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Konig 500 1973
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Make Model |
Konig 500 GP |
|
Year |
1973 |
|
Engine |
Konig Water cooled, four-cylinder
opposed-piston, longitudinal, 180°, two-stroke. Ro-tating-disk
distribution with one double-body Solex |
|
Capacity |
492.6 |
|
Bore x Stroke |
56 x 50 mm |
|
Compression Ratio |
|
|
Induction |
Displacement 492.6 cc. (56 mm. x 50 mm.) |
|
Ignition /
Starting |
|
|
Max Power |
85 hp. @ 10,000 rpm |
|
Transmission /
Drive |
4 Speed / chain |
|
Frame |
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Front Suspension |
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Rear Suspension |
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Front Brakes |
Drum |
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Rear Brakes |
Drum |
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Front Tyre |
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Rear Tyre |
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Dry-Weight |
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Fuel Capacity |
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Konig of Berlin produced a fine four-cylinder opposed-piston
motorcycle, and it performed better in trials than had been expected.
At the time, the idea of the Konig competing in the 500 class against the likes
of the three- and four-cylinder MV Agustas of Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read had
something quixotic about it. Despite the strength of its rivals, the Konig
company decided to enter its new motorcycle in the 1972 West German Grand Prix.
When Kim Newcombe rode the Konig 500 to a splendid third-place
finish in the competition, Konig decided to remain in racing.
In 1973 the Konig justified the company's optimism, becoming the first
motorcycle to beat the MV—driven by Agostini—in pure speed.
That same year Newcombe and hisKonig led in the 500-class world
championship—with Read and his MV close behind—until the running of the Dutch
Grand Prix, the seventh of the world championship races of the season. Newcombe
had to settle for second place in the championship, but he won the Yugoslavian
Grand Prix.
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