Here's one of the Austrian's reliable scooters

Unique ONES - Puch, a name that resonates with classic motorcycle enthusiasts, holds a significant place in Austria’s automotive history. While the golden era of scooters spanned from the 1950s to the 1960s globally, Austria also witnessed a surge in scooter popularity, though it never reached the scale of Germany’s automotive industry.

Puch RL 125 uses a 2-stroke 125cc engine and was mated to a 3-speed manual transmission system was shifted from the left twistgrip. (Picture from: Fahrzeuge.Dorotheum)

A while ago, we discussed several Austrian scooter brands, such as Colibri from Josef Walter & Co and scooters made by KTM, including the Mirabel, Mecky, and Pony. Additionally, there were scooters designed by Otto Kauba, which were produced under several different brands in Austria. Among Austrian brands, Puch stood out, producing not only motorcycles but also mopeds, scooters, and even automobiles, making it a key player in the two-wheeler market of its time.

Puch RL 125 was also known for their moderate performance, with a top speed of around 45 mph. (Picture from: Fahrzeuge.Dorotheum)

Founded in 1891 in Graz by Johann Puch, the company initially focused on bicycles before expanding into motorized vehicles. By the early 20th century, Puch had made a name for itself in motorcycle production, introducing its first motorbike in 1903. The brand's success continued into the 1910s, with its factory producing a remarkable number of motorbikes, cars, and bicycles. Even after World War II, Puch remained a strong competitor, particularly with its two-stroke motorcycles and lightweight scooters, which became popular due to their reliability and practicality.

Scooters emerged as a crucial segment for Puch during the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, scooters were widely preferred for urban commuting, offering a blend of convenience, affordability, and fuel efficiency. Puch’s first scooter model, the RL 125, made its debut in 1951. This model featured a 125cc two-stroke engine, a three-speed manual gearbox, and a left-hand twistgrip shifter. Designed for daily use rather than speed, it provided a smooth riding experience with a top speed of around 45 mph.

Puch SR 150 uses a 2-stroke 150cc engine and was mated to a 3-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: CarAndClassic)

An interesting aspect of the RL 125 was its design, which reportedly shared elements with Lambretta, one of the most famous scooter manufacturers of the era. Despite this, Puch’s scooters had their own identity, built to suit the demands of European riders looking for reliability and ease of use. Following the RL 125, Puch introduced another notable model—the SR 150 'Alpine.' With an increased engine capacity of 150cc, this scooter delivered a slight power boost to 6 horsepower, compared to the RL 125’s 5 horsepower. Unlike its predecessor, the SR 150 featured a foot-operated transmission, improving its practicality for riders.

Puch SR 150 was delivering better performance of 6 hp rather than 5 hp but retaining three-speeds gearbox. (Picture from: CarAndClassic)

Beyond Austria, Puch scooters found markets in various countries, including the United States, where their engines were marketed under the Allstate brand by Sears Roebuck. Interestingly, the influence of Puch scooters also reached Indonesia, with at least one known original 1959 SR 150 unit still in existence. This highlights the brand’s widespread appeal and the lasting impact of its scooter lineup.

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Despite their success, Puch’s scooter production eventually slowed down. In 1987, the brand’s motorcycle division was acquired by the Piaggio Group, a company well-known for producing Vespa scooters. Under Piaggio’s ownership, Puch continued to manufacture motorcycles. Later, in 1997, the bicycle division was sold to the Swedish Grimaldi Industri group, integrating Puch into Cycleurope. Austrian entrepreneur Josef Faber later took control of the brand in 2011, with Puch bicycles still being produced in France under Cycleurope.

Although Puch scooters are no longer in production, their legacy lives on among vintage scooter collectors and enthusiasts. These models remain cherished for their durability, craftsmanship, and historical significance. Whether it’s the RL 125 with its classic design or the SR 150 ‘Alpine’ with its improved performance, Puch scooters continue to be remembered as a symbol of Austria’s rich automotive heritage.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA [04012021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GDSIT | WIKIPEDIA | CYBERMOTORCYCLE | FAHRZEUGE.DOROTHEUM | CARANDCLASSIC ]

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