Description
Flying Merkel 1913 “Model Seventy-One” 7 HP 998 cc IOE V-twin engine # 9055
The Merkel brand first appeared in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1902, when Joseph Merkel set up shop producing single cylinder motorcycles.
By 1905 he had decided to engage in competition and produced several racing machines.
Merkel’s motorcycles were to set many performance standards in the emerging American racing scene.
These machines and their riders enabled him to develop a patented spring front fork that was to become the forerunner of the modern telescopic front fork.
This fork became the instrument of choice on racing machines of other builders. Also, the mono shock rear suspension was developed, a system still used today on modern motorcycles.
Merkel’s slogan became: “All roads are smooth to The Flying Merkel”.
He also used ball bearings as opposed to bronze bushings in the engine.
In contrast to primitive atmospheric pressure intake valves, Merkel designed a cam-actuated mechanism and also pioneered a throttle-controlled engine oiler that long preceded Harley’s and Indian’s.
The company was purchased by the Light Manufacturing Company in 1909 and moved to Pottstown Pennsylvania, producing machines with the “Merkel Light” and subsequently “The Flying Merkel” names. Test rider Maldwyn Jones, an inventive mechanic and talented racer, defeated the reigning champion Erwin G. (Cannonball) Baker in a ten mile race. The following season Jones turned professional and won three out of four races on a machine bearing “The Flying Merkel” logo on the tank.
In 1911 the Miami Cycle Manufacturing Company purchased Merkel, and production was completely moved to Middletown Ohio.
The Merkel acquisition gave Miami the high-end product that it needed to be regarded as a premier manufacturer. In 1914 The Flying Merkel won the National endurance run from Chicago to St Louis. However, engineering innovation, high quality and racing successes were not enough to sustain this progressive endeavour.
The onset of war, a contracting market and increased competition caused production of The Flying Merkel to falter.
The final Merkel machines were produced in 1917. In the few years of its existence, The Flying Merkel became a true motorcycle legend.
Although surviving Merkels are seldom seen these days, they are widely recognized as icons of the motorized world.
For more detailed Merkel information visit the website www.theflyingmerkel.com .
For model year 1913 three 498cc singles were catalogued, one with chain drive, one with belt drive and one with chain drive and a self-starter.
In the 998cc v-twin class the top model was the Model “Seventy-Five” with self-starter and two-speed rear hub.
Complementing the range were the “Seventy” and “Seventy-One” single speeders, the former with belt drive and the latter with chain drive.
There were two brakes on the rear wheel, a coaster brake on the right and a contracting band system on the left.
All machines had Bosch magneto ignition and Schebler carburettor.
The “Seventy-one” we can offer here is still in good condition and in largely original paint.
In the preservation process the engine has been taken apart and proved to be in good mechanical condition.
This rare Merkel has a “John More & Co ” American acetylene headlamp and is running well.