Magnacycle

A Radical '70s Era Concept Bike ​

Created from the mind of Jerry Magnuson, of Magnuson superchargers, and through the hands of prolific bike builder, Arlen Ness - this was Magnuson’s concept for a custom kit bike. For the early ‘70s, it was a radically new idea and unlike any other bike offered at the time.

Magnacycle History

​In 1973, tool & die maker, Jerry Magnuson designed and built the Magnacycle. His dreams for a kit bike had spawned nearly a decade prior while operating from his shop in Santa Ana, CA. Within a year, kit #001 went into the hands of custom bike builder, Arlen Ness who designed and painted the fiberglass covers. 

​Original Magnacycle kits retailed for $799 which bought you: a cast aluminum I-beam front subframe, slip-on fiberglass body; twin tubular side rails, gas tank, foot controls; and other miscellaneous bolt-ons. That left the builder to supply the engine and drivetrains, wheels, tires, fork & swingarm, and electronics. 

Magnacycle Design Features

​Magnuson’s original intent wasn’t intended to offer a platform for custom builder, but rather, develop a bike with suspension and handling dynamics unlike any conventional motorcycles on the market. With the lowered center of gravity and 2 ½ inches of steering trail, the bike was exceptionally responsive to rider controls. 

​Magnuson utilized an Iron head Sportster engine positioned about 4 ½ inches above the pavement. This was achieved by designing a front downtube that doubled as the oil tank. The rear of the engine attached to a separate subframe made of long tubular sections. Magnuson also placed the battery and 2.5-gallon fuel tank beneath the seat. 

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Magnuson made 10 Kits before he sold the rights to another company. Now on display at the Museum of American Speed. Interestingly, while the Magnacycle never caught traction in the 1970s, a similar design was later created by the former Indy 500 racer and car builder, Dan Gurney. His bike, called the Alligator, has a similar sit-down chassis that places the bikes center of gravity as low as possible. Magnuson has worked at Gurney’s All American Racers shop in the ‘60s when he originally thought up the original Magnacycle concept. ​

​In 2023, the Museum of American Speed acquired this extremely rare concept motorcycle which is now on display in conjunction with a variety of other custom and vintage motorcycles.