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Wild Bill Gelbke

1938 – 1978

American motorcycle designer

Military flight engineer Aerospace engineerMotorcycle design
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About Wild Bill Gelbke

Lived 1938 – 1978 (aged 39–40). Wild Bill Gelbke was an American military flight engineer, aerospace engineer and motorcycle design.

William "Wild Bill" Gelbke (1936–1978, born in Green Bay, Wisconsin) was an American engineer and motorcycle designer. He is noted for having designed and constructed large motorcycles powered by automobile engines, particularly the Roadog and the Auto Four, the latter a motorcycle intended for mass production. Roadog was intended to be featured on an episode of The History Channel's Modern Marvels, however the bit was cut from the episode.

Gelbke worked for McDonnell Douglas and other US Government contractors during the 1960s, most notably on guidance systems for surface to air missiles, however he quit when he was disallowed from viewing the complete plans for the missiles themselves.

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Important facts

Born
1938, Green Bay
Birth century
20th century
Died
17 November 1978, Green Bay
Occupation
Military flight engineer, Aerospace engineer, Motorcycle design
Nationality
United States
Education
University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Southern California, University of Wisconsin
Also known as
William A. "Wild Bill" Gelbke

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Wild Bill Gelbke?

American motorcycle designer

When was Wild Bill Gelbke born?

Wild Bill Gelbke was born in 1938 in Green Bay.

When did Wild Bill Gelbke die?

Wild Bill Gelbke died on 17 November 1978 in Green Bay.

What was Wild Bill Gelbke's occupation?

Wild Bill Gelbke was a military flight engineer, aerospace engineer and motorcycle design.

What nationality was Wild Bill Gelbke?

Wild Bill Gelbke was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Wild Bill Gelbke

· Wikidata: Q23855427

· DBpedia: Wild Bill Gelbke

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Wild Bill Gelbke. https://biography.guide/wild-bill-gelbke/

MLA: "Wild Bill Gelbke." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/wild-bill-gelbke/.

Chicago: "Wild Bill Gelbke." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/wild-bill-gelbke/.

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