The Invention
The first motorcycle was actually called the Roper steam velocipede. It was built by inventor Sylvester Roper of Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts. It was a steam powered velocipede built sometime between 1867 and 1869. A velocipede is an early form of bicycle propelled by working pedals on cranks fitted to the front axel. “The Roper Steam Velocipede is one of three machines that have been called the first motorcycle, along with the Michaux Perreaux steam velocipede, also dated 1867-1869, and the 1885 Daimler Reitwagen.” (Girdler) Many historians argue whether the Roper or Michaux Perreaux came first. Historians also argue wether or not a steam engine meets the definition of a motorcycle. “After his prototype of the late 1860’s, Roper built a new and revised version in 1884 based on the then state of the art safety bicycle frame.” (Girdler)
“According to the Smithsonian, Roper’s first velocipede used a purpose built frame instead of adapting an existing velocipede frame by retrofitting a steam engine.” (Girdler) It had a wheelbase of 49 inches and a wheel diameter of 34 inches. The wheels were made of iron and wooden spokes. It had a forged iron fork, and a solid handle bar with wooden handles. A motorcycle fork connects the front wheel and axle to its frame. “Unlike the modern twist grip, where the grip on only one side is a sleeve that rotates around the handle bar to open throttle, the Roper velocipede’s entire bar was rotated with both hands, and it had a dual function.” (Girdler) If you turned it forward, the throttle opened, and if you turned it backward, it applied the brake. The seat on the Roper steam velocipede was also used to store the water that would be transferred to the boiler by a hand pump. “The boiler was between the wheels with a ‘nautical’ looking chimney from the boiler angling backwards behind the rider.
At the time the 1867 model was built, the Roper Steam Velocipede was most likely used strictly for show and demonstrating purposes. When the later 1884-1896 version was made, it was more available for the public to purchase. Before the motorcycle was made, transportation was by foot, bicycle, or horse. That being said, the Roper steam velocipede was a pioneer in motorcycle transportation.
“According to the Smithsonian, Roper’s first velocipede used a purpose built frame instead of adapting an existing velocipede frame by retrofitting a steam engine.” (Girdler) It had a wheelbase of 49 inches and a wheel diameter of 34 inches. The wheels were made of iron and wooden spokes. It had a forged iron fork, and a solid handle bar with wooden handles. A motorcycle fork connects the front wheel and axle to its frame. “Unlike the modern twist grip, where the grip on only one side is a sleeve that rotates around the handle bar to open throttle, the Roper velocipede’s entire bar was rotated with both hands, and it had a dual function.” (Girdler) If you turned it forward, the throttle opened, and if you turned it backward, it applied the brake. The seat on the Roper steam velocipede was also used to store the water that would be transferred to the boiler by a hand pump. “The boiler was between the wheels with a ‘nautical’ looking chimney from the boiler angling backwards behind the rider.
At the time the 1867 model was built, the Roper Steam Velocipede was most likely used strictly for show and demonstrating purposes. When the later 1884-1896 version was made, it was more available for the public to purchase. Before the motorcycle was made, transportation was by foot, bicycle, or horse. That being said, the Roper steam velocipede was a pioneer in motorcycle transportation.