What is this man riding? No, this is not a home-built scooter. It is a manufacturer's serial production model. Name the manufacturer and you will be declared our newest Motohistory Know-It-All, complete with personalized diploma. Be careful! It may not be what you think it is.
Motohistory Exclusive: The Killinger & Freund Confirmed; Photographed in the United States! (4/30/2010)
Last month we learned a lot about the Killinger & Freund when we chose it as a Motohistory Quiz. We learned that while it is one of the most unusual motorcycles in the world—only a single prototype is known to exist—it is one of the best known. We received a flood of correct answers for the quiz, far more than we had received for any previous quiz. The K&F is the source of interesting rumors, one being that it was sold by a U.S. collector to a man in Germany years ago, but its whereabouts in Germany is not known. However, the truth is that it is still in the United States, and Motohistory was given the opportunity to photograph it, provided we would not disclose its location or who currently has custody of it.
The Killinger & Freund Memorialized in Art
Even with no knowledge or interest in the amazing and unorthodox engineering that lies beneath the skin of the K&F, one’s imagination is excited by its visual impact alone. This was the case for artist Rolf Biebl, who placed a bronze sculpture of the motorcycle in his “Well of Generations,” located in Berlin. He memorializes not only the futuristic K&F but has also included a sculpture of a motorcyclist, a clear testimony to its beauty and appeal to the modern eye.
Killinger & Freund: Notes from a Designer
The 1938 Killinger & Freund may just be the finest example of streamlined style of the era. It showcases how designers of the time were influenced by the idea of streamlining but often did not fully grasp the concept's practicalities. The "streamline style" captivated public imagination without offering genuine aerodynamic benefits, especially when a rider was aboard the motorcycle.
The Brough Superior Inline Four
George Brough's ultimate expression of motorcycling luxury was his series of four-cylinder designs. Despite their incredible engineering and luxury features, like electric starting, none of Brough's four-cylinder machines reached the market success of more affordable options of the time. The history of these motorcycles remains a fascinating sidebar to the evolution of motorcycling luxury and performance.
New Motorsportsfilms Website Launched
Dick Lague, known for producing exceptional ISDE documentaries, has unveiled Motorsportsfilm.com. Here, enthusiasts can preview and purchase the best collection of automotive and motorcycle DVDs from around the world, keeping the love for motorsports alive through visually stunning and historically significant storytelling.
Events like Vintage Motorcycle Days and the stories of motorcycles like the Killinger & Freund prove that traveling through time on the wings of motohistory isn't just possible—it's inevitable. Within the pages of history, riders find themselves journeying back to the roots of motorcycle design and culture, reminding us all why we love the freedom of the open road. Whether navigating the modern highways on the latest superbike or riding a slice of history, the spirit of moto exploration beats strong in the heart of every enthusiast.
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