MÃœNCH

1200cc Mammouth -1971

A monster on two wheels

In the past, the quest for absolute power has created some amazing flights of technological fancy and daring construction methods. The Münch Mammouth is one of the most outstanding examples of this philosophy.

A Highway Dragster

The Mammouth arose out of the desire to build the most powerful machine of its day. Friedl Munch fitted the four-cylinder overhead-camshaft power unit of the NSU Prinz automobile into a frame designed by Jean Murit. Launched in 1000cc form at the 1966 Cologne show, the Mammouth rapidly became a 1200cc machine, with an 11 to 1 compression ratio. It developed 100 hp at 7500 rpm, while a TISE derivative reached 104 hp. Top speed was over 130 mph, while two twin-choke Weber carburetors promised the acceleration of a dragster. In fact, the max. power of the Mammouth remained ahead of its rivals for almost 20 years.

A Costly Exercise

Friedl Mnch equipped the Mammouth with a specially designed transmission and a cast magnesium rear wheel. To keep the weight down, the rear saddle/mudguard assembly, the headlamp fairing and the chaincase were also made of magnesium. The monster's braking was by a massive twin-leading-shoe drum at the front and a hydraulically actuated rear drum. Handmade using expensive materials, the Munch cost twice as much as other bikes in its class and production was restricted to a few hundred machines intended for the American market.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 1177cc (75x67mm) air-cooled transverse four-cylinder four-stroke

Power Rating: 88 hp @ 6600 rpm

Valves: overhead-camshaft

Fuel System: two twin-choke 40mm Weber carburetors

Transmission: 4-speed; multi-disc clutch; enclosed chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with twin spring/dampers (rear)

Brakes: twin-leading-shoe drum (front); hydraulic drum (rear)

Wheels: wire (front); cast magnesium (rear)

Weight: 551 lb

Maximum Speed: 130 mph

The Munch Mammoutb was tricky to ride, but offered outstanding performance for its day. Today it bas become a sought-after collector's item.