When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
A superb and rare photo of the 1906 Flying Merkel “ModelU” single cylinder racing motorcycle.
The Merkel Motor Companywas founded by Joseph Merkel in Milwaukee(Wisconsin)in 1902. He started out by producing single cylinder motorcycles. Merkel wasamong the most innovative of the pioneer motorcycle companies. By 1905 Merkelhad decided to engage in competition, and produced several racing machines.Merkel\'s motorcycles were to set many performance standards during the emergingAmerican racing scene. These machines and their riders enabled Merkel to developa patented 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 theLight Manufacturing Company, and was moved in its entirety to PottstownPennsylvania,producing machines with the \"Merkel Light\" andsubsequently \"The Flying Merkel\" names. Joseph Merkelbegan immediately experimenting with frame and suspension improvements, and newengine designs. A young test rider by the name of Maldwyn Jones rode one ofMerkel\'s creations. An inventive mechanic and racer, Jones set up the bike anddefeated the reigning champion Erwin G (Cannonball) Baker in a ten mile race.The following season, Jones turned professional and won three of four races ona machine bearing \"The Flying Merkel\" logo on the tank. Jones went onto become a national champion racer and helped Merkel achieve recognition amongperformance enthusiasts.
In 1911 the Miami Cycle ManufacturingCompany purchased Merkel, and production was moved to Middletown Ohio.The Miami Company, organized in 1895, was building bicycles and Motorcyclesusing names best known as Raycycle, and Miami.The Merkel acquisition gave Miamithe high-end product that it needed to be regarded as a premiere manufacturer.The factory racing team by then expanded to include such names as LS Taylor, FEFrench, CF Pinneau, and W Wikel.In 1914 The flying Merkel won the National endurance run from Chicagoto St Louis.Maldwyn Jones then broke a world\'s record on the Vanderbilt Course. When hereturned to Middletownhe was given a hero\'s welcome.
Engineering innovation, high quality, andracing successes were not enough to sustain this progressive endeavor. Theonset of war and, a contracting market, and increased competition causedproduction of The Flying Merkel to falter. The final Merkel machines wereproduced in 1917.
This non period photoreflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycling and Merkelhistory. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format ofca. 6\" x11.8\" (ca.15 x 30 cm).
Wehave more photos listed on , also motorcycle (racing) photos! Check themout and use the shipping discount! You can always contact us for any requests.
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.
