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1978 Hercules Wankel 2000 Rotary Frame no. 480001348 Engine no. 7587318
1/10
Auctioneer has chosen not to publish the price of this lot
Dortmund, Europe
Description
1978 Hercules Wankel 2000 Rotary Frame no. 480001348 Engine no. 7587318 Please kindly note that this motorbike will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Dortmund: please contact eva.lengler@bonhams.com for booking. Although it would eventually prove a technological blind alley, the rotary engine seemed full of promise for automotive applications in the early 1970s. Three major motorcycle manufacturers released models using rotary engines: Suzuki, Norton and DKW. Introduced to the UK market in 1973, the latter's offering was the W2000 (marketed as the Hercules Wankel 2000 elsewhere), which was powered by a single-rotor Fichtel & Sachs snowmobile engine displacing 294cc. This fan-cooled unit drove via a six-speed transmission and was suspended from a tubular spine frame, while the rest of the cycle parts were entirely conventional for the time. It goes without saying that its rotary engine was vibration-less, but the little W2000 possessed other virtues: excellent build quality, superb handling, BMW-like rider comfort, and the convenience of an electric starter. Top speed was around 95mph. 'But even ignoring the novelty value of the unconventional power unit, it's an outstanding machine in its own right,' declared Bike magazine. Currently displaying a total of 5,516 kilometres on the odometer, this Hercules rotary comes with a 2001 purchase receipt; German Fahrzeugbrief (registration document); copy instruction manual; and a copy of Das Motorrad magazine featuring the model. The engine turns over. Key not required Footnotes: Please kindly note that VAT at the prevailing german rate (currently 19%) will be added to the buyer's premium which will be invoiced on a VAT exclusive basis. If you are planning to export, please make the department aware. Saleroom notices: A headlamp ignition key is required, but the machine is not offered with one. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing
Saleroom Notice:
A headlamp ignition key is required, but the machine is not offered with one.
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1978 Hercules Wankel 2000 Rotary Frame no. 480001348 Engine no. 7587318 Please kindly note that this motorbike will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Dortmund: please contact eva.lengler@bonhams.com for booking. Although it would eventually prove a technological blind alley, the rotary engine seemed full of promise for automotive applications in the early 1970s. Three major motorcycle manufacturers released models using rotary engines: Suzuki, Norton and DKW. Introduced to the UK market in 1973, the latter's offering was the W2000 (marketed as the Hercules Wankel 2000 elsewhere), which was powered by a single-rotor Fichtel & Sachs snowmobile engine displacing 294cc. This fan-cooled unit drove via a six-speed transmission and was suspended from a tubular spine frame, while the rest of the cycle parts were entirely conventional for the time. It goes without saying that its rotary engine was vibration-less, but the little W2000 possessed other virtues: excellent build quality, superb handling, BMW-like rider comfort, and the convenience of an electric starter. Top speed was around 95mph. 'But even ignoring the novelty value of the unconventional power unit, it's an outstanding machine in its own right,' declared Bike magazine. Currently displaying a total of 5,516 kilometres on the odometer, this Hercules rotary comes with a 2001 purchase receipt; German Fahrzeugbrief (registration document); copy instruction manual; and a copy of Das Motorrad magazine featuring the model. The engine turns over. Key not required Footnotes: Please kindly note that VAT at the prevailing german rate (currently 19%) will be added to the buyer's premium which will be invoiced on a VAT exclusive basis. If you are planning to export, please make the department aware. Saleroom notices: A headlamp ignition key is required, but the machine is not offered with one. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing
Saleroom Notice:
A headlamp ignition key is required, but the machine is not offered with one.
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Dortmund
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