40 Popular Items That Used to Look Completely Different in the Past

France has the honor of inventing the first bicycle. They’re probably proud that they can take credit for the first motorcycle, too. This Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede from 1869 is considered by many to be one of the first motorcycles. This early version of a motorcycle is a bike with a small steam engine installed on the back.

Some people don’t consider this invention to be the first motorcycle because it’s not gas-powered. However, we’re letting this Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede take all the credit because we think it’s pretty cool. Who knows if traditional motorcycles as we know them today would even exist if it weren’t for this innovative twist on a traditional bike?