The Megola

The Megola was a German motorcycle produced between 1921 and 1925 in Munich. The Megola had a Monosoupape rotary engine mounted on the front wheel. The five cylinder engine had side-mounted valves and displaced 640 cc (39 cu in). Power output was 14 bhp (10 kW) and was delivered directly to the front wheel. The crankshaft was the front axle, which remained stationary while the cylinders rotated with the wheel. The “frame” consisted of a box-like steel fabrication, welded and riveted together. Starting the Megola required a person to either spin the front wheel while the bike was on its stand, or to push-start it.

The top speed was 85 km/h (52 mph) resulting in a win at the German Championship in 1924, later models were said to be capable of 140 km/h (88 mph). A total of 2000 Megolas were built and only 10 ride able examples remain.

In Paris on February 5, 2011. One of these rare motorcycles will be sold. The estimated sell price €145,000-200,000 ( 200,000-300,000 U.S.D).

Via www.mbike.com