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Millet Motorcycle
1895 · Vintage
1895 · Vintage
The 1895 Millet Motorcycle represents a fascinating, albeit short-lived, chapter in early motorized two-wheelers. Emerging from the fertile ground of late 19th-century innovation, the Millet was a bold attempt at motorcycle design, distinct from its contemporaries. While not part of a long model lineage, it showcased unique engineering that set it apart from early pioneers like the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller, which by this point had already established its own innovative, albeit short-lived, production run. The Millet certainly carved its own path, offering a glimpse into the diverse approaches to personal motorized transport at the dawn of the automotive age.
At the heart of the Millet's distinctiveness was its powerplant: a 625.00 ccm (38.14 cubic inches) 5-cylinder rotary engine. Uniquely, this engine was mounted directly onto the rear wheel, a radical departure from chain or belt-driven designs. This configuration produced a modest 1.20 HP (0.9 kW) at a leisurely 180 RPM, propelling the vintage machine to a top speed of 35.0 km/h (21.7 mph). These figures, while quaint by modern standards, were respectable for the period, demonstrating the nascent capabilities of internal combustion engines in a lightweight vehicle.
Riding the 1895 Millet would have been an experience far removed from contemporary motorcycling. Given its vintage category and the inherent design, comfort would have been rudimentary. The direct-drive rotary engine on the rear wheel meant a very specific power delivery, likely requiring a delicate touch to manage. Without suspension as we know it, every bump and rut would have been keenly felt through the frame. Its upright stance, typical of early bicycles, would have been the standard riding position, prioritizing basic control over ergonomic refinement.
The target audience for the Millet Motorcycle would have been early adopters and engineering enthusiasts, those fascinated by mechanical innovation and willing to embrace the novelties and challenges of a new technology. It was not a mass-market vehicle, but rather an experimental marvel for the adventurous and mechanically curious. Ultimately, the Millet stands as a significant historical artifact, showcasing the ingenuity and varied approaches taken by early motorcycle designers in their quest to motorize the bicycle, a testament to the era's boundless mechanical exploration.
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The Millet Motorcycle produces 1 HP, fitting A2 license limits (max 35 kW / 47 HP). For riders 18+.
Estimated average for 625cc class: 35-50 mpg (5.0-7.0 L/100km)
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