Hildebrand Wolfmuller 1894

The Hildebrand & Wolfmüller was the world's first production motorcycle. Heinrich and Wilhelm Hidebrand were steam-engine engineers before they teamed up with Alois Wolfmüller to produce their internal combustion Motorrad in Munich in 1894.

Mechanical Details

The motorcycle featured a water-cooled engine (the coolant tank/radiator of which is prominent over and around the rear wheel) mounted in a purpose-designed tubular frame. The rear wheel was directly driven from the connecting rods (a similar arrangement to that of steam locomotives). There was no flywheel other than the rear wheel, and it needed heavy rubber bands to provide the return impulse.

The Hildebrand & Wolfmüller patent of 20 January 1894, No. 78553 describes a 1,489 cc (90.9 cu in) two-cylinder, four-stroke engine, with a bore and stroke of 90 mm × 117 mm (3.5 in × 4.6 in). It produced 1.9 kW (2.5 bhp) @ 240 rpm propelling a weight of 50 kg (110 lb) up to a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28 mph).

Manufacturer	Hildebrand & Wolfmüller
Production	1894–1897
Engine	1,489 cc (90.9 cu in) two-cylinder water-cooled four-stroke, surface carburetor
Bore / Stroke	90 mm × 117 mm (3.5 in × 4.6 in)
Top speed	28 mph (45 km/h)
Power	2.5 bhp (1.9 kW) @ 240 rpm
Ignition type	Hot tube
Transmission	Direct drive via connecting rods
Frame type	Steel tubular
Brakes	spoon brake, friction against front tire
Tires	pneumatic, front 26 in (66 cm), rear 22 in (56 cm)
Weight	110 lb (50 kg) (dry)