Zündapp 1940 KS 600 597cc 2 cyl OHV 3507

Zündapp 1940 KS 600 597 cc OHV transverse twin frame # 506813 engine # A1 6163

The Zündapp story begins in 1917 when the Nuremberg firm is founded by Dr. Fritz Neumeyer and Friedrich Krupp as a producer of detonators (Zünder- und Apparatebau is German for Igniter and Apparatus). After World War 1 the demand for war equipment declines and Neumeyer becomes the sole proprietor of the company. In 1921 he switches towards the construction of motorcycles. The early models are 211 and 246 cc two strokes that quickly earn a reputation for economy and reliability. In 1930 the first four stroke model is brought out, powered by a British Rudge Python engine. In 1933 the firm announces that 100,000 Zündapps have been produced.
At the Berlin show in February 1933 the new K series (K standing for Kardan or shaft drive) is introduced. The range is designed by the famous brothers Richard and Xaver Küchen and consists of two stroke and four stroke models which all have pressed steel frames and shaft drive. The boxer models are the K 400 and K 500 twins, and the K 600 and K 800 four cylinders. These models are all side valves. In 1936 an ohv version of the K500 is presented, the KS 500 and in 1938 comes the KS 600. The latter machine is especially suited for sidecar use, the engine delivers 28 hp @ 4700 rpm. The German authorities are enthusiastic about the Zündapp design: in 1938 671 KS 600 machines are produced, and only 113 are sold to civilian customers. The total production of KS 600 models for 1940 and 1941, the last year of production, is taken up by the authorities, many being used by the Wehrmacht, with and without sidecar.
An interesting detail of the KS 600 is the gearbox, that is fitted with duplex chains. The gears can be shifted by hand and by foot and the top speed in solo specification is 125 km/h.

The machine we present is registered for the road and has been extensively restored mechanically and cosmetically and has been updated with electronic ignition. With the machine comes a file of documents relating to the restoration, technical articles, communication with restoration firms, KS 600 model info, etc. Also in the file is a linen Dutch registration document that was issued in 1955. Not shown in the pictures above but also available is a matching pillion seat with quick detachable leather pannier bags.

Video: https://youtu.be/NlLwxKtGkWs