The tracked motorcycle Mercier (Moto Chenille - in French) was developed by the Swiss inventor Adrien Mercier, who worked in Bois-Colombe, France.
In 1936, the French military conducted the first tests on hilly terrain, finding the development quite interesting and useful. However, production volumes hardly reached the expected figures. So, a small batch of tracked motorcycles was released in several variations. They were completed with a 350-cc engine Jap OHV, which were highly technological for its time.
Mercier tracked motorcycles started with a kick starter. They were equipped with a 3-speed Soyer manual gearbox. The entire design of the motorcycle is concentrated in the area of the engine and track drive, while the rear part is long enough and consists only of the frame, seat, footrests, fuel tank and rear wheel 270 x 90.
Source | M.newmotor.com.cn
Source | M.newmotor.com.cn
Source | i60.fastpic.ru
Source | M.newmotor.com.cn
Source | M.newmotor.com.cn
Photo | Source
Source | Motos-Of-War | Yesterdays.nl | Thekneeslider
Moto Chenille engine 350cc ohv JAP
- One could say, what a pity to spoil a beautiful Jap 350cc OHV Sports engine for a track driven motorcycle.
- On the other hand, it might be considered as a compliment for the quality and power of the Jap product.
- This “Moto Chenille” (“caterpillar motorcycle”) as the French call it, has been designed in Bois-Colombes, by Swiss inventor Adrien Mercier.
- Between 1932 and 1942 he developed and build a handful prototypes.
- Tested by the French army on slopes between 42% and 45% in 1937, it was deemed highly interesting but that was about is, no orders were placed.
- The 350 Jap OHV Sports engine was quite powerful for a motorcycle of the time. [Source]
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