Almost like flying: The 1913 Aero Bike.

Pict Via: about.com

Via: moto expo san diego

"Early in 1913, Salvatore Marchese from the Milwaukee area purchased a new Henderson 4 cylinder motorcycle. Shortly after purchasing the bike a spooked horse pulling a wagon ran Salvatore off the road and though he had minimal injuries the new Henderson was severly damaged. Salvatore had 3 sons who were experienced bicycle racers who had a Thor pacer bike. The 3 sons climbed down the ravine and retrieved the mangled motorcycle. They concocted the innovative idea to attach the Henderson engine to the back of their pacer bike. They added a Banks propeller creating the first Aero Bike.


They proudly exhibited and raced this unique new model at bike and motorcycle events. This Aero Bike proved difficult to ride because of the engine torque and prop thrust. The bike's brief story ended with WWI. The 3 young men enlisted in the Army and the Aero Bike was partially disassembled and stored in the basement of the family's farm. When WWI ended the brothers became involved in automobile racing and the bike sat forgotten collecting dust. It was not until 1982 that the story resumed.


Mr. Guy Jones of Massachusetts purchased the cut off Henderson engine with the propeller at the Marchese farm sale. Later, after the urging of friends, Mr. Jones went back to the Marchese farm and purchased the remains of the Aero Bike. The old bike had deteriorated badly, the wooden wheels were in poor shape and the copper gas tank and some of the controls were missing. The Aero Bike was moved to California and sat again for 26 years. Early in 2008 it was decided to put it all back together again and bring it to the 2008 Half Moon Bay Motorcycle Concourse for fun."