V12 motorcycle sells at US auction

The motorcycle is the handiwork of Dale Olson, with each one built by hand in his small workshop in Illinois, USA. Also known as 'Honest Charley Flathead V8', 'Olson V8' and 'V8-60' motorcycles, the first of these car-engined bikes was created almost a decade ago, and more than 50 have been built since. Virtually all of Olson's bikes have been powered by Ford flathead V8 engines, but the Lincoln is one of only two - so far - to feature V12 power.

This motorcycle, the second V12 bike created by Olson, was completed in mid-2011, after the first Lincoln V12-powered machine was created in 2010. If the '1948' date attributed to this bike's engine is accurate, it means it's a 4.8litre, 292ci capacity unit. As the Lincoln Zephyr V12 engine was developed from Ford's flathead V8, it was relatively simple for Olson to apply what he'd learned with the flathead bikes to these bigger units. Like the V8-powered bikes, the V12 features a custom-built frame, modified fuel tank and single speed transmission.

The styling is very much vintage Harley/Indian, but with a few custom touches that ensure it turns heads wherever it goes. But the capacity increase means more grunt - 125hp compared to 60hp on the Ford-engined bikes. Parts like suspension and wheels are sourced from a variety of different makes and models. Cooling? On this bike, it's done by a rear-mounted radiator and fan, cleverly shaped to look like a Continental-style spare wheel. The first Olson V12 was cooled by twin radiators mounted in faux saddlebags.

For all its size and grunt, the Lincoln-engined bike is apparently a very and docile cruiser, designed for long highway action more than anything else. Note the short pipes - not exactly road legal - so this motorcycle was being offered on a Bill of Sale only. One of the most unusual, but cool-looking motorcycles ever, the Olson V12 sold for US$24,000.

Held at Las Vegas's South Point Hotel, the MidAmerica Auctions Las Vegas auction saw over 80 percent of consigned lots sold, for a sales total of US$4.6Million. Top seller from this auction was a 1915 'Iver Johnson' American-made v-twin, which sold for US$280K.

MidAmerica Auctions jointly holds the record for the most example motorcycle ever sold at auction - a 1915 Cyclone board track racer which sold for US$520,000 in 2008. For full results and further details on the 2012 MidAmerica Auctions Las Vegas Auction, go to www.midamericaauctions.com

For information on Olson's unique motorcycles can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Olsons-V-8-Flathead-Motorcycles/143796872338563

Prices exclude buyers commission unless indicated

Images courtesy of MidAmerica Auctions

Ed's Note: Regular JUST BIKES advertiser, Antique Motorcycles (03-9583 9922) had two of the Olson Ford flathead V8-powered motorcycles for sale, one of which was featured in the January 2009 issue of JUST BIKES magazine.