In case you understand the name Glenn Curtiss, you’ll probable keep in mind him for his aviation exploits earlier than global struggle I. Flying his own planes, he trounced hooked up names inclusive of the Wright brothers in competitions. And no matter being American, he turned into awarded the #2 reputable French pilot’s license—after Louis Bleriot, who flew the English Channel in 1909. However Curtiss’ first hobby become bikes as opposed to airplanes. He now not handiest set the bike land velocity record, but additionally beat the amazing Indian bike agency in endurance races.
only a few Curtiss motorcycles have survived the passage of time, but this lovingly restored 1911 surprise unmarried 500 is one in all them, and it’s going under the hammer on Thursday on the Bonhams sale in Las Vegas. In line with the catalog:
“the new marvel was quite resourceful and bristled with innovation. At a time whilst maximum producers used atmospheric intake valves, the brand new wonder engine featured a jug cylinder with overhead valves and a completely unique actuation layout that used a single pushrod to open each the intake and the exhaust valve robotically. The 500cc engine advanced four to 5 horsepower, substantially advanced to something else available on the market at that time, and became one of the earliest overhead valve applications. Curtiss may additionally have also had targets to race this engine, because the pinnacle of the cylinder has a spare boss supposed to add a 2nd spark plug within the head. An open magnet Bosch magneto supplied dependable ignition to run the engine and a pitcher bowl Heitger carburetor managed the gas supply.
“The chassis turned into as unusual because the motor. In place of surely clamping the fuel tank and oil tank on a traditional frame, those components had been brazed into the body, which used forged bulkheads. The engine served as a strain member of the frame. A strong fork of Curtiss’ own design dealt with the poundings obtained on the street.”
The sale estimate is $50,000-70,000. Head over to the Bonhams internet site to test out the 200 other uncommon bikes going below the hammer, which include an 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller.
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