Legendary Aircraft-Inspired Racing Motorcycles Return to Auction

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In the 1970s, American racer and engineer Don Vesco created two high-powered, aircraft-inspired racing motorcycles - the Silver Bird and the upgraded Lightning Bolt. The Silver Bird, built with the goal of breaking the 300 mph speed barrier, featured a streamlined, low-slung body design that resembled a small plane. Vesco powered it with two Yamaha TZ750 engines, and in 1975 he set a new motorcycle land speed record of 303 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Three years later, Vesco rebuilt the bike as the Lightning Bolt, replacing the Yamaha engines with larger Kawasaki 1000cc engines and adding turbochargers to produce around 600 horsepower. In August 1978, the Lightning Bolt reached a top speed of over 333 mph, setting a new world record that stood for 12 years. After decades in private collections, Vesco's pioneering machines will make a rare public appearance at the Mecum Glendale 2026 auction in Arizona from March 17-21.

Why it matters

Vesco's aircraft-inspired racing motorcycles represent a landmark achievement in motorcycle engineering and speed records. At a time when 300 mph was considered an unbreakable barrier, his innovative designs and powerful engines pushed the limits of what was possible on two wheels. The return of these historic machines to public view offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the engineering brilliance and daring spirit that defined an era of motorcycle racing.

The details

The Silver Bird and Lightning Bolt featured a long, low, and fully enclosed body design that resembled a small aircraft, with the rider lying almost horizontal inside. Vesco used a dual-engine setup, with the engines connected by chains and gears to ensure they ran at the same speed. For the Lightning Bolt, he replaced the Yamaha engines with larger Kawasaki 1000cc engines and added turbochargers, boosting the total power output to around 600 horsepower - more than double the original Silver Bird. This immense power required Vesco to switch from chains to Gilmer belts to handle the forces involved.

• On September 15, 1975, Don Vesco rode the Silver Bird at the Bonneville Salt Flats and reached an average speed of 303 mph, the first time a motorcycle had officially exceeded 300 mph.
• In August 1978, Vesco returned to Bonneville with the upgraded Lightning Bolt and reached a top speed of over 333 mph, setting a new world record that stood for 12 years.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Silver Bird and Lightning Bolt motorcycles will be on display at the Mecum Glendale 2026 auction in Arizona from March 17-21, allowing the public a rare opportunity to see these historic machines up close.