Hildebrand & Wolfmuller Motorcycle, circa 1894

The German-built Hildebrand & Wolfmuller motorcycle was the first motorized, two-wheeled vehicle sold to the public on a series-production basis. Hildebrand & Wolfmuller was also the first company to refer to the machine as a "motorcycle" (though it used the German word, motorrad). The curious engine design features two cylinders with connecting rods attached directly to the rear wheel.