Twist Grip: Vintage Bikes

1917 Traub-The Mystery Bike

1917 Traub-the only example in existence. The unique rear brake has an expanding set of shoes on the inside and a contacting set of brake shoes on the outside, both actuated by a single cam.

Labeled as the "Rarest Motorcycle in the World" the Traub was found hidden behind a brick wall in Chicago in 1967. Bicycle shop owner, Torillo Tacchi owned the bike until it was purchased by Bud Ekins (famous as Steve McQueen's stunt double) while on the set of the Blues Brothers in the late 1970's. The bike was later sold to restorer, Richard Morris who then sold it to Dale Walksler in 1990. The bike is now on display at Dale's motorcycle museum, "Wheels Through Time."

The motorcycle has frustrated collectors and restorers alike in the search for any documentation or information on the motorcycle's origin. It is definitely hand made with loving care and exacting precision. Dale has opened the engine for repairs and says, “everything inside the engine is just magnificent. The pistons are handmade, and they have gap-less cast iron rings. The engineering and machining are simply years ahead of their time.” The engine is so well machined, that gaskets are not needed anywhere in the engine other than the base.

The 80 cubic inch, side valve engine is capable of speeds in excess of 85 mph and gets ridden regularly by Dale. The unique three speed transmission works well and is a rare and impressive accomplishment for its time.

"For a machine to have such advanced features, unparalleled by other motorcycles of the same era, is truly outstanding," said Walksler. "It's my opinion that The Traub was an attempt at a new breed of motorcycle. But how on earth could a machine have been produced in such great form, with capabilities that far exceed that of any comparable machine, without the knowledge of the rest of the motorcycle industry during that time."

To date there has never been any mention of the Traub or of a Traub motorcycle company in any archive.