Vintage Motorcycle Eye Candy: 1914 Flying Merkel
Friday, February 5, 2010 10:08 am
February5
In 1902 Joseph Merkel Started manufacturing single cylinder motorcycles in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Merkel was an innovator in the newly blossoming motorcycle arena. With his sights set on competition machines by 1905 Merkel began to produce racing bikes.
Innovations by Joseph Merkel
- A patented spring fork that was the precursor to telescopic forks
- Monoshock suspension
- Throttle controlled engine oiler
- Cam-actuated intake valve
- Merkel Motor Wheel
- Reduced highway fees for motorcycles in New York
In 1908 Merkel merged his motorcycle company with Light Motor Company. The newly formed Merkel-Light Motor Company was then relocated to Pennsylvania. It was during this time that the “Flying Merkel” came into the world.
Merkel motorcycle production ceased during the time of World War I.
YouTube Video: Flying Merkel Running
Links & Photos
*sources:
- http://www.theflyingmerkel.com/themerkel.htm
- http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/hofbiopage.asp?id=229
- http://www.50sville.com/merkel.htm
- http://www.motorcycle.com/events/historic-vintage-bike-auction-preview-80205.html
10 Responses to this entry
3:21 pm
Vintage Motorcycle Eye Candy: 1914 Flying Merkel http://goo.gl/fb/5rNK
8:49 pm
I love board track bikes, as you well know. You have a good eye, the Flying Merkel is iconic for good reason, it’s a beautiful example of the breed.
11:55 am
I wonder if he is related to Jack Merkel of Jack Merkel racing engines on the LIE service road by motor parkway in Hauppauge?
3:13 pm
Most excellent! A name like Merkel you cannot make up.
2:47 am
very amazing bike
9:12 am
Hey, check this out:
http://www.motorcyclecannonball.com/routes.shtml
Apparently, the Merkel is in this cross-country ride/show of bikes pre-1918.
Wow…
9:17 am
Excellent find, CaddyJack! That race looks amazing. I wish it received more mainstream moto-media coverage.
9:31 am
Great bike that has a full color photo feature in the new issue of American Iron Magazine. This is Dave Fusiak’s motorcycle. American Iron Magazine web site is http://www.aimag.com.
12:34 pm
Would love to see this come across the water for the Banbury Run but lack of lights and brakes could make things very interesting for the rider.
12:37 pm
I noticed his name is spelled Dave Fuziak in the American Iron Magazine article, but think it is really spelled Dave Fusiak. Either way a great machine.