Zundapp became another supplier of military motorcycles for the German war effort during World War 2 - the K500W was their contribution.
Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited:
9/9/2016
BMW secured the rights to stock the reemerging German Army of the 1930s with motorcycles for training and operational service back in 1932 with the R4. However, other suppliers - though not as well remembered - contributed to the mechanized capabilities of German ground forces - particularly its motorcycle troopers. This included Zundapp of Nurnberg which supplied its civilian-minded, light-class K500W models primarily for training (though the necessities of war pressed them into the dispatch role for which they were not intended for and, thusly, suffered as a result). Procurement of K500W bikes spanned from 1934 and lasted until 1938.
The military models retained the form and function of their civilian counterparts. A 2-cylinder, 4-stroke opposed engine was used outputting 16 horsepower at 4,800rpm. The engine sat under the rider in the usual way with the frame of the bike being completed through a pressed-steel process. Road speeds could reach 105 kmh.
Like other German wartime bikes, this series saw service into the war's final days.
Specifications
Year: 1934
Crew 1
Manufacturing Zundapp - Nazi Germany
Production 1,000 Units
Nazi Germany
- Reconnaissance (RECCE)
- Utility
Weight:
0 tons (190 kg; 419 lb)
(Showcased structural values pertain to the Zundapp K500W production model)
1 x 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 498cc opposed piston engine developing 16 horsepower at 4,800rpm.
(Showcased powerplant information pertains to the Zundapp K500W production model)
Maximum Speed:
65 mph (105 kph)
Maximum Range:
158 miles (255 km)
(Showcased performance values pertain to the Zundapp K500W production model; Compare this entry against any other in our database)
None.
Ammunition: None.
(Showcased armament details pertain to the Zundapp K500W production model)
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Nazi Germany