Pioneering & Spirited 1915 Flying Merkel Twin and 1923 Indian Scout Hillclimber From America’s First Motorcycle Company Lead Mecum Auctions’ Kissimmee Summer Special 2023 Sale

A 1915 Flying Merkel twin is leading the Kissimmee Summer Special 2023 Auction, presented by Mecum Auctions. The available motorcycle has a V-twin engine, an orange tank with a white script, matching frame, fenders, oil tank, and front suspension. It has the famed Merkel rear mono-shock suspension, tank shift manual gearbox, and Logo foot boards. This iconic 1915 V-Twin motorcycle is an original. It is known for its groundbreaking design, pioneering spirit, and classic detailing. The Flying Merkel was one of the leading racing and road machines of the 1910s, earning numerous victories in many contests of the day. Merkel also came up with dozens of innovative designs, many of which were copied by other motorcycle makers. Joseph Merkel is considered one of the finest engineers in U.S. motorcycling history.

A 1923 Indian Scout Hillclimber with a 45 CI V-twin engine is another leading lot. It has a red tank with gold lettering and a matching red front suspension, frame, and rear fender. Other notable features include a Linkert carburetor and an in-out gearbox with a foot-operated clutch. The story of this legendary motorcycle began in 1897 when industry pioneer George M. Hendee founded the Hendee Manufacturing Company along with co-founder and chief engineer Oscar Herdstrom. Hendee opened the company’s first factory in downtown Springfield in 1901. It was America’s first motorcycle company that shattered industry records in performance, drawing on the legacies of Indian Motorcycle’s early leaders and pioneers like Erwin “Cannon Ball” Baker. View the complete catalog of the Kissimmee Summer Special 2023 Auction and register to bid by visiting Mecum Auctions.