Who invented the motorcycle?

[Delray]

The first gasoline motorcycle was created in Germany in 1885. It was designed by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. They also created the first motorboat.

This photo of the Reitwagen ("riding car") is an exact replica in the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Daimler and Maybach also designed a line of cars called Mercedes.

It was probably a blast to ride at the time, but man, I am sore just looking at it. The specs:

264cc
0.5 hp
Top speed 7 mph
Air cooled
Crank start
One speed transmission
Belt drive
Wood suspension
Iron tires with wooden spokes
200 lbs. dry

 

[EvilTwin]

So Mercedes beat out BMW. Nice.

 

[Delray]

"So Mercedes beat out BMW. Nice."

By 38 years.

But when BMW introduced its first bike in 1923, it turned the motorcycle world on its ear.

The BMW R 32 had 486cc with recirculating oil, roller bearings, shaft drive and a top speed of 62 mph.

Heck, I'd want one today. Not to replace my GT, of course. But it sure would be fun for short runs.

For my entire motorcycle-riding life, I've viewed them as bicycles you never have to pedal -- there is a childlike magic in riding. That's exactly what this bike looks like.