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LOT 586 N

c.1969 Rokon Trail-Breaker Two-wheel-drive Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. 691292 Engine no. 3585

Estimate: £2,500 - £3,500
Lot 586N

c.1969 Rokon Trail-Breaker Two-wheel-drive Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered Frame no. 691292 Engine no. 3585

c.1969 Rokon Trail-Breaker Two-wheel-drive Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 691292
Engine no. 3585

Engineers have explored the potential of two-wheel-drive motorcycles on-and-off over the years, arguably the best-known examples being those produced by Rokon and, more recently, Yamaha. First in the field, the Rokon originated in a 2WD prototype built by American inventor Charles Fehn in 1958, which was later put into production as the Trail-Breaker. Fehn's unique motorcycle incorporated his patented power transfer system and hollow drum wheels, just like today's Rokons. His machine was intended for use on forest trails, in wilderness areas, and on other difficult terrain, and the wheels also served as reservoirs for fuel or water. If empty, they could act as ballast tanks, enabling the machine to float. Powered by a 134cc Chrysler two-stroke engine and capable of carrying a load weighing up to 75lb, the Trail-Breaker would become popular with hunters, farmers, and construction workers. In 1960, Nethercutt Industries purchased Fehn's design, re-branding it as the Trail-Breaker before selling the project to one of its dealers, Orla Larsen, in 1963. Larsen moved production from California to Vermont, renaming the company as Rokon. Sold again in 1966, Rokon was relocated to New Hampshire where production expanded and continues to this day.

There are no documents with this Trail-Breaker, which appears to have been restored.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

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  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

Lot symbols

NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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