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.
Some of the motorcycles parked outside of the Motorcycle Show at the Javitz Center in New York City were just as interesting to look at as the ones that were parked inside. I spied this blacked-out modified BMW R60/7 parked at the curb. So Mad Max-y!
In June of 2008 our time riding with Novos came to a close in the town of Lee Vining just outside of Yosemite National Park. While Kenny, Greg and I checked in to a hotel, Novos peeled off heading towards his home in SoCal. He was going back to real life and we continued on in our California riding fantasy world.
In the morning under a clear blue sky, three headed north on route 395 with a view of Mono Lake sparkling to the east. We were heading towards the Sonora Pass.
About 20 miles out of town we saw signs for Bodie Historic Park. I had previously seen photos of the park from Novos. It looked really interesting. So, I pulled off and asked the guys if they wanted to check it out. I don’t know why I even asked. It should have been one of those given moments. Who knows when I’d ever pass that way again? It’s best to just go take a peek rather than wonder what it might have been like for the rest of your life. On we went in to Bodie.
Bodie is frozen in time. By the time that the State of California took over the town in 1962, it had been abandoned and ravaged by fire. The remaining 200 or so structures in the town are all that is left as a result of a major blaze that occurred in the 1930s.
It was fascinating to stroll through the dirt roadways, peering in to the old buildings. The only inhabitants that remain in this old mining town are the swallows that make mud nests in the eaves.
It’s no secret that I totally heart Triumph motorcycles. SuckerPunch Sally’s Fender Thruxton is no exception. The aged cream colored paint, Union Jack and wrapped exhaust give it a deliciously retro rockin’ look. I wish I could have heard it start up. What do you think – sweet or not so much?
