M/C engine in the front wheel Year of manufacture: 1923

trademark: Megola

type: 640 cc racer
year of manufacture: 1923
country of origin: Germany
The twenties were very interesting times in the development of vehicles, and also of motorcycles. The most important was technical development rather than marketing. One of the most remarkable designs comes from Friz Cockerel, who designed a motorcycle between 1921 and 1925 which has the engine in the front wheel. This was the Megola, of which about 2000 were sold.
The 5 cylinder star-engine was mounted in the front wheel, and the wheel turned around six times slower than the crankshaft did. It has only one carburetteur. The Megola doesn’t have a clutch, so it has to be push started.
Specifications: Rotating 4 stroke, 5 cylinders in the front wheel, magneto ignition, 640 cc (52 x 60 mm), 14 HP at 5000 rpm, no gears, 2 drum brakes on the back wheel, tank 14.7 litres, maximum speed 143 km/h.