Merkel Motorcycles was founded in 1901 by Joseph Merkel of Manistee, Michigan. Merkel began by manufacturing motor driven bicycles, but by 1906 his company was building motorcycles and automobiles at a factory in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
The Flying Merkel & Merkel Light
Merkel's board track and dirt track racers were known for their reliability and handling earning them the nickname of the "Flying Merkel." The first Merkel racers used single-cylinder motors with a leather belt-drive and pedals, but by 1910 Merkel began using a large-bore V-Twin for his Flying Merkel.
1908 Merkel U Racer - Zoom
Two of Joseph Merkel's innovative handling solutions were his creation of a mono-shock type rear suspension system (photo below), and dual coil-spring front fork.
1913 Flying Merkel 1000cc Twin
In 1911 Merkel's company was purchased by a bicycle manufacturer named Paul Sorg of the Miami-Cycle & Mfg. Co. of Middletown, Ohio, and Joseph Merkel was retained until his depature in 1914.
1910 Merkel Light Twin 1000cc
The Merkel Light was discontinued by Miami-Cycle during the First World War. After Merkel left Miami Cycle he patented his design of the 'Merkel Motor Wheel' which was used by Indian several years later.
Merkel Links
Joseph Merkel
1912 Flying Merkel
1914 Flying Merkel Restoration
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