Here is a selection of photos devoted to the motorcycle theme in the Russian Empire. They were found in different times and at different places so we do not know the authors of the works.
So what bikes did they ride long ago in Russia?
1916.
The men are riding “Indian”, 1916.
Shooting at the enemy ducks in 1915.
This time enemy airplanes are being shot at.
1916
1915
Moto-cart, 1916
1915
Russians in France, 1916.
“Norton” motorcycle being tested. 1913-14.
Bikers are visiting the car owner (the end of the 1890s – beginning of the 1900s).
1914.
Don Cossacks from the pedal cycle troop.
It is a field repair shop of the Russian army. 1915
The men are from an automobile company of the Russian Imperial Army. 1916
1915.
At the Khodynka airfield near Moscow, 1914.
The men ar at the “Indian” motorcycle which won the second place at the race for 1200 km. 1912.
Childrey on the “Harley”, 1914-17
Harley Davidson in 1915.
The general visits a motorcycle team, 1915-17.
Car platoon, 1914-16.
1917.
Three bikers and the “Harkey” on skis.1914-15.
The postcard is dated 1916.
Pedal cycle team. 1916.
It was so cool to have a bike those days. Though it is still cool to have a bike, right?
via erandl
Looks like FUN! Can I take a ride?
In the second-to-last shot, behind the riders right foot there appears to be a sprocket with a missing pedal… Can one of you historical bike enthusiasts tell me what that is?
It could very well be that the motorcycle is just a prop. Having said that, the sprocket in question could be for starting the motor before engaging the rear drive wheel.
@ Liptonius: That is a set of pedals as you find them on a normal bike. They were intended for use when the engine failed or when the bike ran out of gas. Here in Holland mopeds used to have them too. A cycling one of these motorbikes was very heavy and pushing it was easier, the pedals were often removed.
Increcible pictures. I wonder how many Harley Davidsons and Indians are languishing in Russian barns today? If you think you might know of one, look around, they’re worth a fortune today…
the second picture (1916) is of a Harley not an Indian, still, love the Pics!!
Incorrect. It’s am Indian Power Plus Twin. Also, the headlight looks to be from a 1916 Thor.
first bike ( postcard) is a circa 1914 Yale made in Toledo Ohio