Curtiss Motorcycle, circa 1910

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Artifact Overview

Today Glenn Curtiss is best remembered for his pioneering work in aviation, but he built and raced motorcycles from 1901 to 1913. Curtiss personally set a speed record of 136.36 mph with a 40-horsepower V-8 racing motorcycle in 1907. This circa 1910 production model is powered by a gentler single-cylinder engine good for about four horsepower.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Motorcycle

Date Made

circa 1910

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.1843.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Rubber (Material)
Leather

Color

Olive green
Black (Color)
Gold (Color)
Red

Dimensions

Height: 42.5 in
Width: 24 in
Length: 85 in
Wheelbase: 57 in

Inscriptions

Each side of tank in gold with red outline: CURTISS MOTORCYCLE / MFG. CO. / HAMMONDSPORT N.Y.U.S.A. Engine: CURTISS MOTOR / MODEL G. NO. 6030

Specifications

Make & Model: Curtiss Motorcycle
Maker: G.H. Curtiss Manufacturing Company, Hammondsport, New York
Engine: 1-cylinder, overhead valves, 30 cubic inches
Transmission: 1-speed, belt drive
Height: 42.5 inches
Width: 24 inches
Overall Length: 85 inches
Wheelbase: 57 inches
Weight: 125 pounds
Horsepower: 4
Pounds per Horsepower: 31.3
Price: $200
Curtiss Motorcycle, circa 1910