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Simson scooters: books - history, types and construction
A book on Simson scooters? Explore here illustrated books on the history, types and construction of Simson scooters.
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
Author: | Frank Rönicke |
Details: | 272 pages, 27 x 23.5 x 2.2 cm / 10.6 x 9.25 x 0.87 in, hardback |
Illustrations: | 350 b&w and colour photos |
Publisher: | Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2023) |
ISBN: | 9783613045972 |
Simson - Legendäre Zweiräder aus Suhl - Typengeschichte und Technik
Almost forgotten, but true: The GDR was biker country! Thanks to the low price and short waiting times, almost everyone rode a moped, motorcycle or scooter.
With authentic photos and competent texts, Peter Böhlke presents the full variety of two-wheeler production in Suhl: From the AWO 425, known as the "steam hammer", to the unforgettable "Schwalbe" from the bird series. Entertaining and highly informative!
Product details
Author: | Peter Böhlke |
Details: | 144 pages, 24 x 17 cm / 9 x 6.7 in, hardback |
Illustrations: | 180 b&w and colour photos |
Publisher: | GeraMond Verlag (D, 2014) |
ISBN: | 9783862455508 |
Simson Schwalbe & Co
The Simson two-wheelers made the GDR mobile - and many remain loyal to machines like the SR 2 or the S 50 even today. In fact, the classics of the "bird series" have long been legendary in the West and, along with the Trabi, are part of rolling (N)ostalgia.

The history of the small two-stroke bikes and their manufacturer is described here by Frank Rönicke: Photos, brochures and contemporary test reports form a harmonious, loving homage to the unforgettable two-wheelers, spiced with plenty of zeitgeist.
Not forgotten is also the new electric scooter from Govecs based on the Schwalbe: the E-Schwalbe.

Product details
Author: | Frank Rönicke |
Details: | 96 pages, 24 x 22 cm / 9 x 8.7 in, hardback |
Illustrations: | 115 b&w and colour photos |
Publisher: | Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2018) |
ISBN: | 9783613041301 |
Related titles:

Simson-Roller Schwalbe: Geschichte, Wartung, Reparatur
Erhard Werner | German | hardback | 226 p. | 2005

Simson S50, S51, S70 und SR50 / SR80 - Ein Ratgeber
Erhard Werner | German | paperback | 295 p. | 2004

Das Schwalbe Buch: Ein Ratgeber
Erhard Werner | German | paperback | 236 p. | 2004

Simson Schwalbe - Die Reparaturanleitung: Ersatzteile, Rechnik, Wartung
German | hardback | 520 p. | 2016

Simson - Oldtimer : Ein Ratgeber für SR1, SR2, SR2E, KR50
Erhard Werner | German | paperback | 157 p. | 2004
The TMB Bookshop presents not only general books on Simson . Click here to discover all books on Simson (including technical books like workshop manuals, restauration manuals, driver's handbooks, parts catalogues, etc.).