The History of DKW Motorcycles

DKW 

DKW, short for Dampf-Kraft-Wagen (Steam-Powered Car), was founded by Danish engineer Jorgen Skafte Rasmussen in 1916 in Zschopau, Germany.

Initially focused on steam-powered vehicles, DKW became one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, playing a significant role in shaping the global motorcycle industry in the early to mid-20th century.

Early Beginnings and Innovations (1916–1930s)

Rasmussen originally intended to develop a steam-powered vehicle, but the project didn’t succeed. In 1919, he shifted to producing a small two-stroke engine called the “Des Knaben Wunsch” (The Boy’s Wish), which was later adapted for use in motorcycles.

By 1922, DKW had launched its first successful motorcycle, the Reichsfahrt modell powered by a 142cc two-stroke engine.

What set DKW apart during this period was its dedication to two-stroke engine technology, which was simpler, cheaper, and easier to maintain than four-stroke engines. This made DKW motorcycles affordable and reliable, contributing to their widespread popularity.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, DKW refined its two-stroke technology, making it a leading producer of small and medium-sized motorcycles.

The introduction of the RT 125 in 1939, a lightweight and efficient motorcycle, became one of the most iconic models of the era. Its design was so influential that after World War II, it was copied by motorcycle manufacturers in various countries, including the U.S. and the U.K.

Expansion and the Nazi Era (1930s–1940s)

By the 1930s, DKW had become one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers, producing hundreds of thousands of units each year. Its racing division also excelled, winning numerous championships with advanced two-stroke technology.

DKW’s motorsport success helped solidify its reputation as an innovative leader.

However, DKW's fortunes became closely tied to Nazi Germany. As World War II loomed, the company was heavily involved in producing military motorcycles for the German army.

During the war, DKW manufactured a wide range of military models, including the NZ 350 and RT 125, which were used by the Wehrmacht.

Post-War Challenges and Division (1945–1950s)

After World War II, DKW faced significant challenges. Its factories were located in the Soviet-occupied zone of Germany, and the Zschopau plant was dismantled by the Soviets as war reparations.

As a result, the company was split into two entities: the eastern Zschopau-based DKW, which later became MZ (Motorradwerk Zschopau), and a new DKW operation in West Germany under the Auto Union umbrella.

The West German DKW resumed motorcycle production in Ingolstadt, Bavaria. In 1949, they introduced the RT 125 W, a continuation of their pre-war RT 125 model. However, DKW struggled to regain its pre-war dominance due to a more competitive market and the rising popularity of four-stroke engines, which began to overshadow DKW’s two-stroke designs.

Decline and Merger with Auto Union (1950s–1960s)

The 1950s were marked by a slow decline for DKW. Although they produced notable models like the RT 200 and RT 250, DKW motorcycles were increasingly seen as outdated compared to the newer, more powerful machines from competitors.

Despite these challenges, DKW continued to innovate, producing scooters and mopeds to capitalize on the post-war European demand for affordable transport.

In 1958, DKW became part of the Auto Union brand, which also included other marques like Audi, Horch, and Wanderer. Auto Union was eventually acquired by Daimler-Benz in the early 1960s, further integrating DKW into a larger automotive conglomerate.

The final chapter for DKW motorcycles came in 1966, when Auto Union was sold to Volkswagen, and the DKW brand was phased out in favor of Audi. While DKW continued to produce small two-stroke cars under the Auto Union badge, its motorcycle production ceased.

Legacy and Impact

Although the DKW brand no longer exists, its influence on the motorcycle industry is profound. The RT 125’s design was replicated by major manufacturers worldwide, including BSA (Bantam), Harley-Davidson (Hummer), and Yamaha (YA-1). DKW’s commitment to two-stroke technology also paved the way for future advancements in small-engine design.

DKW's rise as one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers, its contributions to two-stroke engineering, and its motorsport legacy remain a testament to the brand's lasting impact on the industry. 

Despite the brand's disappearance, DKW’s engineering principles and innovation still echo in modern motorcycles today.

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