The flying Merkel
02/02/2019
No, this story has nothing to do with Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is currently still in office, at least we would not know of any connection between Joseph F. Merkel and Angela Merkel. And the Chancellor is currently still in office, so she hasn't flown yet either.
The resourceful engineer is said to have been bursting with ideas during the transition from the 19th to the 20th century, building a tricycle in the style of DeDion-Bouton from 1897. In 1900, he turned his attention to motorcycle construction and repeatedly worked with new business partners, because not all of his developments worked out quite as he had hoped.
In 1915 and 1916, Miami Cycle produced the "Flying Merkel Model 675", which boasted a number of innovations, such as ball bearings instead of bushings, telescopic all-wheel suspension, load-dependent oil supply and so on.
This magnificent machine is currently on display at the Bremen Classic Motorshow as part of an impressive special motorcycle show. It is well worth a visit and can be seen until Sunday evening. We will, of course, be reporting on the show in detail.
