The Pope Model L was a motorcycle produced by Pope Manufacturing Company in Westfield, Massachusetts,[1] between 1914[2] and 1920.
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| Manufacturer | Pope Manufacturing Company |
|---|---|
| Production | 1914–1920 |
| Engine | 61 cu in (1,000 cm3) OHV carbureted V-twin Iron cylinders, aluminum crankcase |
| Bore / stroke | 3.328125 in × 3.5 in (84.5344 mm × 88.9000 mm) |
| Power | 15.4 hp (11.5 kW) |
| Ignition type | Bosch magneto |
| Transmission | Three speed, chain drive Eclipse multiple-disk clutch; lever on left side of chassis |
| Suspension | Front: Leaf spring Rear:Twin coil springs |
| Brakes | V-band brake actuated by backpedaling |
| Tires | 28 in × 3 in (711 mm × 76 mm) clinchers |
| Wheelbase | 56.25 in (1,429 mm) |
The Model L was, at 70 miles per hour (110 km/h), the fastest motorcycle in the world when introduced.[3]
It was technologically advanced for its time, with features not found on other motorcycles, such as overhead valves, chain drive (from 1918) and multi-speed transmission.[4][5] It was also expensive at $250, as much then as a Model T automobile.[1][4] (Another source of competition were cyclecars)
Specifications in infobox to the right are from the Smithsonian Institution.[1]
A five cent United States postage stamp was issued in October, 1983, with an engraved image of the Pope Model L.[6]
Media related to Pope Model L at Wikimedia Commons| Records | ||
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| Preceded by | Fastest production motorcycle 1914–1916 |
Succeeded by |