1915 Smith Motor Wheel
Some of the earliest motorcycles were made by fitting gasoline engines to modified bicycles. When motorcycles became successful, but expensive, fitting inexpensive engines to bicycles became popular. The Smith Motor Wheel was one of these. It was fitted alongside the rear wheel, started, lowered to the ground, and away you went. Over 60,000 were sold in the U.S. before the company was sold to Briggs & Stratton, which continued its production.
Specifications: single-cylinder, air-cooled; 1 hp. Price new $60.
Accession no. 1988G07
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