In the year 1975, Silver Bird became the first motorcycle in the world to exceed the speed of approximately 482 kilometers per hour (300 miles per hour). On September 15, 1975, Don Vesco set an international record by racing this motorcycle at an average speed of 303 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in America. This achievement was discussed all over the world at that time.

To create this record, two Yamaha TZ750 engines were used in the motorcycle. These two engines were linked together through chains and gears so that they could run at the same speed. If there was even a slight difference in the power of the two, a major accident could have occurred.

In 1978, racer Don Vesco updated the Silver Bird. They modernized it even more and changed its name to Lightning Bolt. Many changes were made in it. In place of Yamaha engines, two 1000cc engines from Kawasaki were installed. To increase the speed, turbochargers were added, due to which its power increased to 600 horsepower. After this, this motorcycle set a record of average speed of 318 miles per hour, which no one could break for the next 12 years.

Don Vesco is known for his engineering and bravery. Don Vesco won Hot Rod Magazine’s Fastest Flying Mile trophy during the 1978 Speed ​​Weeks. He is the only motorcycle racer in the world to win this award. With his bike, he left all the cars present there behind in terms of speed.

Don Vesco’s name is included in both the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame. He made records not only on two wheels but also on four wheels. His car Turbinator set a speed record of 458 mph (about 737 kilometers per hour) in 2001, which still stands today.

In this auction to be held in March, not only these two historical bikes will be present, but some other valuable things will also be kept along with them. It will also include Don Vesco’s original racing suit, the Yamaha engine that set the record in 1975, and rare vintage photographs from that era.