NEW AT THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM

As you can see by close study of this rare, unrestored original paint example, Joseph Merkel was among the most innovative of early motorcycle designers. Merkel experimented with self-starting and rear suspension almost 50 years before some American makers adopted it.

In 1902 Joseph Merkel set up shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to produce motorcycles. Merkel hired the best competition riders. Mechanical developments from racing led him to design a fork so good it was used by other brands as well. Most remarkable for the time…