LMPD searching for rare motorcycle stolen from Portland neighborhood

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Metro Police Department is asking for the public's help to locate a rare motorcycle stolen from the Portland neighborhood last week.

Police say the motorcycle was stolen, along with other items, in the burglary Jan. 21. Some items have been recovered but not the motorcycle.

The 1914 Zenith motorcycle is one of two left in the world. The other one is in a museum. Stephen Pate has been restoring the motorcycle the past five years for an out of town client.

"These people have no idea what they stole," Pate said. "I've already notified our national collector and museum market, so this motorcycle will be virtually impossible to move through any legitimate means whatsoever."

Police have arrested one person who was found in possession of another item that was stolen from Pate. Detectives also have a warrant out for a person of interest.

"Just because of it's uniqueness, whoever has it isn't going to be able to get rid of it on the normal black market per say," Det. Ben Lunte said.

And if it's taken apart, he said it's essentially worthless.

"The bike was not running," he said. "It was in the middle of a restoration."

LMPD posted pictures of the stolen bike, which is missing a front fender, on its Facebook page.

The motorcycle also has distinct tire track markings and a large crank that sits on top of a flat gas tank.

Anyone with information is asked to call the LMPD crime tipline at 574-LMPD.