Although not the first motorcycle, an early motorcycle was that designed by Felix Millet of France in 1892. Millet had patented his first motorcycle in 1888, and had several improved versions. It incorporated a radial engine around the hub of the rear wheel, with the five cylinders rotating around the hub. It had foot pedals connected to the rear wheel by a chain, and twist grip throttle control. With its massive .7 hp, is could achieve a speed of 22 mph, which was pretty fast considering braking was by use of the foot pedals. This radial engine was similar to later radial aircraft engines in which the cylinders rotated around the center crankshaft.
The Millet motorcycle was 20 years later than the Roper steam motorcycle.
Comments