Zündapp

The company Zünder-Apparatebau-Gesellschaft mbH was founded on September 17, 1917 by Fritz Neumeyer together with the Thiel brothers (clock and tool makers) and Friedrich Krupp A.G. (a steel manufacturer).

In the 1970s, Zündapp only supplied light motorcycles, but selling Mopeds, Mofas and Mokicks in Germany was becoming increasingly difficult. The introduction of compulsory helmets in 1978 caused sales to drop, as did the introduction of compulsory liability insurance. Moreover, Zündapps were much more robust, but therefore also much more expensive than other mopeds and light motorcycles.

In the 1970s, Zündapp continued to build on the 517 series. The GTS 50 models were more modern and sleeker in design, but had broadly the same, now air-cooled engines. They came on the market in different versions. In 1973 Zündapp introduced the GTS 50 Super and the water-cooled version of this Dutch moped. In 1976 the water-cooled version of the popular KS 50. 

was introduced

In the 1980s, a number of updated models were released, with the Hai 50, in particular, standing out with its shark teeth stickers in street and enduro versions. Due to changed German legislation, 80cc models were built, which also participated in the World Road Race Championship . Stefan Dörflinger won the 80cc title in 1984 on his Zündapp, while Zündapp also won the constructors title. However, the market for light motorcycles and mopeds had meanwhile been taken over by Japanese competition.