: Progressed from 498cc (1964) to this 2.0L turbocharged monster
Limited Production: Only a handful of these final 2001 models were made

Engineering:

✔ Engine: 1,998cc DOHC inline-4 (260 HP @ 5,650 RPM)
✔ Torque: 295 Nm (218 lb-ft) – enough to rival modern supercars
✔ Key Features:

Turbocharged for explosive power delivery
Liquid-cooled with automotive-grade radiator
Electronically limited to 251 kph (156 mph)
Unrestricted top speed of 277 kph (172 mph)

Design:

✔ Aggressive front cowl with dual headlights
✔ Under-seat exhaust for cleaner lines
✔ Single-seat performance focus
✔ Multi-spoke alloy wheels for high-speed stability

Why It’s Significant

Last of the Line: Final evolution of Münch’s car-engined concept
Power Benchmark: Remained the world’s most powerful production bike for years
Engineering Statement: Proved that motorcycles could harness automotive power

Specs at a Glance

The Mammut Legacy

The Münch Mammut proved:
✓ Motorcycles could compete with supercars
✓ German engineering could create ultimate performance
✓ Some legends only grow more extreme with time

Did You Know? The original 1970s Mammut used a NSU car engine – making it the first true “hyperbike” decades before the term existed.

20. 2005 Bimota Tesi 2D

Displayed at Naked Racer Moto Co Museum

This 2005 Bimota Tesi 2D isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a rolling mechanical thesis that redefined front-end engineering. One of only 25 ever built, this Italian marvel replaces conventional forks with a radical front swingarm system, proving that even after 100 years of motorcycle design, there were still revolutions to be made.

History:

Academic Origins: Born from a university thesis by two engineering students in the 1980s

Bimota’s Gamble: The factory developed their concept into this limited-production masterpiece
Rarity: Just 25 Tesi 2Ds were built, making this one of the world’s most exclusive motorcycles
Museum Acquisition: Obtained by Johnny Gee from a prominent Sydney collector who imported it from the USA

Engineering:

✔ Frame: Omega-style with machined aluminum plates cradling the engine
✔ Front Suspension: Di Fazio System swingarm (replaces traditional forks)
✔ Benefits:

Constant trail and steering angle in all conditions
Eliminates fork dive under braking
Lighter weight than conventional designs

✔ Engine: Ducati 1000DS V-twin (92 HP)
✔ Weight: Just 365 lbs (empty) – lighter than most 600cc sportbikes

Why It’s a Museum Masterpiece

Concept Car Appeal: Looks like it rolled off a Milan design studio floor
Riding Revolution: Proves alternative front ends can work
Time Capsule Condition: Preserved with just 1,800 miles

Fun Fact: The Tesi’s front suspension uses the same principle as Formula 1 pushrod systems—just adapted for two wheels.

Technical Specifications

Experience It at Naked Racer Moto Co

See this mechanical rebel alongside its siblings—the Tesi 1D and 3D—in our Italian Innovation Gallery.

Interactive Features:

Suspension Demo Unit: See how the Di Fazio system works
Design Blueprints: Original engineering drawings displayed

Why the Tesi Matters

This motorcycle proves:
✓ Conventional wisdom can always be challenged
✓ True innovation often comes from outsiders
✓ Sometimes, the “wrong” solution is brilliantly right

Did You Know? The Tesi’s front end weighs 40% less than a traditional fork system while being stiffer.

From the 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller (the world’s first production motorcycle) to the 2005 Bimota Tesi 2D (a forkless engineering marvel), these rare machines represent more than just transportation—they embody pioneering vision, boundary-pushing innovation, and uncompromising passion.

Johnny Gee

March 28, 2025

Classic Motorcycles Motorcycle Museum