1943 Other Makes

In 1937, the Oberkommando des Heeres requested the development of a motorcycle with a specific criteria including a payload of 500kg, maximum loaded speed of 80km/h, minimum ground clearance of 150mm and substantial off-road capability.

Initially Zündapp considered modifying their KS 600 model in order to meet the OKH demands, but it was soon clear that the KS 600 was not suitable for further development: the frame, engine, transmission, front fork and many other parts would have to be either reinforced or receive substantial modifications to meet the new criteria.

The call for the new motorcycle was also responded by BMW, which produced their prototype of the BMW R75. After long test drives both with the BMW and Zündapp prototypes the OKH was convinced that the Zündapp KS 750 was far superior to the BMW R75. Initially BMW was asked to build the Zündapp KS 750, but BMW refused. However, the OKH asked BMW to adopt the superior characteristics of the Zündapp KS 750, such as the rear wheel drive solution, the hydraulic brake system and wheels. The series production started in the spring of 1941, and in eight years Zündapp produced 18,695 KS 750 in their Nuremberg factory. Military production of the Zündapp KS 750 stopped in early 1945.

This KS 750 is especially rare as it still includes its sidecar and is in great condition considering its age and history.

Offered at No Reserve on 18th May 2019 at Chiswick House.