1914 Excelsior 61cu Model 7C V-twin

• Extensively refurbished
• Equipped with a rare full Prestolite gas headlight set
• Offered with Sunbeam MCC Pioneer Certificate

Excelsior motorcycles were direct competitors to Indians, and in the early years, much of that rivalry played out on specially constructed banked wooden raceways in cities all over the USA. As early as 1911, they were nearly unbeatable, setting world records for both two miles and the kilometre in that year. As a result of their success, bicycle manufacturer Ignaz Schwinn purchased Excelsior later that year, leading to a significant increase in production.

In December 1912, an Excelsior 7S-C, ridden by Lee Humiston, became the first motorcycle to officially reach 100mph at Playa Del Ray, California. The 7C shared running gear with the short-coupled racers, with the key addition of an Eclipse clutch. In the 1914 season, machines were fitted with footboards and the 'New Departure' rear brake instead of the Corbin band. In 1915, the machines featured a different engine design with an angled magneto drive and a curved tank and top frame tube.

This Excelsior Model 7C was imported into Europe by the vendor from the USA in 2006, where it had been owned by Dan Eakins in Carmel Valley, CA. Eakins purchased the motorcycle at a local swap meet, and it was complete with all its original tinware except for the clutch cover, but it was in need of a full restoration. The engine bottom end was entirely refurbished by Robbie Cook of South London (see photos on file and receipt), and the barrels were completely rebuilt, including new liners and pistons, by Joop Gerdes in Gees, Netherlands. The Corbin clutch rebuild was entrusted to Kevin Hellowell, who sourced all new plates from Mike Smith's Antique Motorcycle Works. Paintwork was undertaken by Rob Ransley, and all the control knuckles and acorns were renewed using parts supplied by none other than Mike Vils out in Long Beach.

The bike is equipped with a rare full Prestolite gas headlight set and was a featured motorcycle in the 2014 Cholmondeley Pageant of Power. It has also participated in an SMCC Summer Pioneer Run.

An imposing motorcycle from any angle, this magnificent early American v-twin comes with a Sunbeam MCC Pioneer Certificate numbered 1772, starting instructions, various restoration receipts, as well as import documents, expired MOTs, and a V5C.