Motorcycle "Zundap" - a legend of the German motor industry

In our time, few people know about Zundapp. The name of the once famous manufacturer is almost forgotten. However, in certain circles the motorcycle "Tsundap" is still considered a legend. About its acquisition, most history lovers and good motor vehicles have only to dream.

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

How it all began

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

First models

The owners decided to start producing vehicles. The first motorcycle "Tsundap Z22" was introduced in 1921. It fully corresponded to the spirit of the times. From a technical point of view, the motorcycle did not shine at all, but it was able to accelerate to 65 km / h, while consuming less than a liter of gasoline. What else is needed in the crisis? Soon the lineup was enlarged with the model Z2G, which differs little from the prototype.

Since 1924, the company began producing motorcycles with chain transmission (before that it was a belt), and in 1927 the line was replenished with freight trays. Even with the onset of the Great Depression, which undoubtedly affected the German economy, the manufacturer developed new models, introduced innovations, increased capacity and remained afloat. A significant role was played by the company's policy aimed at a constant increase in the reliability of the transport produced. At the same time, Tsundap always tried to maintain a loyal price level.

The successful management and competent management, the constant analysis of the market, orientation to consumer demand promoted success. For example, as a result of the crisis, a novelty appeared in the line "Tsundap" - 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 this end, the company signed a cooperation agreement with its English counterparts. The result was the release of several models with motors "Python".

Motorcycle "Tsundap" on the fronts of World War II

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

It is worth noting that the idea of using light two-, three-wheeled vehicles to increase the mobility of troops was quite interesting. The machine gun, mounted on the hood of the stroller, was supposed to inflict damage to the enemy. The motorcycle could pass where the car simply did not turn around, and the costs of its maintenance and maintenance were incommensurably lower.

Model KS 600, equipped with a propeller shaft, interchangeable wheels and a counterweight engine of 598 cubes was produced in 1939. This motorcycle has been on virtually all fronts in Europe. Having successfully passed the test with fire, he underwent some refinements and improvements. As a result, a new transport - a German motorcycle "Tsundap" KS 750. It was immediately sent to the forefront.

This motorcycle reached Russia. But about our roads, legends, sayings and poems are not in vain. All that has already happened in Europe, choked in the Russian mud. To carry out the aiming machine-gun fire from a heavy motorcycle galloping along the potholes was simply unreal. But the crew became easy prey for Russian soldiers with three-lane. The idea of using motor vehicles in military operations was revised. Of course, there was no complete conclusion and speech, but in Russian realities, motorcycles designed for European roads were more often used for protection and implementation of supply tasks. Direct use in combat was significantly reduced.

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

Postwar models

During the bombing of Germany, the plant was badly damaged. Several times he was raided by marauders.

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

The plant again established the production of light "malokubaturok", which were soon joined by mopeds.

Beautiful Finale

In the 80s of last century, the last motorcycle "Tsundap" came off the company's conveyors. The company went bankrupt and was bought by the Chinese. Completely "drunk" the plant, they transported it to the Celestial Empire, where the German equipment and in our time produced Chinese motorcycles.

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

Demand and prices

Today, many people who want to buy a motorcycle "Tsundap", the price for which is formed not because of its technical characteristics. Legendary bike with a great design even by today's standards is a rarity. The number of working copies all over the world does not exceed several hundred. You can see one of them on historical reconstructions, in a retro-tech club or a museum. The cost of a motorcycle starts from 50 thousand dollars.