Description
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The seller states that this example has been started once since the build was finished. He’s included the following videos of another replica running so that you can appreciate Paul Brodie’s engineering efforts!
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
During the early 20th century, board track racing represented the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport in the United States. As the name implies, courses consisted of circular or oval tracks, typically comprising wooden planks. Because such tracks were inexpensive to construct, they were incredibly popular venues. However, this also meant that they were very difficult to maintain — most board tracks lasted just three years before being abandoned due to safety concerns.
Amongst the main players was Excelsior, a Chicago-based brand that got its start in bicycles before expanding its efforts to include motorcycles. In 1911, Ignaz Schwinn acquired the company with the aims of breaking into the racing scene. Thanks to a crack team of mechanics and some star riders, Excelsior was soon going head to head with Harley and Indian.
As competition heated up, manufacturers dug deeper and deeper to find an edge. During development of an all-new OHC V-twin, Bob Perry lost control, went into a skid, hit a pole, and died in hospital hours later, never regaining consciousness. Troubled by the risk, Schwinn allegedly destroyed all remaining racers and put a freeze on Excelsior’s race program.
Regardless of the validity of such a claim, no Excelsior OHC board trackers survived to this day. Accordingly, a Canadian builder by the name of Paul Brodie took it upon himself to reverse engineer the bike and build what you see before you today. Basic specs include a 53hp 1000cc V-twin, a one-speed direct drive transmission, and a leaf spring front suspension setup with 1.25″ of travel. At just 250lbs, it has a claimed top speed of 120mph.
This example is VIN: 19005. It is the fifth of five hand-built replicas crafted by Paul Brodie. Per the seller, “The original few bikes were destroyed in the early 1920’s. Paul re-engineered the bike from info, a photo, and an engine case. This is a race proven engine as Paul raced a modern frame bike using these motors he replicated.”
There is no odometer.
Maintenance:
Paul Brodie documents the build process on his YouTube channel in the following videos:
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Firestone tires.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
Per the seller, there are no cosmetic blemishes of note.
Currently located in Sorrento, British Columbia, this Excelsior is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any board tracker stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
