Bob Jorgensen of Memphis took "Motocycles 1899" and immediately fabricated the engine that Sylvester H Roper used on his steam motorcycle. The original boiler which Bob has yet to build provided 160 to 225 psi of steam. Roper died while racing his motorcycle at the age of 73! Here, the complete engine is mounted on a block of wood.

Bob Jorgensen's version of the Roper steam motorcycle with engine mounted on the bicycle frame. Ropers original cycle weighed about 165 pounds, and could get up to 32 mph. Not bad for a coal burner! These views not only show off Jorgensen's ability as a machinist but his ability to interpret less-than-complete drawings and plans and create a functioning engine.


The Roper engine mounted on Bob's bicycle. Top view showing valve linkages. This project was actually put on the back burner to allow completion of several other engines shown on the following pages. (Must be nice to have that kind of time AND ability...)

The bicycle with engine.

Bob wrote:

"The LeJay Manual reminds me of an electric bike I built in the 1930's. Got the sprockets on backward. When I threw the switch all I could do is try and hold on. Went across some street car tracks at about 113 miles per hour! The chain flew off and saved old Bob!"

More Incredible Photos
 

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