6 Classic motorcycles with similar design

SIX Classics - Long before the discovery of a hybrid motorcycle, at which time the technology was still dominated by two-stroke engines. And for the lovers and riders of classic motorcycles whose are produced around the 1940s, would have memorized the specifications, form of engine block, body frame, down to the smallest parts like carburetor from the World War II motorcycle.

The 6 Classic motorcycles with similar design. (Picture from: Trussty)

However, for the general public it all looks the same, maybe just the brand that sets it apart. The classic motorcycles produced during the World War II, especially the class of 125 cc, it almost has the form of the engine block, body frame, as well as the same carburetor, whereas the difference is quite striking. Below I summarize 6 classic motorcycles which has similar design,

1. DKW RT 125 (1939-1960)

DKW RT 125 is a motorcycle that uses a 2-stroke engine made ​​in 1930 by DKW (Dampf-Kraft-Wagen) in Zschopau, Germany. Starting in 1919 when DKW making a 2-stroke engine is given the nickname 'Des Knaben Wunsch' or 'The boy's desire'. While 'RT' stands for 'Reichstyp' or 'National model'. 

The DKW RT 125 on assembly lines at DKW's plant in Zschopau, Germany during its production period of 1939 to 1960. (Picture from: NaikMotor)

The DKW RT motorcycle series is the pioneer of 2-stroke motorcycle with upright cylinder block. The engine with vertical cylinder makes the motorcycles more powerful and can run fast, because the combustion process more efficient.

1939 DKW RT 125. (Picture from: DKW RT Motorräder)

DKW RT 125 can be driven up to reach a maximum speed of 72 km/h (45 mph) is by using the power of 4.7 hp at 4,800 rpm which combined with a 3 speed transmission systems. After the DKW RT 125 was launched in the global automotive market, began popping another motorcycle brand with the similar shape.

2. Royal Enfield WD/RE Flying Flea (1939-1941)

Royal Enfield is one of the British motorcycle manufacturer pride of in 1939 producing Royal Enfield WD/RE series. The motorcycle known as the "Flying Flea" was a lightweight British motorcycle developed by Royal Enfield for the British War Office (the WD came from War Department) as a means of transport for that could be dropped by parachute or carried in gliders, to quickly carry messages and signals between airborne and assault troops where radio communications were not in place.

1943 Royal Enfield WD/RE 'Flying Flea'. (Picture from: RoyalEnfield)

This motorcycle has a similar shape to the DKW RT 125. Royal Enfield WD/RE is a 2-stroke motorcycle that can be driven up to reach a maximum speed of 72 km/h (45 mph), with a 3.5 hp engine. After WD/RE 125 cc series, Royal Enfield produced a similar model, but using a larger engine displacement, such as Royal Enfield WD/C 350 cc sidevalve, the Royal Enfield WD/D 250 cc sidevalve and the Royal Enfield WD/L 570 cc. The three models are also used for military purposes.

3. Moskva M-1A (1946-1949)

While on Russia has also been producing Moskva M-1A motorcycle that produced by Moskovskiy Mototsikletniy Zavod (MMZ). It was a motorcycle manufacturer in Moscow which started production in 1946. MMZ is the holder of copy license of BMW R71 that acquired when Nazi Germany occupied Russia.

1946 Moskva M-1A. (PIcture from: AutoMujezs)

Moskva M-1A are 125 cc racing motorcycles, some even using the air cooling system. The Russian classic motorcycle can be driven up to 123 km/h (76 mph), with a power of 16.5 hp, especially at M-1A were produced between 1948-1949.

4. Harley-Davidson Hummer 125 (1948-1952)

Not to forget, Harley-Davidson Motor Company also manufactures motorcycles with a similar design. In 1948 until 1952, Harley-Davidson released the Model 125, a small but sturdy two-stroke road machine of 125 cc displacement. After the war, America was ready for economical transportation, and the Model 125 was introduced to fill that need.

1948 Harley-Davidson Hummer 125. (Picture from: AutoHowStuffWorks)

The Model 125 put out a whopping three horsepower. One of its more interesting features was a girder-type front end whose suspension consisted of five large rubber bands. In 1951, the rubber band front nd was replaced by a more conventional hydraulic unit, the "Tele-Glide".

5. BSA Model-D Bantam (1948-1971) 

BSA Model-D Bantam is a motorcycle manufactured by BSA (Birmingham Small Arms), another British motorcycle manufacturer pride of, ranging from 1948 (with engine displacement of 125 cc) until 1971 (175 cc engine displacement). Motorcycle production number is unknown (but more than 250,000 units) and some estimate the figure at about 500,000 units. This number is quite fantastic for the British motorcycle industry and also shows that the share of the market prefers smaller models, perhaps because it is more practical.

1948 BSA Bantam. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

Some people say that Bantam models adapted from the German-made motorcycle, the DKW RT 125. And the Bantam models are also considered to be an example of the first Yamaha motorcycles, the Yamaha YA-1 model, which has a similar design with the BSA Bantam.

6. Yamaha YA-1 (1955-1958)

Yamaha YA-1 is the first motorcycle that manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company. The YA-1 motorcycle series was made in 1955 to 1958, as well as a motorcycle first made ​​by Japanese manufacturers who use the kick starter system. The number of motorcycles used for military purposes during World War II that inspired Yamaha to produce a similar motorcycle. Finally in 1955 in the Yamaha factory in Hamakita began producing YA-1 motorcycles. Brief looks almost identical to the BSA Bantam.

1955 Yamaha YA-1. (Picture from: GridOto)

However, 2-stroke motorcycles with single cylinder which has 3 to 4 speed transmission system, while the DKW RT 125 just three acceleration. This bike is finally more commonly known as 'Atakombo' or 'Red Dragonfly', because the motorcycle was performed with a dark red color when it is not a common color for a motorcycle which mostly use black.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops.... ••• [EKA [19102013] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DKWRTMOTORRADER | ROYALENFIELD | AUTOMUJEZS | AUTOHOWSTUFFWORKS | AUTOEVOLUTION ]

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