SIMSON

50cc Duo 4/1 Tricycle - 1973

The poor man's Trabant!

East Germany was a major producer of powered two-wheelers between 1970 and 1990, thanks to the firms MZ, IWL and Simson, the inventor of this original auto-scooter – the Duo 4/1.

From Arms to Autos

Originally a small forge founded in the 1740s, Simson (based at Suhl in Thuringia) became a major arms manufacturer. It diversified into bicycles and, in 1911, automobiles.

From Luxury to Austerity

In the 1920s, the twin-cam two-liter Simson Supra was Germany's most advanced sports car. But in 1949, after the Communist takeover of East Germany, Simson was compelled to produce the AWO 250 shaft-driven motorcycles, then revived the Simson marque on utility 50cc scooters and cyclemotors. The Duo 4/1 used many components from the KR 51 scooter, launched the same year. It had a monocoque chassis and steel bodywork. The front wheel steered and the left rear wheel was driven by an enclosed chain. The engine, hung out in the open air, was a standard49cc unit. Robust and reliable, it was in-unit with a three-speed gearbox with a semi-automatic clutch. Ignition was by six-volt battery and coil, and the brakes were operated by pushing on the handlebars! The rider was well-protected, thanks to a large dashboard topped by a windshield and a removable softtop. The handling of this little tricycle was reportedly surprisingly pleasant, for the big wheels made this bizarre machine remarkably stable for two-up touring austerity style!

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 49cc (40x39.5 mm) air-cooled single-cylinder

Power Rating: 3.9 hp @ 5750 rpm

Valves: two-stroke

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 3-speed, semi-automatic clutch; chain final drive

Suspension: Earles-type leading-link fork (front); swing arm (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 2.75x20 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 551 lb

Maximum Speed: 37 mph

The economic master plan of the Communist East German regime restricted Simson to manufacturing utilitarian 50cc machines like this sub-utility three-wheeler.