1911 Marvel Motorcycle
The Marvel Motorcycle Company was founded in 1910 by Leonard and Elizabeth Waters and Glenn Curtiss. Curtiss, an engineer, is well known as the "Father of American Naval Aviation" but he was also a designer of motorcycle engines. In 1907, with a bike and V/8 motor of his own design, Curtiss set a motorcycle world speed record of 219 km/h (136.3 mph), which stood until 1930.
The Marvel was fitted with a Curtiss-designed engine which included a one-piece, offset cylinder and head, a sewer pipe fuel tank, and a variable-speed transmission. The Marvel Motorcycle Company only lasted for four years due to the heavy competition in the market and Curtiss' engine and aircraft business was becoming so successful he couldn't spare the time for the motorcycle business.
Engine: Curtiss Model G, single-cylinder, OHV, air-cooled
Displacement: 0.5 L (30.5 ci)
Bore & Stroke: 92.07 x 82.55 mm (3.625 x 3.25 in)
Horsepower: 2.98 - 3.7 kW (4-5 hp)
Transmission: Variable single-speed
Weight: 76 kg (160 lb)
Original Cost: US $242
1910 - Marvel Motorcycle Company is founded by Leonard and Elizabeth Waters and Glenn Curtiss in Hammondsport, New York
1910-1913 - Produced the Marvel motorcyle with an engine designed by Glenn Curtiss
1913 - Company is put up for sale in November 1913
1969 - Stan Reynolds purchases this bike from a collector in Washington State
1985 - This bike is donated to the Reynolds Museum
