4 Strokes ... How did they get in?

After the end of World War II, the BMW plant in Eisenach found itself in the Soviet occupation zone. However this didn't stop the Soviets producing bikes badged as BMW until 1952 when a lawsuit from the West German BMW company forced a change of name. They must have thought long and hard to come up with the new name and tank badge

Pre 1952

Post 1952

So BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) became EMW (Eisenach Motorenwerk)

Anyway enough of the history lesson. I have a search set up on eBay looking for East Bloc motorcycles and one day up popped an EMW R35. Looking further I found out that the seller also had BMW R35 and an IFA BK350. Seeing that the bikes were in Southampton I bid on, and won, all 3 so I could fill the transit my ever suffering girlfriend would have to drive (didnt get round to getting a car licence till 2005, but thats another story). And thats why there are now a couple of 4 strokes to be restored!

1949 BMW (SAW) R35 ( rigid rear end and hand change and with an "aftermarket" Magneto bolted on the front of the engine!)

1954 EMW R35/2 ( plunger rear foot change, painted with a yard brush indicators and clock from a russian truck!)

The BK350 was sold on to MARK and is now with its new owner Alasdair ( Ive already got one, with a Stoye 1 sidecar if only I can find it!)