There was a commercial boom in mo-peds when that small motor-powered vehicle that can also be pedal-propelled became more popular than the traditional motorcycle (among European riders, that is, for the moped has only recently caught on in the United States). In 1961, as the single-cylinder moped increased in popularity, the FIM decided to set up a European speed championship for the 50-cc. class, the first edition of which was to be held the following year.
Kreidler and Tomos were the top contenders for the new championship.
The Kreidler engine was adapted from the Florett series and generated 8 h.p. It had a two-stroke cycle, a horizontal air-cooled cylinder, and twelve gears—a record of its kind.
Of course the gearbox did not have twenty-four gears on two shafts. There was simply a four-ratio gear with two outside overgears acting upon the exit sprocket of the little motorcycle's secondary shaft.
The body of the vehicle was not as complicated as the engine. It looked like a sports model. The Kreidler people evidently thought that its horsepower was enough to give this two-wheeler an edge over the competition, and their optimism was well founded. The 1961 Kreidler, despite its clumsy appearance, won the European championship. It was ridden by Hans Georg Anscheidt.
Motorcycle: Kreidler 50 Florett Manufacturer: Kreidler Werke GmbH,
Kornwestheim Type: Racing Year: 1961
Engine: Kreidler single-cylinder, horizontal, two-stroke, with cross-port distribution. Displacement 50 cc.
Cooling: Fan-forced air
Transmission: Four-speed block with two outside overgears, providing a total of twelve gear ratios
Power: 8 h.p. at 12,000 r.p.m.
Maximum speed: Over 75 m.p.h.
Chassis: Single-bar stamped plate, with engine suspended. Front wheel, Earles suspension; rear, telescopic shock absorbers
Brakes: Front and rear, central drum
Article By Motorcyclespecs.co.za
Kreidler and Tomos were the top contenders for the new championship.
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| 1961 Kreidler 50 Florett |
Of course the gearbox did not have twenty-four gears on two shafts. There was simply a four-ratio gear with two outside overgears acting upon the exit sprocket of the little motorcycle's secondary shaft.
 |
| 1961 Kreidler 50 Florett |
Motorcycle: Kreidler 50 Florett Manufacturer: Kreidler Werke GmbH,
Kornwestheim Type: Racing Year: 1961
Engine: Kreidler single-cylinder, horizontal, two-stroke, with cross-port distribution. Displacement 50 cc.
Cooling: Fan-forced air
Transmission: Four-speed block with two outside overgears, providing a total of twelve gear ratios
Power: 8 h.p. at 12,000 r.p.m.
Maximum speed: Over 75 m.p.h.
Chassis: Single-bar stamped plate, with engine suspended. Front wheel, Earles suspension; rear, telescopic shock absorbers
Brakes: Front and rear, central drum
Article By Motorcyclespecs.co.za
