Jay Leno’s passion for motorcycles rivals his love for cars, and his collection of rare vintage bikes proves it. Each of these classic machines holds a unique story and embodies a piece of motorcycle history, making them true gems for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
10. 1929 Scott Flying Squirrel
One of the oldest in Leno’s collection, the 1929 Scott Flying Squirrel has racing roots, modeled after the bike ridden by Alfred Angus Scott in the famous Isle of Man race. Though not originally built for street use, Leno has managed to make this almost-century-old bike road-legal in California. It uses an unusual thermos siphoning system, moving coolant through heat alone—a testament to innovative engineering of its time. With a water-cooled two-stroke twin-cylinder engine producing 28 horsepower, it can still reach up to 75 mph, a feat that underscores its enduring performance.
9. 1922 Megola Touring
The 1922 Magola Touring from Germany is a rare find, with only 2,000 ever made. A five-cylinder radial engine distinguishes this model, which requires a bit of vintage charm to operate—riders hand-pump gas into the cylinders. With 14 horsepower and a 640cc engine, the Magola was built for comfort over long distances, capturing a bit of early 20th-century luxury on two wheels.
8. 1930 Opel Moto Club
Known for its signature red tires, the 1930 Opel Moto Club is a rarity, with just about a dozen models still around today. Opel’s brief motorcycle venture produced this single-cylinder engine bike, generating up to 22 horsepower and hitting speeds of 65 mph. Its sleek design and unique color make it a standout piece that reflects the bold spirit of early motorcycle engineering.
7. 1955 Vincent Black Prince
The Vincent Black Prince is a luxurious twist on the more rugged Black Shadow, aimed at comfort and elegance. With 55 horsepower from a 998cc V-twin engine and a top speed of 120 mph, the Black Prince was marketed for riders who wanted refinement. Its streamlined body allowed riders to arrive as crisp as when they set off—quite literally, a “Bentley on two wheels.”
6. 1966 Munch Mammoth
With a powerful 996cc four-cylinder car engine from NSU, the 1966 Munch Mammoth made waves as one of the fastest motorcycles of its time, hitting 115 mph. Leno’s model showcases its sturdy frame built to handle the engine’s weight and power, a testament to Munch’s ambition to push motorcycle engineering to new heights.
5. 1951 Classic Egli Vincent
The 1951 Classic Egly Vincent, upgraded by Patrick Godet, pays homage to the legendary Black Shadow with a café racer style. Featuring a reinforced frame, 100-horsepower engine, and a five-speed gearbox, it captures the allure of Vincent’s performance reputation while modernizing it for road use.
4. 1971 Velocette Thruxton
The Velocette Thruxton represents the end of an era, with only about 50 models produced. This British classic, powered by a 499cc six-cylinder engine producing 41 horsepower, holds a record for averaging 100 mph over 24 hours. It’s a piece of British racing history that remains a collector’s favorite for its durability and style.
3. 1974 Norton John Player Special
Leno’s 1974 Norton John Player Special, a unique British racer, has quirks like the left rear brake pedal and right gear shift, opposite of today’s standards. With 50 to 60 horsepower from a parallel twin-cylinder engine, this Norton delivers historical significance and character, making it a standout in his collection.
2. 1975 Suzuki RE5
With a Wankel rotary engine, the 1975 Suzuki RE5 was an unusual creation. Its 498cc single rotary engine delivers 62 horsepower, offering a unique sound and performance that polarized enthusiasts. While it struggled to win over the market, it represents a bold step in motorcycle innovation.
1. 1918 Columbia Pope Motorcycle
This 1918 Columbia Pope Motorcycle takes us back to the early days of motorcycling, boasting a 998cc V-twin engine and chain drive system, achieving a top speed of 65.2 mph. Its simplicity and durability are a nostalgic look at the early 20th-century designs that laid the groundwork for the motorcycles we know today.
