Big German Twin
BIG GERMAN TWIN
FROM ERNST LEVERKUS, DAS MOTORRAD
FRIEDEL MUNCH of Friedberg, West Germany, working in deep secrecy, has launched a very special project that has produced the first new big German motorcycle since the 1933 Tornax Silver Arrow. Münch's monster is powered by an NSU Prinz automobile engine, a l000cc (61 cubic inch) four-cylinder, overhead camshaft (driven by duplex chains), with fantastic torque and power options to suit customers, ranging from 43 DIN horsepower at 5,250 rpm, to 53 DIN hp @ 5,600 rpm, and 55 DIN hp @ 5.8,00. The choice of two Weber dual-throat, Amal Monobloc, Dellorto, Bing or Solex carburetors, is part of the variation in equipment offered. But the real news is that with special camshafts, pistons, etc., the engine can be turned 8,000 rpm, and the power output at 6,500 rpm is 72 hp! DIN (The German method of rating horsepower, differs from the American SAE, and is a much more conservative method; 72 DIN equals over 150 SAE!)
Second gear starts are easy, and it will pull in fourth gear from 19 miles per hour to top speed like a turbine. Top speed with the 32mm Weber-carbureted engine, standard pistons and camshafts, in the engine described as the 1000 TT, is over 125 mph.
During testing on the famous Hockenheim race circuit, acceleration from 0 to 62.5 mph (100km/hr), took 5 seconds, from 0 to 100 mph took 17 seconds, for the 395-pound mammoth Mammoth. The Norton Manx-type double cradle frame gives a wheelbase of 51.5 inches. Forks, gearbox, rear swinging arms, brakes, etc., are cast of magnesium, accounting in part for the relatively light weight. HarleyDavidson's 1250cc Duo-Glide with no extra equipment weighs 690 pounds, and the ill-fated Ducati Appolo four at 1200cc weighed over 500 pounds, making the Mammoth a lightweight, if the figure is accurate of course. A special detail is the Bosch, three-phase, 7 volt, 400 Watt electrical system. This is the same generator used on the BMW 1800 TI automobile.
Four speeds are in the gear box, it is started by kick starter. Reports from Germany say it is so easy to start it can be turned over by hand. Girling shock absorbers are standard, Münch made the 250mm front, and 200mm rear brakes. The front unit employs two-inch wide, double leading shoes. It appears the brakes are up to the job. Called "an exclusive motorcycle for exclusive riders," Münch will build to suit the tastes of the buyers. Special tuned engines, double seat, special foot rests, special transmission, another fuel tank, hard-touring chains, rear chain case, are among the options available. Primary drive is by helical gear, driving a seven plate clutch.
The Mammut cost in Germany ranges from $1,450 to $1,650, the first model went to the French motorcycle dealer, and ex Continental racer, Jean Munt in Paris. Like the long unforgotten Brough Superior of the thirties, Münch hopes to revive the glamour and excitement of those mechanical giants of the "he-man" motorcycle days. If you are interested, try writing him at 6361 Nieder-Florstadt/ub, Friedberg/Hessen, Germany. If he'll sell one to you, can we road test it?
