Five years ago, the Drysdale V8 motorcycle shown in the photo above, was stolen from its owner in Melbourne, Australia. It was chained to another motorcycle, but the chain was cut and only the Drysdale was taken, the other bike was left behind. This wasn’t random, it appears to be a classic “stolen to order” operation.
We wrote about the bike here and it wasn’t long afterwards, it disappeared.
The motorcycle probably left Australia quickly and found its way into an underground collection on another continent. Over these 5 years, the owner may have wanted to show it off to a few friends and associates or, betting no one would recognize it, he may even have taken it on the road somewhere.
Ian, along with the current rightful owner, would really like to find it and they’re hoping a sort of “all points bulletin” might help and that involves you. If you or someone you know might have an idea of its current whereabouts, you can contact me and I’ll forward the info to Ian. All replies are strictly confidential.
It’s truly unfortunate that things like this happen, but maybe, with your help, we can set things right.
Bob says
If I had to guess, it is parked between the stolen Crighten Racing rotary powered racer (Prototype?) featured here a few years back – and the 1914 Cyclone board track racer stolen in California around 2012. All 3 thefts sound like they were done professionally for crooks that know the bikes will end up in a private collection in another country and never be seen by the public again.
Sooner or later, someone will take pictures and share them…
Ken Spencer says
Paul,
Any idea how many of these there? I will let you know if I happen to see one of these in my travels around, or in my part of the world here in Oregon.
Such a cool bike, Should be able to hear that V-8 engine from a ways away.
Kudos to Ian Drysdale for designing / building these machines, totally awesome. Hope they find it, and punish the thieving bastards.
All the best,
Ken
Ian Drysdale says
Thanks Ken – I built 3 of the “Sports” V8’s ( 1 x 750cc & 2 x 1000cc ) and one of the 1000cc “Naked” bike.
The 750-V8 is sitting the my foyer of my factory ( with a kick-ar$e alarm system ) and I know the whereabouts of the other 2 bikes. So if you see a yellow Drysdale V8 in a location that doesn’t quite “gel” – pls let me know.
Cheers IAN
Robert says
I would look at Russia .
Drive the Wheels Off says
Posted to social media to spread like a virus
Mike Cox. says
I am in South Africa. We run a Historic Motorcycel Group and ride on all the local tracks. Unlikely it would come this way, everybody knows each other. But you ever know.