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1869 Roper Steam Velocipede
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Description
The Steam Velocipede was the inspiration of New England inventor Sylvester Roper, who created what is considered the first motorcycle in 1865. Roper created his motorcycle from the ground up rather than using an existing velocipede. The Steam Velocipede was fired with charcoal fed into the bottom of the copper boiler. The seat doubles as the water tank, and a hand-operated water pump is located on the left side of the boiler. Roper incorporated a twist grip throttle…
The Steam Velocipede was the inspiration of New England inventor Sylvester Roper, who created what is considered the first motorcycle in 1865. Roper created his motorcycle from the ground up rather than using an existing velocipede. The Steam Velocipede was fired with charcoal fed into the bottom of the copper boiler. The seat doubles as the water tank, and a hand-operated water pump is located on the left side of the boiler. Roper incorporated a twist grip throttle and brake. The driver opened the throttle by twisting the handlebar away and braked by twisting toward himself. The oscillating steam cylinders provided power.
Roper demonstrated his invention at circuses and fairs, but never produced a steam velocipede for sale. Roper died of a heart attack just as the motor vehicle industry was starting to grow in June 1896, while driving this machine at 40 mph on a local bicycle track in Boston.
This replica of Roper’s steam velocipede was build by the museum and based on the original one that is currently at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
Year:
1990
Creator:
Owls Head Transportation Museum
Location Created:
Owls Head, ME
Engine Type:
Steam