1913 Racycle Pictures
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Many thanks to Krista Ottino for this picture. It shows their grandfather posing on a motorcycle they believe was taken between 1910-1920 in Iowa, USA. I’m sure you will agree it is a great picture!
Is it a Gradua perhaps?
Is it a RUDGE??
Yes it is a nice photo. The bike is a Racycle, and despite its antiquated looks it dates from about 1913. At this time the Racycle was marketed alongside the more famous Flying Merkel.
THE RACYCLE MOTORCYCLE WAS PRODUCED BY THE MIAMI CYCLE & MFG CO OF MIDDLETOWN, OHIO. EARLY ONES HAD MOTORS BOUGHT FROM THOR. THE RACYCLE DESIGN WAS DROPPED WHEN MIAMI CYCLE BOUGHT THE MERKEL-LIGHT MOTOR CO OF POTTSTOWN, PA IN 1911. WITH THAT PURCHASE, THEY ACQUIRED THE DESIGN EXPERTISE OF JOE MERKEL, HIS MOTORCYCLE DESIGNS WERE FAR MORE ADVANCED THAN WHAT MIAMI CYCLE WAS PRODUCING UP TO THAT TIME. THE RACYCLE MOTORCYCLE NAME WAS DROPPED AROUND THAT TIME TO FOCUS ON PRODUCTION OF THE FAMOUS “FLYING MERKEL”. THEREFORE, THE M/C IN THE PICTURE COULDN’T BE ANY NEWER THAN 1911/1912. THE RACYCLE NAME WAS USED ON BICYCLES PRODUCED BY MIAMI CYCLE UP UNTIL THEIR DEMISE IN 1923. I HAVE ONE OF THE RACYCLE BICYCLES.
This picture is most likely taken in 1912. Judging by the color scheme and layout of the license plate on the front of the motorcycle. This is an Iowa plate from 1912.