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Zundapp GS 125 cult bike

Replica for the street

In a time well before Ken Roczen, cross-country sport was more popular than motocross in this country, and German brands were often at the forefront. Zundapp even supplied the hardware for the off-road cult.

There weren’t any sensational news to report every two weeks, and the Road World Championships were just taking a winter break. Nevertheless, the MOTORRAD title of April 4, 1970 clearly illustrates the importance of off-road, today enduro, sport in Germany at that time: the only picture motif is the new one Zundapp GS 125, taken in Munich, when two boys dressed in typical national clothes marvel at and fondle her. Zundapp? 125cc? Off-road sport? 45 years ago all terms of national importance. Once a year, the whole world looked at the Six Days, in which six riders from a country competed in the national competition on motorcycles from their domestic production.

Zundapp GS 125 cult bike

Replica for the street

Ready to race

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In 1976 the last Zundapp GS 125 were sold – for 3598 marks.

The Munich management team – the large Zundapp plant in Nuremberg had long since closed – silvered this success and presented a nice replica with the Zundapp GS 125. It had to get by with five instead of six gears, had forked immersion tubes made of steel instead of light metal and a smaller carburetor, but still looked extremely determined with its filigree, yet robust double loop frame made of chrome-molybdenum steel tubing and the striking fan cylinder. Aluminum fenders, quick throttle, large chain guard, 21-inch front wheel and many other details reinforced this impression. Yes, this Zundapp was ready to race and also really beautiful. At that time, that was not the case for very few Germanic motorcycles. So it’s surprising that its engine and chassis inspired one of the last successful Zundapp street motorcycles, namely the KS 125.

The Zundapp GS 125 impressed off-road with its stable chassis, responsive suspension elements and a surprisingly tough engine. The draw-wedge transmission with its long shift travel and the bend next to the driver’s right-hand leg were less popular. None of this prevented the brave factory drivers from accumulating winning laurels. In 1973 Rolf Witthoft – only comparable to Egon Muller, Dieter Braun or the team world champions Enders / Engelhardt – was the best Six Days participant on Zundapp.

Reason enough to adapt the design of the Zundapp GS 125 to that of the factory racers: In 1974 the Stollen-Zundapp appeared in black and red, with a round tank and a short seat. A dream. It also received the so-called long fork and was delivered – ready to race, of course – with start number plates and four differently sized pinions. Incidentally, Rolf Witthoft won the Nations Cup again at the Six Days with the team in 1975 and 1976. It has decorated the front pages of MOTORRAD at least three times.

Zundapp GS 125 Info

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The suspicion is evidently obvious, and it is also true: The delicate substructure was never intended for a strong 125cc. Nevertheless, the crankshaft drive and gearbox hold up quite well.

Data (year of construction 1975): Air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke engine, slot-controlled with reverse flushing, 123 cm³, 13.25 kW (18 HP) at 7600 / min, 16.7 Nm at 7400 / min, five-speed gearbox, double loop frame made of tubular steel, weight with a full tank 107 kg, front tires 3.00 x 21, rear 3.50 x 18, tank capacity 10.2 liters, top speed around 120 km / h.

Literature: The company stories of Thomas Reinwald, published by Johann Kleine Vennekate Verlag, price: 34 euros, and Uwe Frensel, published by Heel Verlag, price: 24.95 euros, are dedicated to the Zundapp brand as a whole.

Scene: In 1976 the last GS 125 were sold for 3598 marks. Anyone who is offered such a part today for the same amount in euros should grab it immediately. In other words: It is almost hopeless to acquire a nice off-road Zundapp. But you can watch, and even in action: at classic off-road sports events. Dates and much more information at www.enduro-klassik.de

Internet: Responsible for all Zundapp models are www.zuendapp-club.de and the forum www.zuendapp.net

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