1896 steam motorcycle

[Holly]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t93QlgBu4Is

Great video of Peter Gagan starting and riding a replica of an 1896 Roper Steam Motorcycle. Good closeups while they explain the mechanics and plumbing.

Holly

[Motor31]

That was great, thanks. :thumb

[Visian]

absolutely fantastic, thanks holly.

can you imagine going down as the first motorcycle fatality in history?

great story.

ian

[Rapid_Roy]

I also ride to blow off steam sometimes. Cool!

[EXR911]

absolutely fantastic, thanks holly.

can you imagine going down as the first motorcycle fatality in history?

great story.

ian

Actually, Roper had a heart attack while riding but did manage to bring the steamer to a halt on the track before collapsing. Roper had built his first steam boneshaker 2 wheel velocipede and also a steam wagon around 1869. He exhibited them at various fairs for many years as a paid sideshow attraction. The original 1869 Roper steam velocipede is in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.

PT9766

[Bob_M]

My grin goes from ear to ear! I am copying this to my bicycle forum.

[TomBarnhart]

Rumor has it that the project died because the Airheads denounced it as "Modern Technology" and agreed to boycott all sales. The final death-knell was the great steam shortage caused by World War 1....I know it is April 3, but never too late.

[Visian]

Actually, Roper had a heart attack while riding but did manage to bring the steamer to a halt on the track before collapsing.

it must have been the blinding speed that killed him. :nod