The Famous Flying Merkel
The Famous Flying Merkel
THE ENGINE is a 61 cubic inch F-head design with mechanical intakes and valves of unusually large diameter. Despite the large valves, breathing was restricted by the design of the intake cages. Possibly the most interesting feature of Merkel twin engines was the liberal use of ball-bearings throughout, with the main, big-end, and entire timing side gear train running on precision ball bearings. Lubrication was handled by a drip feed through an ingenious metering valve which was throttle controlled. A closeup of this adjustable valve appears on a following page. An auxiliary hand pump is mounted on the oil tank which forms a part of the down tube and is built into the frame. The restored machine shown is a 1915 two-speeder. Frame construction was quite involved and obviously very costly to build. It is of lug-andtube, full engine loop design with all fittings very neatly brazed into the structure. The oil tank is built into the seat mast tube. The pivoted rear frame section hinges on a large brass bush with 5" diameter side-thrust washers. Another ingenious feature appears here, where a grease pressure gun is built into this pivot point, to provide for ample lubrication. Ride control is by a single large spring housed in a tube un-
EMMETT MOORE
der the saddle, a layout very similar to that used by the Vincent motorcycle in much later years. The front fork is the famous Merkel telescopic type in which the entire fork, fender, and wheel assembly is spring mounted. Despite limited motion, the fork was very light and strong, and was much in demand by dirt track racers for all types of machines even after Merkel passed out of existence. The Merkel fuel tank was exceptionally good-looking for the era and quite strong, being of steel. Standard color was bright orange with much nickel plate. Dark blue was offered as
an option. In 1915, like many another motorcycle manufacturer, Merkel was forced out of business by the cheap motorcar, chiefly the Model T Ford. Today the famous Flying Merkel is forgotten by all but a few old timers and collectors who are preserving the few remaining examples of the once famous marque. •
The Wonderful Self-Starter
KVER in the history of motorcycling has any one invention aroused more wide-spread favorable comment, or done more to ¡«.pulari/e the spon than the application of a Self-Starter to a motorcycle. The Flying Merket ithe only motorcycle that has a Self-Starter and the convenience of this wonderful apparatus can instantly he recognized. Before the introduction of the Miami Ever-Ready Self-Starter it was necessary, in
ii det in-t.u i the motor, to raise the machine on the stand, mount the saddle. • nid pi tlal the motor several times until it started, dismou rtt from the saddle, lift, the machine off the stand, remount, let in the clutch and proceed. The SelfS tí: í ítlé-; \ i: he -
rider in the saddle. For side car or delivery van service the Self-Starting. Flying Merkel is the only satisfactory motorcycle. 1'tilling a ma: chine «pon the «tand with a side car or , , delivery van attached exerts a tremenp j|jl dous strain on hoi h Merkt 1 \ el low J.ti k^ el motorcycle ran Inattached to askie Cái' - or ut-Hvrrv \.-;n and never lifted on the "*•' -'.ind. Il can always be started just like the higher priced
still -Minnautomobile. The Miami K\er-Readv Self-Starter is entirely automatic. Depressing a small lever with the foot, automatrcallj -pii»the motor until it starts, and when the motor is running, it automatically rewind.» the powerliil -prim.which are attached to the engine shaft. W hen tightly wound, an automatic release comes into operation, which k. epi' spring wound until it i.s desired to start the motor again. The Miami Kv or-Read y Starter does not have to be kicked, stopjx-d on, or otherwise monkeyed with to make the motor start. It is entirely automatic, and is much more efficient í han an electric st an er such as is found on automobileathere are no dynamos or storage batteries to get out of order. It ivery compact, and the internal mechanism is encased in a dust proof drawn steel case covered with a bra»» shell nickle plated. It is fully guaranteed, but should accident disarrange it in any way temporarily, thi-; will not render the motorcycle inoperative a> it ts always possible ¡o ííi;^:
