German Military Motorcycles: An Unforgettable Part of World War II

During World War II, motorcycles played a significant role in the German military's operations. Various models were utilized, with the BMW R75 and Zundapp KS750 being the most notable. The article explores the production, use, and impact of these motorcycles, offering a detailed look at their importance during the conflict.

Production and Types of Motorcycles

Estimates suggest that approximately 500,000 motorcycles were produced for the German military throughout the war. The BMW R75 alone accounted for about 18,000 units, while the Zundapp KS750 produced about 20,000 units.

Over 200,000 motorcycles were manufactured to deliver dispatches and mail, participate in reconnaissance missions, and act as part of tank hunter teams with Panzerfausts and fire support for infantry with sidecar-mounted machine guns (MGs). The Mercedes-Benz (MB), BMW, DKW, NSU, Triumph, and Zundapp were the principal manufacturers in Germany and occupied territories.

Design and Capabilities

The motorcycles were designed to be highly maneuverable, capable of navigating through almost any terrain. However, their effectiveness was significantly reduced in adverse weather conditions, such as mud and snow. In the Russian winter of 1941, many motorcycle troops froze to death as their vehicles could not move forward and provided no shelter. Snowdrifts outside Stalingrad also posed a significant challenge.

The BMW R75, designed between 1939 and 1941, proved to be a remarkable success. Its crankshaft-driven sidecar produced an impressive 52 miles to the U.S. gallon and a range of 225 miles. Its carrying capacity of over 1000 pounds, close to its own 929-pound weight, added to its utility. The motorcycle featured a 745cc air-cooled four-stroke overhead valve twin-cylinder engine and an 8-speed transmission with two reverse gears.

Impact and Legacy

By 1938, approximately 200,000 motorcycles were produced in Germany and occupied territories. These motorcycles played a crucial role in various military operations, including reconnaissance, delivering dispatches and mail, participating in tank hunter teams, and providing support to infantry. They were also used by the Military Police (MPs) and the Gestapo for patrolling and intelligence gathering, hauling ammunition and hot meals, carrying the wounded, and performing police duties across occupied Europe.

The BMW R75 was procured by the U.S. Army, leading to the production of a similar machine, the Harley Davidson 750cc XA, after reverse engineering the R71. The "Type Russia" R75 with its crankshaft-driven sidecar proved to be virtually unstoppable until encountering snowdrifts outside Stalingrad. It saw extensive service from the Arctic Circle to the sands of North Africa, from 1939 to 1941, and its legacy continues with enthusiast motorcycles fetching as much as $45,000.

Zundapp's KS 750, produced from 1940 to 1941, was also a key military motorcycle. With a claimed power of 26hp and a top speed of about 60mph, it featured a 751cc overhead valve air-cooled opposed twin engine and could carry a payload of up to 500kg. Its weight was 920 pounds, and it boasted a range of 225 miles and 420kg (926lb) in weight.

Conclusion

German military motorcycles were a vital component of the war effort, providing critical support across various fronts. Their versatility, despite the challenges posed by adverse weather and terrain, underscored their importance in the fight. Today, these motorcycles stand as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of German engineers and the indomitable spirit of the German military during World War II.

References:

BMW R75 specifications and history Zundapp KS750 military motorcycle models World War II military motorcycles.

Note: This content is intended for educational purposes and historical research. For more detailed information, please refer to official military archives and historical publications.