Motorcycle "Zundap" - the legend of the German motorcycle industry

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

No one knows about Zundapp these days. The name of the once famous manufacturer is almost forgotten. However, in certain circles, the Tsundap motorcycle is still considered a legend. Most lovers of history and good motorcycles can only dream of acquiring it.

Our article on one of the most famous Wehrmacht transport models will help fill this gap.

How it all began

Exactly one hundred years ago, a manufacturing company opened in Germany. The owners planned to manufacture fuses, shells and spare parts for them, which was especially important in those days. Production was originally planned quite large. But all the preparatory and organizational work was completed exactly by the end of the war. It is clear that the demand for ammunition was falling at a catastrophic rate, so it became necessary to immediately reorient production capacities to the needs of peacetime.

First models

The owners decided to start producing vehicles. The first motorcycle "Tsundap Z22" was introduced in 1921. It was in keeping with the spirit of the times. From a technical point of viewthe motorcycle did not shine with anything special, but it was able to accelerate to 65 km / h, while consuming less than a liter of gasoline. What else do you need in a crisis? Soon the line was replenished with the Z2G model, which has slight differences from the prototype.

Since 1924, the company began to produce motorcycles with a chain drive (before that it was a belt drive), and in 1927 cargo trikes were added to the line. Even with the onset of the Great Depression, which undoubtedly affected the German economy, the manufacturer developed new models, introduced innovations, increased production capacity and remained afloat. A significant role was played by the company's policy aimed at constantly improving the reliability of the vehicles produced. At the same time, Tsundap has always tried to maintain a loyal price level.

Contributed to the success and competent management, constant market analysis, focus on consumer demand. For example, as a result of the crisis, a novelty appeared in the Zundap line - the K170 motorcycle, the smallest and most economical in the history of the company. Along with its production, a project was launched to produce large heavy bikes with four-stroke engines. To do this, the company signed a cooperation agreement with British colleagues. The result was the release of several models with Python motors.

Tsundap motorcycle on the fronts of World War II

1937 was a turning point in the history of the company. During World War II, the Tsundap motorcycle with a sidecar was in service with the Wehrmacht troops.

It is worth noting that the idea of using light two-, three-wheeled vehicles to increase mobilitytroops was quite interesting. The machine gun mounted on the hood of the stroller was supposed to inflict damage on the enemy. The motorcycle could go where the car simply would not turn around, and the cost of maintaining and maintaining it was disproportionately lower.

The KS 600, equipped with a driveshaft, interchangeable wheels and a 598cc boxer engine, was released in 1939. This motorcycle has been on almost all fronts in Europe. Having successfully passed the test by fire, he underwent some modifications and improvements. As a result, a new vehicle appeared - the German motorcycle "Zundap" KS 750. It was immediately sent to the front line.

This motorcycle has also reached Russia. But legends, sayings and poems are not in vain about our roads. Everything that has already happened in Europe choked in the Russian thaw. It was simply unrealistic to conduct aimed machine-gun fire from a heavy motorcycle jumping over potholes. But the crew became easy prey for Russian soldiers with three-rulers. The idea of using motorcycles in military operations has been revised. Of course, there was no question of a complete withdrawal, but in Russian realities, motorcycles designed for European roads were more often used for security and supply tasks. Direct combat use has been greatly reduced.

During the war years, the manufacturer made several improvements to his offspring. In particular, for the model with a sidecar, a drive to the front wheel was developed. By 1945, the share of the KS 750 exceeded even the R75 (BMW).

Postwarmodels

During the bombing of Germany, the plant was badly damaged. It has been raided several times by marauders.

In order to somehow save the enterprise, the owners had to solve a number of important issues. In 1947, production of the pre-war DB200 was resumed, and two years later, a novelty came off the assembly lines - KS 601.

The plant again launched the production of light "small-cube", which were soon joined by mopeds.

Beautiful ending

In the 80s of the last century, the last Tsundap motorcycle rolled off the assembly lines of the company. The company went bankrupt and was bought by the Chinese. Having completely "drank" the plant, they transported it to the Celestial Empire, where Chinese motorcycles are still produced on German equipment.

However, the cult brand managed to play a farewell chord. They became the victory in motorcycle racing in 1984.

Demand and prices

Today there are many who dream of buying a Tsundap motorcycle, the price of which is formed not at all because of its technical characteristics. A legendary bike with an excellent design even by today's standards is a rarity. The number of working copies worldwide does not exceed a few hundred. You can see one of them at historical reenactments, in a retro technology club or a museum. The cost of the motorcycle starts from 50 thousand dollars.