117-Year-Old Steam Motorcycle May Bring Record Bids at Auction

Pete Brissette
by Pete Brissette

Auctions America hopes an 1894 Roper Steam Motorcycle will set a new record as the most expensive motorcycle sold at auction when it goes on the block during the Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle Auction in January 12 – 14, 2012. The auction house believes the rarity of the Roper — one of only two built by Sylvester Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts, according to Auctions America — could drive bids beyond the $520,000 price set in 2008 by a 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer OHC.

Auctions America reports the steam-powered motorcycle was built around a Columbia bicycle frame and achieved an average speed of 40 mph in May, 1896. More details about the motorcycle’s history and the man behind it, as well as additional photos are located on Auction America’s website, www.auctionsamerica.com.

Auctions America by RM’s debut Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle Auction will be held January 12 – 14, 2012 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, 3700 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to the auction, the event will incorporate an exclusive motorcycle seminar on Saturday, January 14, featuring noted industry experts including Buzz Walneck, founder of Walneck’s Classic Cycle Trader; Doug Mitchell, noted motorcycle author; Mark Hoyer, editor of Cycle World magazine; and respected collector, Joe Bortz.

Pete Brissette
Pete Brissette

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