| The Merkel Motor Wheel was designed by Joe Merkel, maker of Merkel Motorcycles, bicycles and The Merkel Automobile. The First Merkel Motor Wheel was introduced on December 4, 1916 at the Cycle Trades Association Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The 1917 Merkel was sold as a kit and costed 80 dollars. In late 1918 the company declared Bankruptcy and on December 12, 1918 the assets were sold off. There were enough parts to make at least 300 machines. The Hendee Mfg purchaced the entire operation for $1700. Hendee modified the parts they had bought and began re-selling the Merkel around 1920. The Hendee model had a free engine clutch so the rider could stop the bike and keep the engine running. When this was added the linkage was in the way of the shock absorbing feature so it was eliminated. There were around 2000 Merkels made and 7 or so are known to still exist. |
