Front Wheel Drive Motorcycles Existed A Long Time Ago |
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File under Special-Bikes
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
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Last month I had found a photo of strange looking motorcycle, and asked you readers if anyone knew what the bike was all about. Gilbert from Sweden did some creative research and found it.
The motorcycle in question was designed by a group of 5 German engineers, and called the Killinger and Freund Motorcycle  . Three things are of interest:
1. The motorcycle had front wheel drive
2. The motorcycle, despite having 600cc was very light, 135 kg (297 lbs) with fuel
3. The motorcycle was designed in 1938
The five engineers based their design on another front wheel drive bike, the Megola (1921-1925).
The Killinger and Freund Motorcycle version was very aerodynamic and streamlined.
Handling was exceptional, but unfortunately it would seem that only one model was ever built.
The 2nd World War broke out, and the motorcycle was recovered by the Allies and disappeared.
Since then there have been several attempts to mass produce front wheel drive motorcycles with different success. Rokon is probably the best known, and the Yamaha 2-trac WR450F has received mixed reviews.
Maybe one day, someone will dig up the Killinger and Freund Motorcycle plans and restart production...
Thanks Gilbert for your research.
For more information, click here
and click here for more photos and history
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