Top Speed Motorcycles

This Hildebrand & Wolfmüller is the world’s first-ever patented motorcycle and it recently sold at auction for $131,200. Made in Germany, the motorrad is powered by a 1488cc four-stroke twin engine developing an impressive for the time 2.5 hp at 240rpm. Weighing around 132 pounds and reaching a top speed of approximately 31 mph, this was the time’s only and best mechanical horse around. And it showed german ingenuity. For instance, the water needed for cooling the engine was held in the rear fender, while the transmission system is similar to that of a locomotive.

The vintage production motorcycle sit in an US barn for the past 70 years and after being auctioned off in England it now sees its way back to Germany for display. Hit the jump to see a restored 1896 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller buzz around.

1984 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller motorcycle auctioned for $131k originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 28 April 2010 09:24 EST.

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