1911 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer

This classic Flying Merkel motorcycle is part of a new display of board track racers at the National Motorcycle Museum. The following is excerpted from a history by Joe Michaud: 

"Originally centered in Milwaukee, ... (Merkel's) machines featured integral exhaust systems that used frame tubes as silencers, and easier-to-use incorporation of throttle opening and spark advance, and an innovative oil system. The Merkel company soon merged with a small manufacturing firm in Pollstown, Penn., where the machines continued to incorporate other ingenious designs, most of which were quickly adapted by the telescoping front fork that are clear predecessors of modern frame design. Merkel was offered another merger and he joined a bicycle-manufacturing firm in Middletown, Ohio where manufacturing began in earnest with the introduction of the first big-bore V-twin, which used a 61-cubic-inch motor. He now called his machines “Flying Merkel.”

"Merkel insisted on superior build-quality and he personally scrutinized the building of most Flying Merkel models. ... The 1911 sales brochure for Flying Merkel advertises that a “Flying Merkel achieved a distance of one measure mile in 41.4 seconds.” That’s a tick under 87mph." 

"The Flying Merkel owed much of its popular success (and its high price) to its high-tech motor. The big V-twin used ball bearings on connecting-rod big ends and on main bearings, rather than the bronze bushes that were common on most machines of the era."

"The operation of machines from this era required a different set of rules. The drill is as follows: set the bike on its rear wheel stand and fill the crankcase with the required amount of oil using the provided glass syringe. Start the ignition and engage the clutch. Set the throttle and choke/prime the carburetor. Raise both exhaust valves with the bar end de-compressor latch. Pedal until the motor chuffs to life, then drop the exhaust valve latch allowing full compression. Throw out the clutch to release the rear wheel and belt. Adjust the ignition advance and throttle the position as needed while the motor warms. Adjust the automatic oiler for appropriate setting and check for correct exhaust color denoting proper oiling. Clip up rear stand. Mount the machine and begin to pedal away while feeding in some clutch. The clutch detents allow the clutch friction to be modulated while both hands are busy adjusting the left grip for magneto advance and the right grip for throttle position. Continue to adjust throttle and timing while gradually clicking the clutch through the detents until full lock-up is achieved."

1938 Crocker

An Indian dealer in late 1920s Los Angeles, Albert G. Crocker ventured into building his own machines with the aid of Paul Bigsby, a talented engineer/designer. They produced some successful single-cyclinder speedway bikes (in the debut on November 11, 1933 at the Emeryville Calif., speedway, rider Cordy Milne took nine "firsts" and one "second" out of 12 starts), and then launched their unique and hand-built vision of a sporting V-twin in 1936. Using aluminum components and a stout engine design, the bikes epitomized power-toweight performance, Crocker fans extolling the bike's virtues as far exceeding those of their American motorcycle manufacturing contemporaries, Indian and Harley-Davidson. The first twin, a 61ci (1000cc) hemi-yheaded version, produced 40 horsepower in a machine that tipped the scales at 480 pounds. Features included each cylinder's two pushrods sharing a common tube, and the transmission housing as an integral part of the frame. Claimed top speed was 110mph. The 1930s price tag was $500 to $600 depending on options, a hefty sum in those days.

The last batch of Crocker, using an improved no-hemi head design, was produced in 1940 as World War II sucked up precious materials. Compounding the problem was simple economics: Crocker was losing money from "Seconds" parts before the company ceased to exist. Perhaps 60 crocker V-twins were built; the number is in dispute.

This particular Crocker motorcycle was orginally on display in the Harrah's Casino in Reno, Nev. It was sold in the early Eighties to Bill Lester of Lester Wheels fame and later restored by Florida resident Otis Chandler, who then purchased it for his Vintage Museum. During Mr. Chandler's ownership, this 1938 Crocker was used in the Guggenheim Museum's "Art of the Motorcycle" display in Las Vegas.

