Joe Merkel started to design motorcycle engines in 1902 and built his first motorcycle in 1903 using his own 316 cc single cylinder engine. He created his own company in 1908 under the name of Light Manufacturing and Foundry Company and produced motorcycles (single and two-ylinder engines) under the trademark “Merkel Light” It was acquired in 1911 and motorcycles were produced under the “Flying Merkel” brand when the bikes began to win races with a 1000 cc engine in the frame. The Flying Merkel achieved its iconic status through the shape of its tank and the shiny orange body paint. The company closed in 1915. Image captured at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA by Doug Mitchel.
6 Responses to “Picture Of The Week. 1911 Flying Merkel”
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Good stuff
Good stuff? GREAT STUFF!!!! I’m going there, again next Saturday morning…
Very nice. Just watched Mecum’s Auctions sell a race model Merkel for 175 thousand bucks. Some deep pockets out there for some collectors, and I’m glad they are there to keep old iron like this around for the rest of us broke dudes to get to see!
Saw one of these at Birdwood Mill, SA. Very nice.
Aside from being beautiful and fast rides, these bikes were unique for their day in that they were probably the first motorcycle to feature any sort of suspension to soak up the bumps that were chronic considering the roads and board tracks of the day..
What, you don’t see any springs?
The suspension was a spring in the seat post – the saddle was the only thing suspended!
I can,t imagine going 100 mph on that even on a good track.