Jay Leno, a TV personality, was spotted cruising on a luxurious motorcycle in Los Angeles, nearly two years after a bone-breaking bike accident. The motorcycle, a 1934 Brough Superior SS100, is estimated to be worth around $250,000 and is often referred to as the ‘Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles.’ Leno, known for his collection of cars and motorcycles valued at around $50 million, was seen riding down a street while flashing a peace sign. The Brough Superior SS100 was first designed in 1924 by George Brough in England and had limited production until 1940. T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, had famously purchased one of the first motorcycles in 1925.
In January of last year, Leno was involved in a motorcycle accident where he was ‘clotheslined’ while riding one of his vintage motorcycles. This incident resulted in injuries such as a broken collarbone, two broken ribs, and two cracked kneecaps. Just a few months prior to this accident, Leno experienced another devastating event when a steam engine from a vintage car he was working on exploded in his face, causing third-degree burns. Despite these incidents, Leno maintained a positive attitude, assuring in an interview that he was ‘okay’ and still ‘working.’ He acknowledged the risks associated with his line of work, mentioning that bad things happen to people every day, and those without financial resources face greater challenges.
Leno’s recovery following both the gas fire and motorcycle crash was relatively quick. Last month, he humorously referred to himself as ‘two-faced’ at the 2024 Daytime Beauty Awards, where he presented an award to Dr. Peter Grossman, the surgeon who operated on him following the accidents. Leno joked about getting a ‘brand new face’ after the fire, and described his recovery process, including how he went home the same night of the gas fire to be with his wife, Mavis, who has dementia. In April of this year, Leno was granted conservatorship over his wife, whom he married in 1980, due to her medical condition.
Despite the challenges he faced, Leno maintained a sense of humor and resilience throughout his recovery process. He entertained the audience at the Daytime Beauty Awards with his jokes about his ‘two-faced’ status and his need for a new face following the motorcycle accident. These incidents did not deter Leno from continuing his work and enjoying his passion for cars and motorcycles. His collection of vintage vehicles is a testament to his love for classic automobiles and motorcycles, which he continues to enjoy despite the risks associated with riding and working with them. Overall, Leno’s story highlights his ability to overcome adversity with humor and determination.
