DKW
500 NZ 
DKW 500NZ
This is how the original DKW 500 NZ motorcycle,
manufactured in the years 1939-1941, looked.
What you see here, is my
motorcycle - 60 years old....and running.
The total number of the DKW
500 NZ that has left the assembly line in the years 1939 - 1941, has not exceed
4600 units.
It was
relatively small scale production, compared whit other model. Jest to give an
example: model NZ 350-1 ( military version) was produced in the total quantity
of 12.000, NZ-350 (a civilian version) - in the quantity of 45.000. Model KS
200 production totaled 58.600 pieces.
Full list produced models DKW is found below.
I've had my DKW 500 NZ for
over 20 years, out of which it stood idle for 15 years, unfit to drive – mainly
due to a damaged generator. I hadn't met anybody who could rewire it again.
Only after
purchasing a working generator, I undertook upon myself a challenge of
restoring my DKW 500 NZ. What a challenge it turned out to be!
It took
close to two years of my spare time, lots of patience, and an unequivocal
dedication to this venture. First, I took apart the motorcycle completely. I
disassembled the engine, as well as gear box. Then, after the engine's total
overhaul, I gave it a new paint and chromium-plated job. Thereafter, I
reassembled the engine. Hence, the work has been completed...
My DKW 500
NZ is distinct from its original looks in some aspects. The improvements had
been made by the previous owner. The suspension and engine haven't been
changed. Rear mudguard had been deepened, many chromium-plated stripes were
added to mudguards and suspension. Additional position-lights were added to the
front mudguard and trapezium.
Year of
1999 is the third season since the renovation. I drove it over a distance of
2500 km, without any serious difficulty. In 1999 I made approximately 2000 km
with my DKW without major problems – and what`s most important, we manageg to
return home on our from all our trips. The only problem I had to solve was how
to bring the ignition-system, in particular – the interrupters, to a fault-free
work. The idea of using an ignition system from the Trabant car did not work at
all. What turned out to be the solution to this problem? I went back to the
manufacturer's concept, and rebuilt the original interrupters. As a part of
preparations for the 2000 season I decided to change brushes in generator for
harder – graphite-coper ones. Whit soft (graphite) brushes, I had several
incidents last yer when commutator of the generator got dirty and in effect the
battery was not charged. I hope this change will end the above problems. I also
changed the battery from acid one to the service free gel battery. First mounth
of use in the last season proved that this was a right change. The most
important is that the problems with verdigrised battery terminals and power
cables are over.
The only remaining thing is from then
on... the pleasure of driving.
Basic technical
data:
Amount of
cylinders: 2 (placed crosswise)
Cc
(capacity) – 489 ccm
HP (horse
power) – 18,5 HP
RPM
(rotation per minute) – 4,200
Carburetor
– Amal Wn 76/456
Gears – 4
Front
suspension – trapezium with one-oil shock-absorber
Rear
suspension – spring-mounted absorbers working in solid grease
Fuel
consumption – 4,5 l/100 km
Weight –
195 kg
Fuel tank
capacity – 14 l
Total length
– 2200 cm
Tires –
3,50x19 (front exchangeable with rear)
Engine - two-stroke
Please
take a few moments, and see my DKW 500 NZ, year of production: 1940.
The present look.
After nearly 20 years of "waiting period"
for a total overhaul....
In the process of reassembling A year after the overhaul
Wermacht had used this type of
motorcycle during the II world war.
produced
of types of motorcycles DKW to 1945
More of photoes my motorcycle
1999 September
DKW
in Poland :
DK500 SB from 1939
Warszawa
DKW
in the Europe:
DKW 250 NZ from 1939
Heinz – Austria
mailto:h.schroedl@1012surfnet.at
DKW 500 NZ –
Finlandia -Kari Hyvättinen
Should
you have an interesting story or any information pertaining to this model, I
would like to hear from you. In particular, I would like to hear about any DKW
500 NZ ?
Any
interesting story to share? Please do not hesitate to use my e-mail page for
any information. Pictures are welcome, as well.
You may
contact me at:
http://www.mirab.com.pl/relacja - I
trampu motocykli DKW 2001
Please
feel free to visit on the pages:
http://www.mirab.com.pl - (my company's
page)
DKW - German page
dedicated to DKW
http://madmax.dip.pl/ -motorcycles
© MIRAB
& J&J 2000