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 Zündapp - 350 DS
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Zündapp DS motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
2619

Capacity : 350
Model : DS
Production : 1938 - 1940
Category : (R) Street Bike

ZÃœNDAPP

DS350 - 1938

The white elephant of the family

Though another Zündapp, the KS601, was known by the nickname "Green Elephant," the DS350, launched in 1938, turned out to be the white elephant of the family. It had no historical or technical relationship with any other Zündapp model. Its one great claim to fame was a matter of sheer chance: When, in October 1938, Zündapp built its 200,000th motorcycle, the milestone machine just happened to be a DS350.

Improved Cooling

This machine was distinguished by its engine, which had its pushrods positioned at the front and back of the cylinder, instead of at the side, which was more common. This gave better cooling, which was important for a machine intended principally for off-road use. Moreover, two camshafts allowed the use of short pushrods, enabling higher revs to be used. That was vital to a sport machine like the DS, the first Zündapp with pedal-selected gears.

Aircraft Technology

The valve gear technology came from contemporary aviation engines developed by Zündapp that set a number of speed and altitude records shortly before WWII. The frame of the DS350 fell midway between the marque's lightweight and heavyweight machines. The cradle was made from two welded pressed-steel units and the rest of the frame consisted of tubular elements. Despite a competitive price and excellent performance, the DS350 was in production for only a short time. In March 1940, manufacture of private motorcycles ceased.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 346cc (72x85 mm) air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke

Power Rating: 17.5 hp @ 5200 rpm

Valves: overhead-camshaft

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 4-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: girder forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 3.25 inch wire (front & rear)

Weight: 320 lb

Maximum Speed: 65 mph

The DS350 was an all-new design whose career was cut short a few months after the German declaration of war at the end of 1939.




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.