The German manufacturer Zundapp has created everything from fine enduro bikes to stylish shaft-driven four cylinder touring bikes that rivaled any motorcycles made in their time.
Motorcycle manufacturing began about 1920 with Fritz Neumeyer at the helm. Over the years Zundapp (an amalgam of ZUNDer und APParatebau, as the company originally manufactured bomb detonators) made scooters, mopeds, microcars and motorcycles, simple and sophisticated. At one time Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, Zundapp was widely known for its application of advanced technology. In the mid-1970’s Zundapps were ridden to American and European championships in Enduro and Motocross competition.
The Comfort 204 uses plunger rear suspension. Later Zundapps had twin shocks and swing arms. The engine is a single cylinder port timed two-stroke, mildly tuned for dependable transportation. Typical of German motorcycles of the post-War era, use of chrome plating is limited, but the motorcycle is comparable to British machines of the era.
With sales declining till 1984, the production line and trademarks were sold to a company in China, but Zundapp is revived and still in business manufacturing Honda-based four-stroke motorcycles, and has collaborated with Enfield in India. This Zundapp is part of the Jill and John Parham Collection and is among a good number of European motorcycles on display at the National Motorcycle Museum.
Specifications:
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- Engine: Air-Cooled Single, Two-Stroke
- Bore & Stroke: 60mm x 70mm
- Displacement: 198cc’s
- Compression Ratio: 6.5:1
- Ignition: 6V Battery, Coil, Points
- Carburetor: Bing
- Starting: Kick
- Horsepower: 8.3HP
- Primary: Chain Driven
- Clutch: Wet, Multi-Plate
- Final Drive: Chain
- Transmission: 4-Speed
- Frame: Single Down Tube, Steel
- Suspension: Hydraulic Fork / Plunger Rear
- Brakes: Drum Front / Drum Rear
- Wheelbase: 54 Inches
- Wheels / Tires: 3.25 x 19 / 3.25 x 19
- Weight: 325 Pounds
- Top Speed: 60 MPH
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Very nice looking for a original non restored bike.
I’m proud to have a 1/10 scale model of a WW2 era Zundapp military bike on display
at the National Motorcycle Museum. The model has weathering and grimy mechanical
detailing as appropriate.
I had a 1956? Zundap 250 cc “super saber
Anybody have a picture or experience
Or comments about it?
I had a 1956? Zundapp 250 cc “super saber”?
Anybody have a picture or experience
Or comments about it?
Interesting rear suspension. Does the front of the rear fender pivot??
In the mid 1950s, before Ducati and Honda, the Zundapp Super Saber 250 took over the American Streets. This was the Berliner group’s first success. Then in 1958 they re-badged a bored out to 452cc Horex Imperator as the Zundapp Citation. We removed the lights and changed the fenders, In 1959 on Daytona Beach Ron Luczeifco finshed 22nd out over 100 entries on my stock Citation. Even the tires were original, we didn’t have much money. In 1961 at the Daytona Speedway Henry Petraitis finished 5th on the same bike with the same Metzler street tires. John Long made us a sprocket and we borrowed some race spark plugs from Triumph. Henry was as high as second but the brakes would fade and the tires wore out. I haven’t seen a Super Saber or a Citation in a long time. Isle of Mann winner Dave Roper has a Citation engine he is working on.
I have a 1956 Zundapp Challenger that was my father’s. It was the first bike I ever rode and was ridden on. It was responsible for our family’s life long love of riding motorcycles. I would love to restore it if anyone knows where I can find parts please email me Grizleebear1956@yahoo.com
Thanks!