German motorcycle brands
German motorcycles are designed for various categories and purposes, suitable for all occasions. Many innovations in motor vehicle production have been successfully used since the pre-war period. Certain rare motorcycle models, used during the era of the Wehrmacht, are now exhibits in many museums around the world. Nowadays, German motor vehicle production is considered a standard of quality, and demand for their engineering increases every year.
The history of German motorcycles
German motor vehicle production was extremely popular from the early 1930s to the late 1940s. This period was characterized by an increasing volume of motorcycle production compared to previous years. This was because motorcycles were used not only by civilians but also on the military fronts during the Second World War. The Wehrmacht aimed to create universal transport "for all occasions," which is why German engineering, particularly motorcycles, performed very well even then. It maintains an image of quality and time-proven production.
German brands
BMW
The very first BMW motorcycle from the Bavarian manufacturer was created in 1922. The company made a real breakthrough in the world of motor technology. BMW managed to create a "perfect" engine. In addition, they were the first to use an innovative type of frame and bearings. The company proved itself as a high-class manufacturer of sports, motocross, and enduro bikes, as well as other types of motorcycles characterized by elegant design and high quality.
Adler
The Adler company was established by Heinrich Kleyer in 1880. In the beginning, the firm produced bicycles and typewriters. Later, it started manufacturing automobiles (from 1900 to 1939) and motorcycles (in the postwar period). The first Adler car was released in 1900. The company produced motorcycles for 8 years starting in 1949. Its successful models won prizes at many competitions and exhibitions.
Brennabor
The Brennabor company was established in 1871 by Adolf, Karl, and Hermann Reichstein and existed until 1945. They produced motorcycles, baby carriages, bicycles, and other vehicles. They started manufacturing series motorcycles in 1901. After the Second World War, all production facilities were dismantled, and Brennabor was replaced by a tractor factory.
DKW
"Dampf-Kraft-Wagen" is a famous German brand that manufactured automobiles and motor vehicles. The company existed from 1916 to 1966. Models like the DKW E 206 (released in 1925 as one of the first models), the DKW Luxus 200 (commonly called the "blood bubble" because of its red tank), and the DKW RT 125 (produced in 1939) are considered the most successful and popular models. Later, the company used a new interpretation of the abbreviation: "DKW: Des Knaben Wunsch," which translates to "The Boys' Dream."
Hercules
The Hercules company was established in Nuremberg in 1886. During its productive existence, Hercules focused on creating middle-class road bikes and first-class sports bikes.
Horex
The history of the Horex company started in 1921, and its development was quite successful. After creating more powerful engines in 1926, its new renowned collection of sport motorbikes started winning prizes at different competitions. Until 1941, the company actively developed motorcycle racing and low-cost serial models. However, in 1941, manufacturing was halted until 1945. From 1945 to 1960, Horex tried to keep its head above water, releasing new motorbike models and components, but unfortunately, it couldn't keep up with strong competitors. In 1960, the firm finally went down in history.
Schradler
Schradler was a popular brand of German motor technology in the second half of the 20th century. It was established in Stuttgart in 1951. Production was mainly focused on sports and racing motorcycles. The company developed rapidly and took leading positions in the market. However, in 1982, the group ceased to exist due to bankruptcy.
Muench
The Muench-4 1200 TTS Mammoth model is considered one of the most famous motorcycles created by Friedl Munch in 1968. Initially, it had a V-shaped t-head engine, and in the autumn of 1968, partners Floyd Clymer and Friedl Munch presented a 500-cc two-cylinder four-stroke racing engine. The motorcycle became extremely popular. However, despite the success of the project, Friedl Munch went bankrupt and sold the rights to his company in 1971.
Motorradwerk
Motorradwerk Zschopau was a motorcycle manufacturing plant founded in 1906 in Zschopau, Germany. The production of motorcycles started in 1922. After creating several successful models, the company released its products under the MZ brand starting in 1956. Motorradwerk released high-quality serial motorcycles of simple construction. MZ models were very successful in motorsports. Much later, demand for the company's products began to fall, and in 2008 it was closed completely. Further attempts to revive the group (the last one in 2013) failed.
Sachs
The Sachs company began in the nineteenth century, producing bicycles, motor components, and powertrains. However, until recently, the firm did not release products under its own brand. Before all products received the Sachs brand name in 1995, the company was mainly engaged in manufacturing off-road sports motorcycles. Nowadays, it has significantly expanded its range of models.
Simson
Simson was a leading German company, established in 1856. It specialized in the production of bicycles, automobiles, firearms, and mopeds. After the collapse of the GDR, motorcycle production under this brand was significantly reduced. The last motorcycle models came off the Simson assembly line in 2002, and in February 2003, the firm went bankrupt.
Zündapp
The Zündapp company, a German manufacturer of detonators and ammunition, was founded by Fritz Neumeyer in Nuremberg in 1917. In 1919, it was repurposed, and the firm started producing motorcycles. During the Second World War, Zündapp motorcycles were delivered to the Wehrmacht. One of these models was the Zündapp KS 750 motorcycle with a sidecar. In 1984, the company went bankrupt and sold all its assets to the Chinese government. The equipment was dismantled and re-installed in China, leading to the establishment of the Tianjin Motorcycle Co.