1906 Curtiss V-twin

Speed: 5 to 50mph (with Road Gear)
Record: 1 mile in 53.25 seconds
Horsepower: 5
Engine: All roller bearing
Fuel Capacity: 150-200 miles per tank
Transmission: Perfected V-belt; guaranteed not to slip break or wear for 10,000 miles
Motor Gear: 4 to 1 regular; 20-inch rear, 5-inch front. Optional 4-inch, 5-3/4-inch or 7-inch front pulley
Brakes: Coaster brake in rear
Highest Award: 1905- New York to Wlathan, Mass. 250-mile endurance contest.
Cost New: $275

This bike was restored by Steve Huntzinger

1950 Indian Warrior with Skis

Country: USA
Engine: Air-cooled, twin-cylinder 4-stroke
Ignition: Edison Splitdorf magneto
Power Rating: 25hp
Bore x Stroke: 2.54 x 3 inches
Displacement: 30.4cu (499cc)
Valves: Overhead, puchrod activated
Fuel System: Single Del-Orto 22mm carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed
Suspension: Front telescopic fork, rear plunger
Brakes: Front and rear drum
Weight: 315lb.
Top Speed: 90mph

In an attempt to boost slow sales, Indian designed this ski bolt-on conversion that would allow the rider to operate an Indian motorcycle in the winter season. The "optional" rear tractor tire was a necessity if you wanted forward motion. It is not known how many of these kits were sold or how successful they were.

From an Indian advertisement: "Entirely new, thrilling, snow-time sport for cycle riders. Simply fit a pair of skis to your motorcycle  - then sail over hill and dale, on roadway or cross-country, wherever good skiing snow exists. Skis support the machine, operate independently according to foot pressure and allow you to lean and turn with perfect control.

"Amazing performance and real fun all winter long. Practical, too, allows you year-round use of a motorcycle for transportation purposes.

"The skis are made of best-quality ash, protected on the bottom and side with full steel runner. Fitted to the frame with spring-loaded, tubular swinging arm suspension that lifts the ski for riding on clear roads. Specially designed for Indian Arrow and Scout models.

"Try 'Ski-Cycling.' It's Great Fun. Only $59.95 per unit at your Indian motorcycle dealer.

"NOTE: The special Indian 'Super-Grip' snow tire, Part 1878005, is recommended for use with skis to obtain best traction and drive and better performance. List price $16.80 plus tax." 

1916 Thor

Using the Thor name brand, the Aurora Automatic Machine Company built engines (to the design of Oscar Hedstrom) for the first Indian machines, Reading-Standard, Racycle, Emblem and others. 1901 marks the year that things really started rolling for the Aurora Machine and Tool Company when they were sent a prototype Indian motorcycle for parts study. This ultimately led to the deal that Aurora would make motors and then sell them to Indian. By 1902 137 Indian motorcycles had been produced, all of which were built with Aurora motors in them. With an engine ready at hand, Aurora decided to go the next step and build its own motorcycle, the Thor. By 1903 Aurora created the Thor Motorcycle and Bicycle Company.

It was never stated in the agreement contract that Aurora was bound just to Indian; in fact, it was clearly stated that Aurora could sell to any company it wished as long as a royalty would be returned. With the creation of the Thor, though, the deal between Indian and Aurora ended. The first bikes were created through Aurora "composed of Thor parts" and it has been found that this wasn't just the case with Thor motorcycles. Many other companies had bought from Aurora and they were making almost identical machines with the Thor parts.

In 1903 the first Thor motorcycles were offered to the public. Within just a few years it was considered one of the top American Marques alongside Indian, Harley Davidson, Excelsior, Merkel and Reading-Standard.

The workmanship of the Thor left nothing to be desired, with chain drive to the rear wheel as well as an optional 2-speed rear wheel hub. But, by the dawn of the 1920s Thor, like many of the hundreds of American motorcycle manufacturers, ceased production in the post-WWI years.

1920 Militor

Country:  USA
Engine: Air-cooled 4-cylinder in-line 4-stroke
Ignition: Magneto
Power Rating: 11hp
Displacement: 1306cc (80ci)
Valves: Inlet over exhaust (F-head)
Fuel System: Single up-draught carburetor
Transmission: Three speed and reverse. Hand shift, shaft drive
Suspension: Front telescopic fork, rear quarter elliptic leaf spring
Brakes: Rear drum only
Weight: 800 lbs.
Top Speed: 35mph

The Militaire, later known as the Militor, was designed for the US Army. A small number of these machines were taken to France in 1918, but with a combined weight of 800lbs they sank badly in the battlefield mud.The wheels are wagon-style and made of wood.

