Me want Merkel! (Motorcycle thread — not European politics)

Since from back in my motorcycle days, I’ve wanted a Flying Merkel. One of the best motorcycles from before WWI. Very rare and sought after. Well, it never happened, back when I could have found one for maybe $35k.

Last night, I entertained myself by watching day four of the recent Mecum Las Vegas motorcycle auction. Some amazing stuff, truly, almost entirely sold no reserve. A Crocker went for over $600k. Lots of beautiful early 4 cylinder bikes that went for over $100k.


But there was also this:


Which is what it sold for. Damn.

Me want. But truth: No chance.

The title is a bit confusing. 'Merkel'? And a 'flying Merkel'? What's that?

'Merkel' has a completely different meaning to me...

But, as you can see, 👍 even from her.

Fair enough. Fixed. 😉

Both have lovely orange plumage.

Some nice bikes indeed. That Honda NR and RC30 were pretty nice !
However what the hell are the the auctioneers saying ? I can't get a word except the prices...

Merkel forks were very desirable at one time... so many of the few that turn up are found without their front end. Always loved that colour!

As for the Honda in the first picture, I had a buddy who damaged his spine doing something stupid on his bike, he drove a 750A of that colour with a Velorex sidecar just like that and windshield just like that afterward... I wonder.

Another day, another Merkel, Flying, that is. And another couple of stand outs from day 5



These were all hammer prices.

I used to have a reprint of a Flying Merkel poster . It showed a guy riding one across a desert in some sort of endurance race.

Can't find the exact image but similar to this shield only more detailed and in a sepia tone. I like the old west gunbelt.


One thing I love about this board is that so many members share the same interests that I do besides watches.

Despite boyhood (armchair) enthusiasm, the reality of powered two-wheelers for me was harsh and off-putting as a result. It began with an LD150 Lambretta, bought for £25, oiled its plug regularly, was incompatible with my height - 6' 3" - meaning that on corners she and me were often parting company, and probably its best feature was the fur tail (courtesy of Grannie) I affixed to the seat. Next, an Itom Astor Sport - wonderful Italian-ness, but, once again nearly as much bum/leg, as tyre, contact with the tarmac. Finally, much later, when I was working for BMW, I was persuaded to try riding those fabulous flat twins; this time I didn't fall off so much, but my skinny legs did have trouble holding the somewhat portly things upright while waiting at lights! But, Airansun, even at the age I am now, I could be tempted because of the allure of those pics you've posted, primarily because they feature such GREAT-looking engines. Thanks, a really enjoyable thread and opening post. Regards. David.