Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle Auction
1916 Pope
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$175,000 - $200,000 USD | Not Sold
| Las Vegas, Nevada
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This Pope motorcycle is an excellent example of American invention and ingenuity. The American Cycle Manufacturing Company started out building bicycles, but became involved in motorcycle production in 1902. In 1911, the company reorganized as Pope, with its manufacturing plant in Westfield, Massachusetts. The 1912 Pope was the first V-twin built by a major manufacturer to sport overhead valves. Most motorcycles built during this time had inlet over exhaust top ends, and many still had "automatic" intake valves, which tended to stick. This 1916 model has the overhead valve setup, and a three speed sliding gear transmission, an option for that year. Lighting is supplied by an acetylene lamp, a common option in the days before reliable electrics for motor vehicles.
Not only does this bike have more efficient overhead valves, it also has plunger rear suspension.
This feature was unique for motorcycles of this time, most of whom had no rear suspension at all. The next American bike to feature rear suspension was the 1940 Indian.
