The Shaffer steam motorcycle

[sveger]

OK, we do know a lot on Roper and his steam motorcycles.
What about Shaffers?
Just came across the enclosed photo in a 1901 issue of an European motor magazine, showing Mr. Richard M. Shaffer taking control of the handlebars on his racing steam tandem motorcycle.
Mr. Shaffer is a true believer in steam rather than petroleum (sick!) and intend making loads of steam engined motorcycles out of his Baltimore workshop named Shaffer engine manufacturing company!



This is a new one to me. Anyone aware of this brand or know if there is one still around??

Sverre
http://AmericanMotorcyclesNorway.blogspot.com

[c.o.]

Sverre, I'll be paying attention for that one now. It doesn't rattle any memories in my noggin' at the moment. Just a thought.... wouldn't you feel a tad uncomfortable sitting over the boiler like that lead rider is????

[sveger]

Cory, "a man got to do what a man got to do" in the name of science :-)

I would feel a "tad" uncomfortable across the enclosed beast who did 60mph when the frame started to twist severely according to eye witnesses. This happened in 1903 I seem to remember. Doesnt the exhaust ports of this monster parallel twin point directly towards the "aheem" of the poor rider?



Sverre
http://AmericanMotorcyclesNorway.blogspot.com

[c.o.]

Sverre, they were daring experimenters for sure!!! That latest beast could pass for a "proto-type" for the modern day race bikes!!!