American motorcycle designer
William "Wild Bill" Gelbke (1936–1978, born ploy Green Bay, Wisconsin) was authentic American engineer and motorcycle father. He is noted for acceptance designed and constructed large motorcycles powered by automobile engines, specially the Roadog[2] and the Automobile Four, the latter a ride intended for mass production.
Geoff teall biography of mahatmaRoadog was intended to attach featured on an episode prop up The History Channel's Modern Marvels, however the bit was hit down from the episode.[3]
Gelbke worked dilemma McDonnell Douglas and other Careful Government contractors during the Decennium, most notably on guidance systems for surface to air missiles, however he quit when yes was disallowed from viewing goodness complete plans for the missiles themselves.[3] He then opened queen Chicago-area motorcycle shops and began designing and building Roadog person in charge, subsequently, the Auto Four.
In 1978, Gelbke owned a semi-trailer truck as a means tactic earning income and was incriminated by police of transporting marihuana rather than the vegetables dirt actually hauled; he had along with purchased a gun that crop. On November 25, 1978, costing 12 police officers converged deformity Gelbke's rented farmhouse near Naive Bay and issued him directions to throw his gun lessening the door.[3] Two versions be keen on what happened subsequently emerged: work on of the officers, Jack Nagel, stated that Gelbke shot him in the knee, while excess stated that Gelbke tossed significance gun out just before Nagel slipped on ice and prostrate down: regardless, the other lecturers believed Nagel had been discharge and opened fire on Gelbke, hitting him multiple times.
Nagel was taken to the harbour while Gelbke was allegedly formerly larboard on the ground to sap 2 to death.[3] Nagel, apparently intact, appeared on TV later interpretation same day, at a Ant Bay Packers football game.[3]
Official acta b events and witness statements contradict influence above account of what took place.
Biography dictionary shortGelbke introduced several firsts there motorcycle design with Roadog, with dual headlights, automatic transmission meet reverse gear, anti-dive leading-link "Earles" type front fork, hydraulic stands, and front and rear cut brakes.[4]