Megola Motorcycles — Germany (1921 – 1925)
The Megola motorcycle, produced in Munich between 1921 and 1925, stands as one of the most extraordinary and unconventional motorcycles ever manufactured. Conceived by Fritz Cockerell, this unique machine was powered by a 640 cc air-cooled, five-cylinder radial engine—mounted directly inside the front wheel. Each of the side-valves was built into the wheel hub, creating a compact and strikingly unusual design.
Unlike conventional motorcycles, the Megola had no clutch or gearbox. Power delivery was constant and smooth, relying on the engine’s exceptional low-end torque. To start it, the rider either pushed the motorcycle forward or kicked the wheel’s spokes with the heel while it was on the stand—a remarkable process in itself.
Ingenious Engineering
Fuel was stored in a conventional-looking tank atop the frame, but before reaching the engine, it had to be pumped manually into a smaller pressurized tank located beside the leaf-sprung front fork. The carburetor sat outside the front axle on one side, balanced by the magneto on the other.
Some models even featured rear suspension using half-elliptic springs—an advanced idea for the early 1920s. The clever spoke design allowed the cylinders to be removed without dismantling the wheel, while a specially designed split inner tube could be changed without removing the tire—a true testament to Cockerell’s engineering brilliance.
Performance and Racing Heritage
Megola motorcycles were not merely engineering novelties—they were genuine performers. Touring models reached speeds of 68–70 mph (110–113 km/h). Racing versions, with larger wheels and higher compression, achieved an impressive 85 mph (137 km/h).
Their low center of gravity gave them superb handling, and the Megola works team, featuring Toni Bauhofer, Sepp Stelzer, and Albin Tommasi, won numerous races and reliability trials across Germany and Europe.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The company’s name, MEGOLA, came from the first two letters of its founders’ surnames: MEixner, GOckerell (an alternate spelling Cockerell used at the time), and LAndgraf.
After the Megola venture, Fritz Cockerell continued his engineering journey, later producing the Cockerell lightweight motorcycles.
Legacy and Collectibility
Though only about 2,000 Megolas were ever built, their impact on motorcycle design was immense. The distinctive front-wheel engine and innovative features made them a mechanical marvel of their era. Today, surviving examples are highly prized collector’s machines, treasured for their rarity, aesthetic intrigue, and daring departure from convention.
The Megola remains a shining symbol of German ingenuity—a motorcycle decades ahead of its time, blending art, aviation, and engineering into one unforgettable two-wheeled masterpiece.
📖 Specifications (Approx.)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 640 cc, 5-cylinder air-cooled radial (in front wheel) |
| Bore × Stroke | 52 mm × 60 mm |
| Transmission | Direct drive (no clutch or gearbox) |
| Top Speed | 68–85 mph (110–137 km/h) |
| Production Years | 1921 – 1925 |
| Country | Germany |
| Production Quantity | ~2,000 units |
References
- The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Motorcycles
- Megola — Wikipedia
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