Classic EUROPEAN 125s

IN A EUROPE DEVASTATED BY THE SECOND

World War, cheap transport for the masses was an essential part of the rebuilding process. The small capacity motorcycle was just what was needed to get things going again.

At first these bikes were lightly updated versions of the prewar models, mostly two-stroke singles and basic. After all, the majority of companies had been working on other things during the previous few years. Each country quickly developed a style of their own – Eastern European manufacturers set up behind the Iron Curtain made simple, solid, machines that could be fixed with an adjustable spanner and a hammer, often based on the German DKW 125 design. The Italians started off with simple machines, but quickly saw the style split between Lambretta and Vespa scooters, and delicious little sports bikes. The Spanish Fascist dictatorship imposed stiff import conditions which protected their native industry, while the West Germans built ever more sophisticated lightweights. Unless you are in the market for something rare and desirable, prices are reasonable, ranging from a few hundred pounds for a running project up to a few thousand for something in good, rideable condition.

The biggest problem you are likely to have with a European 125 is spares availability. While Eastern European bikes changed little, the Italians built massive numbers of bikes, all featuring different engine designs and cycle parts, though the Italians did have the benefit of a strong support industry for electrical components and instruments. These bikes trickled into the UK, so if you are looking for parts then the internet is your friend, as is a passing knowledge of Italian or Spanish.

AUSTRIA

Puch

 Well known in the UK for their high-quality step-thru and sports mopeds, Austrian manufacturer Puch did try to market their M125 roadster in the mid-1960s. A smart little machine, heavy on the chrome and well made, raved about the M125 in 1968, thrashing the two-stroke single 2000 miles from the UK to Graz in Austria and back again in three days, down German autobahns and over the Alps, throttle against the stop most of the way at an average speed of 58mph. The tester reportedly tried to break the Puch but couldn’t. Parts are available but finding a M125 will be tricky. Prices for a good one are in