Inventor's Name:

 Sylvester Howard Roper

Invention:

The first steam powered velocipede (motorcycle)

Group Members First Names:

 DeVissi, Donald, Kenan

Story of the Inventor:

     Born on November 24, 1823, inventor Sylvester Howard Roper of Roxbury, Massechusetts invented the first steam powered velocipede (motorcycle) in 1869. He was born in Francetown, New Hampshire. When he invented the steam powered velocipede, he had to sell it himself. He was his own entrepreneur. People give Gottlieb Daimler the credit for inventing the motorcycle. Though, Sylvester was the one practically built the first motorcycle. In fact, he was the one who influenced Daimler in the first place. Not to mention he was the first to invent and the first to patent. The motorcycle will continue to influence people to this day and beyond. It was still improving after Roper's unfortunate death on June 1, 1896 in Cambridge Massachusettes. The flame of the motorcycle will never die out. To this day, the dream lives on.

Story of the Invention:

 Originally built by Sylvester Howard Roper, the motorcycle was remade with new technolgy by German inventor Gottlieb Daimler. The motorcycle was not popular until 1900. The motorcycle started to become convenient for economy. Many local people were using this new device do go to and from work. It was also convenient for running errands. In 1903, 21 year-old William S. Darley & 20 year-old Arthur Davidson made the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This pair of men soon formed the Harley-Davidson motor company. This company is one of the only motorcycle companies that exists today from those times.

Story of the Impact of the Invention:

     As stated earlier, the motorcycle did help economy. It started to become popular around the year 1900. It was then when this 'new way to ride' started to be customized. One motorcycle was made with special wheels for off-road riding. It would be kind of like a dirt bike with an engine. New motorcycles and motor companies are still blooming today. So as you can see, the motorcycle had a huge impact on the U.S.A.

Story of the Future of the Invention:

      I've said it before and I'll say it again, the motorcycle was and is a big method of travel. We may have new methods of travel someday, but, it will definitily be a long time from now. So, show some respect to the motorcycle. Let it bask in its time of honor. The dream still lives on.

Links:

http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/motorcycle.htm

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/indexr.shtml#Roper

http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/sci/A0834221.html