Merkel from 1909 Flying Merkel V-twin with a running frame from 1911
Merkel is an American historical brand of motorcycles, also known as Merkel-Light, Flying Merkel and Miami.
The company name was Merkel-Light Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, since 1911 Middletown, Ohio, since 1915 Miami Cycle & amp; Mfg. Co., Middeltown, Ohio.
This company was founded in 1901 under the name Light. Constructor Joe Merkel started work in 1909 and began to build motorcycles, initially with Thor engine blocks. He became the owner of the brand in the same year, after which the brand name Merkel-Light became. The engines were sold under the brand Flying Merkel. One-cylinder and V-twins were built up to 986 cc and 1914 already equipped with a suspension rear suspension and electric starter.
In 1911 Joe Merkel moved his business to Middletown, Ohio. In 1913 it was one of the largest American motorcycle manufacturers. The brand was renamed in 1915 to Miami Cycle & amp; Mfg. Co, although the factory was still in Middletown. The machines then also called Miami. There was also collaboration with The Light Mfg. Co. in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Miami was again taken over by Indian in 1922.
wiki
