Not as fancy as some replicas but still a fun build.
Merkel tribute
- Thread starter Russell
- Start date
WOW! Nice build Russell, what motor is that? I like it......Curt
Russell , you always build cool bikes! We need some more pictures.
The engine is a 1930 model D, Gravely single wheel tractor engine (2.5 HP). It requires a separate oil tank. Cast iron cyl & head (heavy). Bosch magneto.
Not much I can do for a build thread as I do not take many photos and no vids. however here are a few photos I have. This was a 26" frame but cut it down to 24" due to my short stature.
Attachments
![gravely2[1].jpg](/data/attachments/90/90231-02b96ca40175b7a31270694fbe2c5b3e.jpg)
Somewhere I read that when Gravely made his first walk behind tractors he used a Harley Davidson engine. It was later he designed an manufactured his own engines. Probably based it on the HD engines. He was one of the few garden implement manufactures that also made their own engines.
I love that gravely engine!
I remember some talk on this forum a couple of years ago about making a gravely work on a bike, but I thought nobody ever pulled it off.
Congratulations!!
I love the vintage look and vertical cylinder.
I looked for a 4 hp model locally, but I guess gravely did not sell a lot in California?
Anyway, super awesome build, and now I know it can be done, so the hope is still alive.
I remember some talk on this forum a couple of years ago about making a gravely work on a bike, but I thought nobody ever pulled it off.
Congratulations!!
I love the vintage look and vertical cylinder.
I looked for a 4 hp model locally, but I guess gravely did not sell a lot in California?
Anyway, super awesome build, and now I know it can be done, so the hope is still alive.
I love that engine! Do you happen to have any more magnetos? I need one for my project.
I've a friend who prizes the old Gravely and has rebuilt garden tools of all types powered by them in his collection, but none are ever for sale...sadly.
Yours is the first Gravely I've seen on a bicycle frame, though one was mounted on a Simplex frame and that looked and sounded awesome. It also sold a couple of years back reportedly fetching more than $10,000. Though they are rated at low horsepower, the horses are Clydesdales not Shetlands...huge torque & pull a load at idle!
Video may still be up on youtube.
Rick C.
Yours is the first Gravely I've seen on a bicycle frame, though one was mounted on a Simplex frame and that looked and sounded awesome. It also sold a couple of years back reportedly fetching more than $10,000. Though they are rated at low horsepower, the horses are Clydesdales not Shetlands...huge torque & pull a load at idle!
Video may still be up on youtube.
Rick C.
That's a really beautiful bike!!! MUCH RESPECT!! 
That engine looks perfect in your frame!
There's only one thing I would do different... I would paint 'Russell' on the tank (instead of Merkel)...
to give yourself some much deserved credit.
That engine looks perfect in your frame!
There's only one thing I would do different... I would paint 'Russell' on the tank (instead of Merkel)...
to give yourself some much deserved credit.
The mags for this are scarce, I am looking for a back-up. The capacitors in this model are known for failure due to age.
I have noticed that because of the low RPM, to get 2-1/2 HP you need good torque. And you notice the great torque on hills.
Indian22 Thanks for the link
bummer. The bosch style magnetos are so useful. I wonder why they stopped producing them?
Well I know why they stopped making this one, We went to war against them! LOL It then became American Bosch
Here is a link to Ricks Rides. I purchased the tri car's motor from him that he'd modified for me. He had found a treasure trove of Gravely Model L's and he talked about how to modify them. I last heard from him years ago and his health had deteriorated to the point that he was not able to do much.
Steve.
http://motorbicycling.com/showthread.php?t=37995
Steve.
http://motorbicycling.com/showthread.php?t=37995