1894 steam motorcycle set for world record price

[Bob]

A historic 1894 Roper Steam Motorcycle is expected to establish a new world record for a motorcycle sold at auction.

The motorcycle is the second of just two steam-powered motorcycles built by Sylvester Roper, featuring a compact rectangular boiler, burner and grate, and a small steam engine on the right side. A water tank was located directly over the boiler, from which a smoke vent exited. It averaged a record speed of 40 miles per hour on the Dorchester Road in Boston for a measured mile in May 1896.

The Roper is up for auction at Auction America on 12th-14th January 2012 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.

[KiWiP]

From the auction site. Well worth a read.

http://www.auctionsamerica.com/event...e=LV12&ID=r154

Makes the distinction between a motorbike (having pedals) and a motorcycle (no pedals just footrests). Should this site then be "KiwiCyclist" and those who describe themselves as bikers properly describe themselves as "cyclists" ? Just a thought

[slofox]

Steam motorbikes, eh? Could be the next big thing...you could fire the boiler on Chivas Regal and still be cheaper than gas...