The Miami Power Bicycle was built by the Merkel company in Middletown, Ohio between 1915 and 1916. As the Merkel name was associated with big V-twins, the company decided to call their smaller model a different name. The Miami had a 236cc side-valve single cylinder engine, putting out 2.5hp and having a top speed of 56kph (35mph). The price was $115. The Miami shared the loop-style frame of the Merkel.
I have a near mint 1921 Indian long spring saddle that is very similar. I think Persons or Troxel deluxe saddles were used on many of these cross over moto bikes.
Well you don't see many close to a 100 year old bikes pulling wheelies! The combo of old, small, and belt drive adds up to slow starting, but it goes fairly well after a 100 yards or so.
They call it "light pedal assist". The hill in the video is steeper than it looks and I couldn't get a run at it. It takes a bit for a belt drive to "lock in" to the motor speed and pull a hill. Good question.
@welcome2my2ndlife One was for sale last year f(not running) or $30K at a national antique meet and then dropped to $25K at another. He sold it but I don't know for how much. There are not many complete machines around, I started a data base a few years ago and have found 5 complete machines and some spare motors. You will not see one at Wheels Through Time or Baqrber museums.
Louis, I love this bike and video; thank you for posting. Could you please post a new one using a modern cell phone.
The Miami Power Bicycle was built by the Merkel company in Middletown, Ohio between 1915 and 1916. As the Merkel name was associated with big V-twins, the company decided to call their smaller model a different name. The Miami had a 236cc side-valve single cylinder engine, putting out 2.5hp and having a top speed of 56kph (35mph). The price was $115. The Miami shared the loop-style frame of the Merkel.
I like that, in the prcess of making an old bike, and like yours as something to use as a style,
Louie, that is just too cool.
👍👍👍fron Argentina South America
i always wanted to try and drive one like you said rare wonderful bike and keep care of it
I have a near mint 1921 Indian long spring saddle that is very similar. I think Persons or Troxel deluxe saddles were used on many of these cross over moto bikes.
thats a beautiful bike. you dont see many in that good condition
That was neat! The totally non legal-uturn at the stop sign was cool too. Enjoyed the vid. Dave from Canada
Great machine Louie.
Well done mate, and fantastic to see it ridden.
Ken in Australia (from the AMCA)
WOW BEAUTIFUL BIKE SIR
@LouieMCman
thank you! very nice bike!
nice bike,runs good
If I lived in the 1910's I would be poverty stricken as any money I got would be thrown at buying bikes.
👍👍👍👍👍
What a spiffing bike! A real pleasure to watch this vid so thanks for posting it. How does one brake on this machine?
I think the only brake it has is in the powered wheel by pedaling in reverse
it looks closer to 80-90 cc
but i love it being a flat head they are art to watch run
Well you don't see many close to a 100 year old bikes pulling wheelies! The combo of old, small, and belt drive adds up to slow starting, but it goes fairly well after a 100 yards or so.
There you have it!
@Erik0088
Coming back is UP hill and with no room to build up speed one must apply what is called "light pedal assist" to keep moving.
Beautiful! I'd give my right pinky for that (if I had one)
I have a model 15 motor missing the Magneto but virtually a complete specimen
Your Motor Knocks !!
They call it "light pedal assist". The hill in the video is steeper than it looks and I couldn't get a run at it. It takes a bit for a belt drive to "lock in" to the motor speed and pull a hill. Good question.
@uraldneprvw
It has a coaster brake like a bicycle, sooooo it doesn't stop very well!
@welcome2my2ndlife
One was for sale last year f(not running) or $30K at a national antique meet and then dropped to $25K at another. He sold it but I don't know for how much. There are not many complete machines around, I started a data base a few years ago and have found 5 complete machines and some spare motors. You will not see one at Wheels Through Time or Baqrber museums.
@Rocktecho Yes pissing on vintage evinrudes and england in general
@sniperkit8 Thanks...I think, not sure if your "Knocks" is good or bad???
damn thats cool
No flywheel on them engine, or is it internal?
Internal
how many ccs?
there's no knock in that motor. you're hearing a combination of open exhaust and those lifters being outside the motor.
Cool. I've made a couple home builts, check them out on the motor bicycle forum under "LouieMCman"
@gus23a
15 Cu Inches..about 250cc
Not even wheels thru time??
Do you need a license to operate one of these bikes
yes if ridden on the road, it's about 250cc motor...
@ylesfitz8839
Nope!
sounds good lets ride. i made minw check it out
@LouieMCman Ah okay.. thats not very nice I live in england!
Oil those tappets!! They look ans sound dry as a bone.