De Dion-Bouton tricycle
1900 De Dion-Bouton tricycle at the Louwman Museum, The Netherlands
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| Manufacturer | De Dion-Bouton |
|---|---|
| Production | 1897–1905 |
| Class | Motorized tricycle |
| Engine | 138–955 cc Four-stroke, air cooled single-cylinder engine with surface carburetor |
| Power | 0.5–8 HP at 1,500–1,800 RPM |
| Ignition type | Electric |
| Transmission | Direct transmission, chain drive |
| Frame type | Decauville |
| Brakes | Front: Clasp brake Rear: Band brake |
| Tires | Michelin pneumatic tires |
| Dimensions |
W: 92 cm track |
| Weight | 80 kg (180 lb) (dry) |
The De Dion-Bouton tricycle was the most successful motor vehicle in Europe from 1897 until the start of the 20th century. With about 15,000 copies sold, the de-Dion-Bouton motor tricycle scored the first breakthrough for the distribution of motor vehicles. In particular the fast-running de Dion-Bouton engine set new standards for vehicular motors and is regarded as the precursor of all motorcycle engines.
Jules-Albert de Dion, the engineer of Georges Bouton and his brother-in-law, Charles-Armand Trépardoux founded a workshop in 1882 near Paris. The first project was the production of steam boilers, then a fairly successful steam-powered tricycle from 1887, which should have already reached a speed of 65 km/h. Trépardoux, who wished to continue the further development of steam engines, resigned from the company in 1893; De Dion and Bouton opted for the development of gasoline engines after they viewed Daimler's engines at the Paris Exposition of 1889.
in 1895, the first four-stroke engine was ready for production. The 138 cc (bore 50 mm, stroke 70 mm) single cylinder engine with a surface carburettor produced 0.5 HP at an engine speed of 1500 RPM, a remarkably high speed for the time. For comparison: Hildebrand & Wolfmüller reached 240 RPM, the Daimler Reitwagen motor ran at maximum 750 RPM. Bouton found out that the glowplug ignition was the obstacle to higher speeds. He developed a high voltage ignition system for the motor with circuit breaker. The dry battery for the ignition is located under the upper frame tube (in the case of a motor tricycle); ignition timing could be adjusted with a small lever. Side valves were driven via a gear-driven camshaft, with automatic snifting valve activation. The advantage of the design should have been very early (0-5 degrees before top dead centre) opening inlet valve. The cylinder head was removable and bolted with four bolts on the crank case. The weight of the existing cast iron engine including all auxiliary units amounted to less than 20 kg. "The benefits of this engine were simplicity and ease."
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Wikipedia