Merkel tribute

GoldenMotor.com

Velodrome

Well-Known Member
May 27, 2011
2,387
271
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Phoenix-ish
I love that its a "convertable" like my POPE. Looks fantastic! Need a build thread on this one because very little of what I see here looks off the shelf.
 
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Russell

Well-Known Member
Apr 19, 2009
1,276
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MA
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.
I love that its a "convertable" like my POPE. Looks fantastic! Need a build thread on this one because very little of what I see here looks off the shelf.
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.
 

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indian22

Well-Known Member
Dec 31, 2014
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Oklahoma
Gravely certainly not a light weight engine, but totally nails the vintage look. It's also been one of the most dependable utility motors ever made. Great choice for your Merkel!!

Rick C.
 
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dogcatcher

Well-Known Member
Nov 11, 2016
272
283
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Texas
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.
 

Gbrebes

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2010
656
260
63
Los angeles
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.
 
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indian22

Well-Known Member
Dec 31, 2014
4,734
7,740
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Oklahoma
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.
 
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Venice Motor Bikes

Custom Builder / Dealer/Los Angeles
Mar 20, 2008
7,337
1,981
113
Los Angeles, CA.
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. ;)
 

Russell

Well-Known Member
Apr 19, 2009
1,276
155
63
MA
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.
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.
 

RocketJ

Well-Known Member
Jun 20, 2018
181
360
63
28
bummer. The bosch style magnetos are so useful. I wonder why they stopped producing them?
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.
 
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