This is cool on so many levels:
From:
The Steam Car Club of Great Britain
- began in 1972, first ride sometime around 1989
- power from the 1 cyl: "1/4hp, depending on the pressure of the steam."
- bike: rebuilt "1949 VéloSoleX premier type frame [obtained] in a derelict and red rusted condition"
- all wheel drive
(steam drive to the front) ... "The engine is pivoted from the fork crown to allow the front forks to flex in the normal way, and the chain tension is kept constant by struts down to the front wheel spindle. "
- 3 speeds in the front: Sturmey-Archer 3-speed AW hub
- starting "takes 15 - 20 minutes from cold"
- speed: about 8mph sustained
- efficiency: "6 - 8mpg of water and about 60 - 70mpg of paraffin"
More info & photos (plus his steam powered gramophone!):
The Steam Car Club of Great Britain