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A superb andrare photo ofthe 1915 Flying Merkel V-twin motorcycle.
The Merkel Motor Company was founded by Joseph Merkel in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) in 1902. Hestarted out by producing single cylinder motorcycles. Merkel was among the mostinnovative of the pioneer motorcycle companies. By 1905 Merkel had decided toengage in competition, and produced several racing machines. Merkel\'smotorcycles were to set many performance standards during the emerging Americanracing scene. These machines and their riders enabled Merkel to develop apatented spring front fork that was to become the forerunner of the moderntelescopic front fork. This fork became the instrument of choice on racingmachines of other builders. Also Merkel developed a monoshock rear suspension,which was incredibly advanced for its age. Merkel\'s slogan became: \"Allroads are smooth to The Flying Merkel\". Merkel also used ball bearings asopposed to bronze bushings in the engine. In contrast to primitive atmosphericpressure intake valves, Merkel designed his own camshaft operated valveoperation system. Merkel also pioneered with his design of athrottle-controlled engine oiler, that long preceded Harley\'s and Indian\'s useof such a device.
The company was purchased in 1909 by the Light Manufacturing Company,and was moved in its entirety to Pottstown Pennsylvania, producingmachines with the \"Merkel Light\" and subsequently\"The Flying Merkel\" names. Joseph Merkel beganimmediately experimenting with frame and suspension improvements, and newengine designs. A young test rider by the name of Maldwyn Jonesrode one of Merkel\'s creations. An inventive mechanic and racer, Jones set upthe bike and defeated the reigning champion Erwin G (Cannonball) Baker in a tenmile race. The following season, Jones turned professional and won three offour races on a machine bearing \"The Flying Merkel\" logo on the tank.Jones went on to become a national champion racer and helped Merkel achieverecognition among performance enthusiasts.
In 1911 the Miami Cycle Manufacturing Company purchased Merkel, andproduction was moved to Middletown Ohio. The MiamiCompany, organized in 1895, was building bicycles and Motorcycles using namesbest known as Raycycle, and Miami. The Merkelacquisition gave Miami the high-endproduct that it needed to be regarded as a premiere manufacturer. The factoryracing team by then expanded to include such names as LS Taylor, FE French, CFPinneau, and W Wikel. In 1914 The flying Merkelwon the National endurance run from Chicago to St Louis. Maldwyn Jonesthen broke a world\'s record on the Vanderbilt Course. When he returned to Middletown he was given ahero\'s welcome.
Engineering innovation, high quality, and racing successes were notenough to sustain this progressive endeavor. The onset of war and, acontracting market, and increased competition caused production of The FlyingMerkel to falter. The final Merkel machines were produced in 1917.
This non period photo reflects a veryinteresting and historic piece of motorcycling and Flying Merkel history.Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8\" x 11\" (ca.20 x 29 cm).
Check out our sales or contact us for more motorcycle (racing)photos!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos youbuy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear onphoto, for purposes only)
No copyrightexpressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out ourarchives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent wellprotected in PVC clear filesand board backedenvelopes.
We havephotographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from theoriginal photographer or press studio! They are all of professional andexcellent quality.
After many decadesof professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out ourarchives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. Theywill look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with aborder. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace,restaurant, bar or club!
First come -first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask anyquestions before the sale ends.
