The Spiral

[Bruce Williams]

I am not sure who got the Spiral, it was nicely done, Harry had some documentation as I remember, some newspaper articles about the teacher/machinist that made it. Made in North Jersey if memory is correct. I also agree as to upgrades thru its early years.

[Steve Slocombe]

I judged this bike once under the old rules: it would not be judged today as a prototype that did not go into production. The motor was the only part that could be 1896, and appeared to be machined out of billet. The frame looked to be around 1903/4 and it was clear there had been several later upgrades to the bike. It might have been some kind of college demonstrator of the internal combustion engine, later put in a frame. A nice piece of history, but doubtful as the first US motorcycle.

[tst]

I talked with Harry at Rhinebeck just a couple of years back and he had the bike with him, the story he told was interesting, do not how much truth was in it but it is a way cool bike and glad it was still around, because of Harry a lot of old iron was saved
Tim

[pete @ occhiolungo]

I"m not so sure about that 1896 date either. The high tension magneto was invented by Bosch in 1903. But I suppose the Spiral may have had a low tension device that was changed out later. Like when they changed the frame. Maybe the carb too. And George Washington's axe handle...