Velodrome Racing and the Rise of the Motorcycle

by R.K. Keating

Overview

A hybrid machine—powered at times by steam, electricity or internal combustion—the motorcycle in its infancy was an innovation to help bicycle racers go faster. As motor age technology advanced, the quest for greater speed at the velodrome peaked, with riders reaching speeds up to 100 kph on bikes and trikes without brakes, suspensions or gear boxes. This book chronicles the individuals and events at the turn of the 20th century that led to the development of motor-powered two-wheelers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476681436
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	03/29/2021
Pages:	429
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.86(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

R.K. Keating had a long career developing workforce and economic development policy. His previous book was on Robert M. Keating, the pioneer of bicycles, motorcycles and automobiles. He lives in New Hampshire.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Preface 1

Prologue: The Crazy Frenchman 7

Part I In Pursuit of Speed

1 The Rise of Pedal-Powered Sport in America 15

2 Pacemaking: A Game Changer 26

3 Speed Engines 36

4 Taking It to the Limit 57

5 Reservations and Economics 72

Part II Ex Machina

6 Nuts and Bolts 79

7 Internal Combustion 97

8 France Goes Electric 117

9 Infernal Machines 137

10 Blood Versus Petroleum 155

Part III From Mayhem to Mainstream

11 The Steam Kings 171

12 Pioneers of Petrol-Powered Pace 191

13 Motormen 220

14 Innocence Lost 239

15 The Show Must Go On 272

Part IV Going Solo

16 Metz Pushes the Envelope 285

17 A Tool Room in Middletown 304

18 Taking the Stage 314

19 Velodrome to Motordrome 342

20 Slipstream to Mainstream 364

Afterword 383

Chapter Notes 387

Bibliography 405

Index 413

Editorial Reviews

Will open your mind to the evolution of motorcycles of the United States and Europe. This is one of the most well-researched books on the subject…excellent writing…Many motorcycle enthusiasts will review this book regularly to garner more insight into our two wheeled origins, and no personal motorcycle library would be complete without it…By far the most important book I have on the origins of the motorcycle in America.”—The Antique Motorcycle

From the Publisher