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the secret unseen watercooled prototypes of
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finally we discover the watercooled merlin motorcycles trials bike
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In fact , this prototype was created by Merlin engineer Manual Marques. In addition to general machine assembly Manuel developed the motorcycles as he had a suitable engineering background having worked in development with Bultaco. He is also related to the Bultaco family , being Ignacio Bulto's cousin.
The rear mudguard sits at a high level. Infact , when we approached Merlin and GasGas factory rider Joan Freixas and told him we had found this bike , he wracked his brains and remembered the really long rear brake arm - can you see it ?
Its highly likely that if produced this bike would have looked similar , being dressed in the same plastics as the red 1988 model. |
finally we discover the watercooled merlin motorcycles trials bike
A good cross section photo, showing footrest mounting points have been moved back significantly, the long long brake rod, revised swinging arm , exhaust ...in fact everything is non standard.
finally we discover the watercooled merlin motorcycles trials bike
The coil is mounted in a different location.
finally we discover the watercooled merlin motorcycles trials bike
The rear suspension is completely different to the earlier models.It is much simplified with a huge weight reduction. There is acres of space there compared to the 1988 standard model that this is based on.
finally we discover the watercooled merlin motorcycles trials bike
The motocross flywheel is traditionally small , giving a low level of momentum and crazy fast rev increase. Im not sure how this would have worked out for a trials bike (actually i am sure - it couldnt have been that good) . You can see there the low engine mounting makeshift bars.
finally we discover the watercooled merlin motorcycles trials bike