Roper steam velocipede

The American Roper steam wheel was a forerunner of the motorcycle.

Roper steam wheel about 1869

To Sylvester H. Roper 1869, (* November 24, 1823 in Francestown, New Hampshire, † June 1, 1896 in Cambridge, Massachusetts) in a steel-reinforced wooden frame, a replica of the Michaux - frame, a steam engine. The kettle with charcoal lighting was hung between the wheels, the drive was carried out with a push rod directly on the rear axle. In contrast to the Michaux - Perreaux steam wheel Roper had no patent on the steam valve with " chimney on the boiler " account, so there is no reliable information on the year of manufacture, as well as rides are not occupied with the first model of 1869. However, at circuses and fairs joined Roper on with his boost controller.

Roper steam wheel 1894-1896

Another Roper steam wheel, a further development based on the chassis of the Pope Manufacturing Company has been demonstrated for the year 1894-1896. For this model and technical data are available. A bore of 1 3/4 inch and a stroke of 4 yielded a capacity of 3 HP and a maximum speed of 48 km / h

Roper introduced in 1896 in Boston with a revised boost controller set a speed record of 64 km / h. Roper died with this model in experimental runs; one of the first recorded deadly " motorcycle accidents " of history.

An original Roper steam wheel from 1894 will be sold at an auction in January 2012. Experts expect a record sum.