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 AWO (Simson) - 250 type 425 course
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AWO (Simson) type 425 course motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
3812

Capacity : 250
Model : type 425 course
Production : 1951 -
Category : (R) Racing

AWO

Type 425S – 1955

BMWÂ’s Eastern Bloc doppelganger

One of the lesser consequences of the partition of Germany in 1949 was the creation of a motorcycle industry peculiar to East Germany, though its products always retained a family resemblance to those of West Germany.

A Counterfeit R25

The AWO 425 of 1955, built by the VEB Simson works of Suhl where Simson-Supra cars were constructed in the 1920s, strongly resembled the BMW R25 (13 hp at 5800 rpm and 74 mph). The resemblance stopped with the starting method: conventional kick-starter on the AWO, transverse kick-starter on the BMW. The AWO also cost 25 percent less than the BMW R25/3, while many other details betrayed its Eastern Bloc origins, like the BVF (Berliner Vergaser Fabrik) slide-throttle carburetor, the Isolator spark plug, the IKA dynamo and the excessively grippy Riesa tires.

And a Real AWO

The A WO raced at both Hockenheim and the Nürburgring, but it was neither particularly fast nor particularly powerful, so it had little chance of success against the rival NSU Rennsport, DKW or Adler machines. The BMW's Eastern Bloc doppelganger racing engines were derived from a midly tuned 425 "sport" version developing 14 hp at 6300 rpm against 12 hp for the standard 425. Launched in 1957, this new 425S was markedly more modern with an improved cylinder head and — specially — swing arm rear suspension and 18 inch wheels; the BMW style had gone for good.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 245cc (68x68mrn) air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; magneto ignition

Power Rating: 12 hp@ 5500 rpm

Valves: overhead

Fuel System: carburettor

Transmission: 4-speed left foot selector; emergency hand-shift lever on right; shaft final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); plunger (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 3.25xl9 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 309 lb

Maximum Speed: 62 mph

This AWO has been stripped for competition use, and the capable cover in front of the engine that normally shielded the magneto and dynamo has been removed.




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.