Pope Model L

The Pope Model L was a motorcycle produced by Pope Manufacturing Company in Westfield, Massachusetts,^[1] between 1914^[2] and 1920.

Pope Model L

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

Specifications in infobox to the right are from the Smithsonian Institution.^[1]

Postage stamp

A five cent United States postage stamp was issued in October, 1983, with an engraved image of the Pope Model L.^[6]

See also

• List of motorcycles of the 1910s
• FN Four
• Sears Dreadnought
• Thor Model U
• List of fastest production motorcycles