$100,000 replica of the world’s first motorcycle - the 1885 Gottlieb Daimler

When we head off to the Melbourne Motorcycle Expo this Thursday, we’re sure to see a lot of the latest and greatest from the big manufacturers - but one of the highlights we’re most excited about is the oldest machine on the floor.

Phil Mumenthaler has spent over 850 hours and somewhere close to AU$100,000 recreating the first motorcycle ever built - the Gottlieb Daimler, which was put together over 120 years ago in 1885. With no access to parts, Mumenthaler has had to build almost all the bike from scratch, from the engine to the wooden frame and saddle - a true labour of love that Mumenthaler was “just putting the finishing touches on” last night.

The result? A thundering one horsepower at a screaming 600 rpm, with a top speed about the same as a decent jog. Still, without Mr. Daimler’s inspired invention, would we have access to the magnificent beasts we take for granted today?

We’ll be taking a much closer look at this little beauty, hopefully shooting some video and going crazy with the cameras.  See you there!