• Manufacturer:  Merkle, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Engine:  Two-cylinder, VTwin

"The Merkel" brand first appeared in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1902 when Joseph Merkel set up shop producing single cylinder motorcycles. By 1905, Merkel had decided to engage in competition and produced several racing machines. Merkel's motorcycles set many performance standards during the emerging American racing scene. Merkel's slogan became:
"All roads are smooth to The Flying Merkel."