1912 Excelsior 6T - Motorcycle Cannonball Veteran
Offered by Classic Motorcycle Consignments
Few machines embody the spirit of early American motorcycling like an Excelsior that has proven itself on the open road. This 1912 Excelsior 6T is not simply a restored antique—it is a proven endurance machine, having successfully participated in the 2016 and 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball cross-country antique endurance runs following its acquisition and refurbishment in 2015 by the previous owner, a former Antique Motorcycle Club of America chapter president.
Prepared with reliability and usability in mind while maintaining period character, the motorcycle benefited from extensive refurbishment work. Repairs were made to the double-triangle frame, and a rebuilt 1914-model 61ci F-head V-twin was installed. Additional work included fitting a 1913 steel fuel tank, rebuilding the front hub with sealed bearings, and incorporating a removable rear disc brake system designed to supplement the original braking setup for modern road use.
Lighting has been thoughtfully updated for safety, with an electric-converted Solar acetylene headlight and an unobtrusive LED brake light, making the machine more suitable for contemporary touring and events. Replacement consumable and wear components—including tires, pedals, mud flap, and lower head cone—were also addressed during refurbishment.
The motorcycle retains a wonderfully honest, weathered appearance that reflects its cross-country travels. Cannonball embellishments adorn both sides of the tank, telling the story of its endurance run heritage. Additional touring equipment includes a brown leather saddle, luggage rack, and rear-wheel stand, reinforcing its purpose-built long-distance personality.
Chassis & Running Gear
The Excelsior rides on 28-inch wire-spoke wheels with clincher rims and bead locks, fitted in 2018 with Firestone Non Skid tires. The front hub was rebuilt with sealed bearings for improved reliability. Suspension is provided by the period trailing-link leaf-spring fork, while braking is handled by the original Musselman coaster brake supplemented by a removable, hand-operated rear disc system for additional stopping confidence.
Controls & Equipment
A cross-braced pullback handlebar carries a Klaxon-style horn and mirror. Controls remain largely period-correct, with twist-grip throttle and decompression functions and manual spark advance adjustment via tank-mounted lever. As typical for machines of this era, no odometer is fitted and total mileage is unknown.
Engine
Power comes from a 1914-model 61ci inlet-over-exhaust (F-head) V-twin, rebuilt with new pistons, rings, and associated components during refurbishment. Induction is handled by a Linkert M-18 carburetor, while ignition comes from a gear-driven Bosch magneto. Exhaust exits through a two-into-one system feeding a canister-style muffler with adjustable cut-out.
In 2024, respected early motorcycle specialist Steve Huntzinger of Arroyo Grande, California, refreshed the engine, inspecting internal components and servicing the timing chest. Approximately ten test miles have been logged since this service.
Included with Sale
This Excelsior is offered with a substantial collection of spares and historical components, including:
• Original 1912 copper fuel tank
• Factory seat
• Eclipse clutch assembly with replacement bearings
• Spare belts, tubes, tires, sprockets, and bearings
• Specialized tools including clutch installation socket and pedal bushing driver
• Service records and removed parts
A clean California title accompanies the motorcycle.
Listing Highlights
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Chassis No. 50298
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61ci F-Head V-Twin Engine
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Linkert M-18 Carburetor
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Bosch Magneto Ignition
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Adjustable Pulley Transmission
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Brown Leather Touring Seat
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Luggage Rack & Rear Wheel Stand
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Cross-Braced Pullback Handlebar
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Electric-Converted Acetylene Headlight
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LED Brake Light
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Klaxon Manual Horn
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Trailing-Link Leaf-Spring Fork
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28" Wire-Spoke Wheels
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Coaster Brake with Supplemental Rear Disc
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Two-into-One Exhaust with Adjustable Cut-Out
This Cannonball-proven Excelsior represents a rare opportunity to acquire a machine that is both historically significant and demonstrably capable of being enjoyed on the road. Whether destined for continued touring, events, or an important collection, it stands ready for its next caretaker.
Contact Classic Motorcycle Consignments for additional details, photographs, videos, or purchase arrangements.
