First Motorcycle 1885

American, Sylvester Howard Roper (1823-1896) invented a two-cylinder, steam-engine motorcycle (powered by coal) in 1867. This can be considered the first motorcycle, if you allow your description of a motorcycle to include a steam engine. Howard Roper also invented a steam engine car.

These are pictures of the 1885 model year.




Looks like the first Corbin Saddle!

DennisB
I took a picture of this at the AMA museum in Ohio a few years ago. It was a replica but supposed to be exactly as the original. Dick

Sorry Dennis, the picture you have above is that of Gottlieb Daimler's "Zweispur"
The American steam model was by a Mr Roper and looked like this. He died riding this or a similar one in the 1890's at above 40 mph
He was only 73 at the time. He started playing with the steam motorcycle in the 1860's

http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/classics/bike.asp?id=3


Shades of Will Smith' "Wild Wild West"
Signed "Smartass"

Good Morning Kurt, you old fart, It least I got you using your one good typing finger.

This must be the Roper street 1894 model, notice the head light.

I did get one thing wrong, it is" Einspur " meaning single track,
Another invention of Gottlieb Daimler which I gather he got no credit for was the trike conversion system which is quite evident in the photos. If only he had patented that. Us old farts would have kept his estate nicely topped up with all the latest offerings.