1000 Prototype 2C9-BS - 1918

The great 1000

During the early Twentieth Century, the big-cylindered bike was frequently engined in a V-configuration by two builders who then dominated the market – JAP in England and MAG in Switzerland. The firms also made their own bikes under the name Motosacoche. Since so many European bikes of the period owed their engines to MAG, the company became one of the most successful in the history of cycling.

Innovation through Racing

The race track was the place where Motosacoche worked out its most revolutionary technical developments. 350 and 500cc V-twins were zooming down the straightaways as early as 1913, and in 1918, a 1000cc tourer dubbed the "Autosacoche" made its first appearance. This big touring machine was followed in 1920 by a more advanced version that tore up the track at Brooklands. 1922 brought even greater accomplishments, with a 500cc record-breaker that positively peeled up the Brooklands asphalt.

Endless Development

Built in a series labeled "2C9" for the 1000cc bike, the Motosacoche of the late Twenties continued its advance on the twin realms of technology and styling – the firm's ambition was remarkable, and its appetite for change seemingly could not be satisfied. 1926 saw the introduction of a radical "two-chambered" gas tank, along with alterations in bodystyling. Looking back at the finest examples of the bikes from the Teens, it becomes clear that the merger of machinery and aesthetics was so original that Motosacoche can honestly be credited with building motorcycles that have stood the test of time.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: air-cooled 1000cc two-cylinder four-stroke

Fuel System: unique carburetor

Transmission: 3-speed

Suspension: parallelogram

Weight: 330 lb

Painted a classic racing green and decked out with a rakish sidecar, this Motosacoche 1000 from the late Teens shows just how beautiful a well-made bike can be.