Simson Motorcycles and Mopeds: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Simson: Legendäre Zweiräder aus Suhl - Typengeschichte und Technik

The GDR was biker country! Thanks to the low price and short waiting times, almost everyone rode a moped, motorcycle or scooter.
Simson stands for much more than the famous "Schwalbe": In addition to the AWO 425, Suhl also produced enduros, scooters, mopeds, mokicks and much more.
With authentic photos and competent texts, Peter Böhlke presents the full variety of two-wheel production in Suhl: From the AWO 425, known as the "»Dampfhammer«", to the unforgettable "Schwalbe" from the bird series. Entertaining and highly informative!

• The entire range of Simson two-wheelers in one volume
• Each model documented with photos and comprehensive technical data
• With specials on developments and technical milestones

Product details

Das große Simson-Buch - Die Geschichte von Schwalbe, Sperber & Co.

Vehicles from the former GDR are very popular today, especially Simson. The traditional company's bird series, consisting of "Sperber", "Habicht", "Spatz" and "Star", has achieved a special cult status. The "Schwalbe" in particular is considered the most successful model.

In this updated edition, Frank Rönicke reports expertly, informatively and entertainingly on the creation and development of the Simson bird series. Over 350 unique images illustrate this important chapter in the history of East German two-wheeler production.

Product details

Simson und der Motorrad-Rennsport in der DDR: Eine außergewöhnliche und spannende Dokumentation

Motorcycle road racing has always been an exciting affair, ever since motorcycles were invented. In the 1930s, DKW, under the umbrella of Auto Union, dominated motorcycle racing worldwide. After the war, it was the IFA plant in Zschopau and the Simson plant in Suhl that reactivated motorcycle racing.
After the change in the production program in Suhl, it was only the MZ plant that advanced racing and achieved success at world championship level. After scientific and technical findings were illegally smuggled out of the country in 1961 with hired people, the world championship title in the class up to 125 cc that had been within reach was destroyed.
Finally, MZ stopped racing activities in 1977. This greatly weakened the basis for the material and technical area.

At the urging of the ADMV of the GDR, the idea arose in the two-wheeler combine in Suhl to commission a private company in Zwickau to develop road racing technology. In this book, the author describes how this happened in the period from 1980 to 1990 in an authentic and precise way - a realistic reading of GDR sport.

Product details