[photos21.flickr.com]


This came up on the VSCC web forum with the suggestion that it might be a steam motorcycle. I don't think it is - I think it is a very odd German(?) i.c bike with a direct acting (conrods to spindle) engine hence the very small rear wheel.I have a picture of one somewhere. Does anyone else know better?

Mike

Found some pictures of the thing now - could be it.

I don’t think it is a steam motorcycle - not enough space for steam generator and in any case you wouldn’t need such a small wheel with steam torque.

I’m no expert on motorbikes but remebered a picture of a very odd motorcycle which had a pair of horizontally opposed cylinders with no normal connecting rods, just a strut between the pistons which had a central gudgeon pin sliding in a pair of slots (steam engine crosshead fashion) and took the little end of a long connecting rod straight to the back spindle. No clutch and no gears, just scoot to go. If I am right that is why the back wheel is so small. It was called the Hildebrande and Wolfmuller Motorad. Couple of images here which look similar but not identical to our picture.

[www.cvmg.on.ca]
[www.cvmg.on.ca]

Another fact - Hildebrande were the manufacturer of the earlier "Dalifol" steam bike which ran in the original 1896 Brighton Emancipation Run and which is now in the Science Museum.

Mike

Latest conclusion from VSCC members is that it is a Holden of c 1905 - one of these is in the Science Museum Reserve collection at Wroughton. Much the same mechanical arrangement as the Hildebrande.

Mike

I remember 2 steam motorbikes that used to be on display at the science museum, kensington. I think the make was pearson cox. cant find anything like this on the net. or is it a figment?

Martin

Martin

A short history and picture of one science museum bike can be found by searching for pearson cox at www.scienceandsociety.co.uk.
Light Steam Power is a good 'old technology' source for more information if you need it.

Brian