1867 Roper Steam Cycle Replica 1867 INNOVATION: In 1867 Sylvester Roper used a purpose-built wood and iron frame, two 34” iron clad wood wheels, a steam engine for motive power and created the first motor cycle*. Long before internal combustion engines were perfected, steam engines were the motive power source of choice. So when inventors sought to ease the effort involved in moving people or goods down the road they applied steam power to wagons, buggies and bicycles, and, using terminology loo