I came upon this contraption on one of my visits to the Luftwaffen Museum at Gatow. It appears to be a very early motorcycle and so I took a few photographs for all you bikers on the forum. I was wondering if there was a military connection, but as it was a new exhibit just going on display there was no references to it. Does anyone know of this type of motorcycle? Regards Tom
Its very like an 1898 Werner motorised bicycle or its equivalent. Werner wasnt a German make though, so I dont know who made it.
Looks like an old bone shaker.... I wonder did the red flag act apply to motorcycles and motorised bicycles???
Looks quite a bit later than the earliest motorbikes. I think Heimbrent's on the money with more of a powered bicycle.
Oh its definitely a powered bicycle, no question. But I still hold out hope its more like the werner!
I had to do some serious thinking on this one. The side valve motor looked too large for an ordinary 'hilfmotor' and the carburettor and oiling system are not that early - 1920s or so. It rang a bell but a long time ago. I reckon it's a Flottweg but I have no idea what the Luftwaffe connection is. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2280/2247123528_1442b36231.jpg?v=0 I think that I'd quite like a go on one
Rich, I have to say that it looked well engineered considering it was a bolt on type motor and the original bicycle chain and drive are still present. The frame looks a little more robust and stronger than your average bicycle and so believe that it was built with a motor in mind from the design stage. It looks like you are correct with the picture that you posted. Regards Tom
