The first motorcycle to auction for $1 million is an ultra-rare, bright yellow piece of two-wheeled history. On February 1st, a restored 1915 Cyclone V-Twin from the Urban S. Hirsch III Collection sold for $1,320,000 during a Mecum Auctions event in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Cyclone roadster isnt an instantly recognizable motorcycle for most people. Given its brief production run from 1913-1915, there arent many of them around at this point, much less in working order. According to Mecums lot description, only 14 Cyclones are estimated to still exist today, while just five of them remain in racing configuration.The Cyclone is the first motorcycle in the US to feature an overhead camshaft. Credit: Mecum AuctionsThe model, however, remains a pivotal part of motorcycle history. Designed by engineer Andrew Strand, the Cyclones 61 CI (996cc), 45-degree V-twin engine was the first in the US to use an overhead-camshaft, and at 45 HP, it was far-and-away the most powerful engine at the time. Maxxing out a Cyclone could see speeds over 100 mphnot that topping it out was recommended.Given the comparatively rudimentary engine lubrication available in the early-20th century, the Cyclone wasnt the most reliable towards the tailend of the eras popular long-distance races. Instead of the overhead camshaft receiving positive lubrication, the motorcycle used an oil well which dripped directly on each camshaft. While this raised the likelihood of overheating, drivers often stopped to add additional oil during long-distance raises.[W]ith an OHC V-twn motor with a clutch, the Cyclone was an ideal Hot Rod roadster capable of leaving any other vehicle on the road in its dust, Mecans lot description reads.The Cyclones new owner isnt legally allowed to take it for a spin on public roads. Credit: Mecum Auctions Stack CommerceSaturdays auction beats the previous record for most expensive motorcycle set in 2023, when a 1908 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank sold for $935,000. As New Atlas noted, yet another motorcycle in the Urban S. Hirsch III Collectiona 1938 Crocker twinsold for $880,000 just minutes after the Cyclone, making it the third-most expensive motorcycle on record.Both the Cyclone and the Crocker motorcycles previously belonged to the late Urban S. Hirsch III, an eccentric and wealthy newspaper magnate with a love of fast rides. Prior to the auction, Hirschs motorcycles were on display at a private museum located in his own mansion.The Cyclones newest owner wont be able to simply take their recordbreaking purchase out on the town for a spin, however. The sale is relegated for display purposes only, and is not cleared for highway or public road use.The post A 110-year-old hot rod is the first motorcycle to sell for over $1M at auction appeared first on Popular Science.