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The earliest known image of a motorcycle dates back to 1818, although it's unclear if the depicted steam velocipede was ever actually built. -
The Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede, a French motorcycle from 1867-1871, was one of three claimed first motorcycles. It was powered by a Louis-Guillaume Perreaux commercial steam engine and attached to a Pierre Michaux iron-framed pedal bicycle. Perreaux continued developing his steam cycle, exhibiting a tricycle version by 1884. -
The Roper steam velocipede, built by Sylvester H. Roper between 1867 and 1869, is considered one of three "first motorcycles" along with the Michaux-Perreaux and Daimler Reitwagen. Historians dispute whether the Roper or Michaux-Perreaux came first. -
The Long steam tricycle, built by George A. Long in 1880 and patented in 1883, is one of the earliest preserved examples, now on display at the Smithsonian Institution as the "oldest completely operable self-propelled road vehicle." -
The Copeland steam bicycle was a steam powered, two-wheeled motor vehicle made by Lucius Copeland in 1881 and is sometimes classed as an early motorcycle.