Worlds Oldest Production Bike

[Geordie Stu]

The world’s first production motorcycle is to be auctioned at the Stafford Classic Motorcycle Show on April 25.

The 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmuller motorcycle is the first powered two wheeler to which the name ‘motorrad’ (motorcycle) was ever applied.

The bike is a twin-cylinder, water-cooled four stroke with a huge 1488cc displacement producing a slightly underwhelming 2.5bhp at 240rpm.

Opinions differ on how many of the German machines were produced, figures range from as low as 800 to as high as 2,000. Survivors are, needless to say, exceedingly rare.

This example has been in the USA since the early 1930s, which is when it last ran.

Presented in original, un-restored condition the bike has an estimate of £40,000 – 60,000.

Happy Bidding... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...bike-for-sale/

[Kevinb]

Certainly looks like it needs a bit of TLC. I'm sure mine won't look like that in 116 years time. Mines a 1670cc air cooled twin cylinder. Things don't really change that much.

[Jon_W]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbbsD...eature=related

Here's one running.

[Roll_on]

Amazing looking machune. On the runner it looks like the back axle is also the crankshaft.

[crewy]

I wonder how Rossi would fair on one of those? ;D

[Jon_W]

Amazing looking machune. On the runner it looks like the back axle is also the crankshaft.

It is. There is also a leather strap which operates the exhaust valve...

Running it in traffic must be fun!!! :-?

[Tongy]

Shaft drive!!!

[Jon_W]

No... direct drive... the rear wheel is the crank!!

Also it dosent have spark plugs... there is an oil burner at the front heating a tube of metal which ignights the fuel...

[arieltt]

I'd soon have that running. No bother. Looks great in the YouTube footage.

[Roll_on]

I wonder how Rossi would fair on one of those? ;D

He'd still win.