1919 Cleveland “Strap Tank” Single Motorcycle

Weighing just 150 pounds yet capable of carrying a 200-pound rider and occasional passengers at up to 35 to 40 mph, the Cleveland was immediately and predictably strong in competition, beginning at the 24-hour endurance contest held by the New Jersey Motorcycle Club over 300 miles on May 29, 1916, where Clevelands finished 1-2-3 and 5th against many more powerful opponents. Many more victories followed, including a new 24-hour endurance-distance record set by "Big George" Austin in November 1917, which spurred competing designs and record attempts from Indian and Excelsior. The 1919 models wore the first updates to the basic Cleveland design. Among them were the elimination of nickel plating on the handlebars, plus deletion of the spark-advance lever and compression release. The saddle was also reconfigured to a yoke-type mounting with two coil springs attached directly to the sides of the frame. Production and development continued through 1925. Only the growing affluence of the "Roaring Twenties" and customer demands for more power brought an end to "The King of the Lightweights."

Offered from a noted Texas collection with prior ownwership including Mr. Allen Smith and his renowned "quality over quantity" vintage motorcycle collection as well as Bill Melvin, this highly engaging 1919 Cleveland "strap tank" motorcycle was purchased by the current owner in 2017. According to its known history, the Cleveland was restored by a Honda dealer and then placed on display in his showroom for several years. As offered, this Cleveland remains striking in presentation and retains a pleasant patina, consistent with proper care and storage. Long appreciated by vintage motorcycle collectors and enthusiasts, the Cleveland Single is also rightly enshrined in the Smithsonian Collection. Simply put, any proper vintage motorcycle collection - whether of one or many - will be enhanced by this Cleveland Single.