The curious steel loop passing through the front axel is not hub steering, but a form of stabilizer. With many mechanical difficulties, the Militor motorcycle factory closed in 1922.

1915 Iver Johnson

Country: U.S.A.
Engine: Air-cooled V-twin 4-stroke
Ignition: Bosch magneto
Power Rating: 8hp
Bore x Stroke: 45mm x 78mm x2
Displacement: 64ci
Valves: Side
Fuel System: Single carburetor
Transmission: Single speed, epicyclical cluth on crank
Suspension: Front leading link with leaf spring, rigid rear
Brakes: Rear external band
Lighting: Acetylene gas
Top Speed:  45mph

Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works were located in Fitchburg, Mass. and better known for their firearms than as pioneer motorcycle manufacturers. Production ran from 1907 to 1916, with this V-twin being the final design.

These machines were labeled "Mechanical perfection," where in fact they had many mechanical features, such as the cam operation and clutch, that were unnecessarily complicated.

1938 Crocker

Country: U.S.A
Engine: Air-cooled 45-degree V-twin, four-stroke
Ignition: Autolite distributor and coil
Power Rating: 60 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 82.5 x 86mm (3-5/16 x 3-1/2 inches)
Displacement: 60.3 cubic inches (986 cc) 
Valves: Overhead, pushrod activated
Fuel System: Single Linkert 1-1/4-inch bore carburetor
Transmission: Close ratio three speed
Suspension: Front dual spring girder forks, rigid rear
Brakes: Front and rear drum
Weight: 495 lbs.
Top Speed: Approx. 110mph

Albert Crocker worked initially for the Aurora Automatica Machine Company, maker of Thor motorcycles. He then embarked on a career with the Indian Company, finally locating in Los Angeles, Calif. as the distributor for this company. Crocker relinquished his association with Indian to build speedway machines. He then embarked on designing and building a "Superbike," using his experience with the Indian brand.

Hand-built to order, the Crocker was described as the Duesenberg of American motorcycles. Able to cruise between 90-100mph, the Crocker was phenomenol. Approximately 75 machines were built between 1936 and 1940 with about one half accounted for today.

Editor’s note: Welcome to National Treasures, where we’ll be featuring many of the amazing vintage motorcycles on display at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa. Of course, nothing beats viewing the museum’s amazing vintage motorcycle collection with your own eyes, so be sure to visit the National Motorcycle Museum website  and plan your trip today. 

1911 Detroit motorcycle 
Claimed power: 4hp
Engine: 30.5 cubic inches (500cc)
Suspension: Leading link front fork, rigid rear
MPG: 2gal gas tank; 80-100mpg quoted

 
This 1911 Detroit motorcycle is one of just a few remaining examples from
a short-lived manufacturer.   

The 1911 Detroit motorcycle was designed by a Mr. Breed of Bay City, Mich., (his first name isn’t known) for the Detroit Motorcycle Manufacturing Co. As reported in the Dec. 17, 1910 issue of The Bicycling World and Motorcycle Review, the company was bought by James J. Brady, who had made a fortune with both the Chalmers and Hudson Motor Companies. He offered plans to manufacture Breed’s design starting in January 1911, and hoped to produce 250 machines per month during that year.

The Detroit was a clever, 4hp, 500cc, belt-driven motorcycle with oversized frame tubes that hid fuel, oil, tools and batteries (if coil ignition was used instead of a magneto). The handlebar shape, the unique fork and narrow frame might remind one of a flying horse.

A sales slogan for the Detroit claimed the motorcycle was “simply remarkable and remarkably simple,” but it was expensive for its day. Despite its innovation and handsome styling, it never took off. It is not known how many machines were actually made past the three test bikes reportedly running in late 1910. Here's a short video of the Detroit: