Holden's Motorcycle Holden horizontal four cylinder motor bicycle, 1897. This horizontal four cylinder direct drive motor bicycle was patented by General HCL Holden in 1896 and 1897. Manufactured by the Motor Traction Company of Kensington, London it was one of the first (and most noteworthy) attempt to produce a practical motor bicycle, after Daimler had patented and constructed the first petrol motor bicycle in 1885. The motor has four horizontal air-cooled cylinders placed two in line at each side and incorporated in the frame. The complete machine weighs 123 pounds and has a top speed of 25 mph.