1949 Other Makes CSEPEL 125 CC

573078

Clear

1949 CSEPEL 125 ccSINGLE CYLINDER TWO-STROKE MUSEUM QUALITY VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE WIN: 573078 ENGIN NO.: 961361 THE JEWEL OF THE BLUE DANUBE It is so rare, it might just be the only one in the U.S.A. From the cradle of motorcycle manufacturing, came the famous two stroke design from DKW. It was so good and relatively easy to build, many European factories emulated this design and with their own twist they built their own motorcycle models. We already know this as a fact that even the Japanese two strokes were developed from this design. Needless to say that they perfected it, until regulations put an end to it. SHORT HISTORY OF THE MANUFACTURER Johann Strauss did not invent the Blue Danube, but he did romanticize it way beyond its tributaries. While millions of people in all European countries danced on his famous waltz, engineers were inspired by his celestial music. The West-Germans built the DKW-s, the East-Germans built the MZ-s. The Checkoslovakians built the JAWA-s and the CZ-s. The Hungarians built the Csepel-s and the PANNONIA-s. The Russians built the IZS-s and the URAL-s (not a two-stroke, but a copy of the venerable BMW). I, intentionally and perhaps ignorantly missed a few, but the above mentioned, I rode myself, or came to have known them by personal experiences. Once upon a time, there was a big factory in Budapest, Hungary. It was called Weiss Manfred, and they had a workforce of 30,000 people. Between WWI and WWII they built motorcycles, among many household items and other goods, even airplanes. The factory was located on Csepel Island, therefore it was renamed under the communist years as Csepel Metal Works (I started my apprenticeship there in 1957). The late 1940s, they produced 100 cc and 125 cc motorcycles (see pictures of my 1949 125 CSEPEL) , and in the 1950s they came out with the 250 cc, named CSEPEL. In the 1960s they focused on the 250 cc single cylinder two-stroke model named PANNONIA (a Roman province in Central-Europe, where Attila the Hun ruled and roamed the land). In 1975, the motorcycle division closed its doors, ceasing the manufacturing motorcycles all together, but the factory remained open for some time. SHORT (PERHAPS LONG) STORY OF THIS BIKE In 1949, when this little motorcycle came into existence, I was only 6 years old. The factory produced only 9,346 of them. In Hungary, after WW II, doctors needed reliable and inexpensive transportation, and there it was. Of course, the wealthier segment of the population followed course, and this is how I had my first encounter with it. One day, when I was about 8 years old, my brother showed up at our house riding one these little beauties. He borrowed it from his wife’s cousin, who happened to be one of those fortunate “wealthier” individuals. Needless to say, I was longing for a ride behind him, on the pillion. I was devastated when he never offered me that ride. In my desperation, I jumped on it, hoping for the best, but instead of having a joyride, he admonished me, and ordered me off. In my raging disappointment, I swore to myself that I will take a revenge, when I’ll grow up. Indeed, I did. I bought a 50 cc Hungarian made scooter, when I was seventeen, and in 1963, I bought a 250 cc single cylinder Pannonia, my first real motorcycle, and this bike remained in my possession until I left Hungary for the United States. In my twenties, I owned a 250 cc Jawa and a 250 cc Hungarian made vertical twin, the 1972 Pannonia P-20. My brother, who never owned a motorcycle, often expressed his desire to borrow my bikes. I never budged, and my brother was not allowed to ride any of my motorcycles. For the sweetest revenge, I did not reveal him my real reason, but he was, perhaps still is, furious about it. In 1970, I immigrated to the United States, and often thought and dreamed about the little Csepel and those two Pannonias. As the follow-up of a freakish dream, I have found a 1965 250 cc single cylinder WHITE motorcycle at the Pomona Swap Meet (at that time I did not know that Jack White an American entrepreneur sold Pannonia motorcycles here in the U.S.A., under his own name: WHITE). My son and I, instantly recognized this bike from its distinctive features, even though, it was heavily modified and disguised. Since then, I bought three more 250 cc singles. In a feverish desire, and a complete fulfilment of my revenge, I purchased this very 1949 125 cc CSEPEL, together with a 1972 PANNONIA P20 from a Hungarian restorer (unseen). These two bikes were shipped to me, and I quickly obtained titles and registered them here in California. Even though, I have been riding big, powerful and modern motorcycles, this little bike puts a grin on my face every time I ride it. In 2000, this 1949 125 cc CSEPEL won 3RD , and my 1972 PANNONIA P20 won 2nd place at the Del-Mar Concourse d’Elegance Show in the Continental European Division. My 1965 250 cc single cylinder Pannonia that I restored, won 3rd place at Del Mar, one year earlier. I ride my Hungarian vintage bikes regularly, on one of them I rode from Los Angeles to Death Valley twice. I attended the British Hansen Dam Ride regularly for the last 15 + years. I ride my bikes to local meeting places, like the Rock Store in Malibu Canyon and Newcombs Ranch in Angeles Crest. They are guaranteed headturners. This little CSEPEL went to the Rock Store only once, and remained a local short distance rider. In all honesty, this bike should not be ridden any more, but should be reserved for posterity for future generations. This 1949 CSEPEL 125 cc is 66 years old and is registered in California as a HISTORICAL VEHICLE. It has a clear title and the registration is valid until 2015 AUGUST I prefer to sell this bike locally, and I think the buyer should see it in person. I will not arrange for shipping. If you are planning to buy it without seeing it, please ask questions! My reserve price is less than what I invested in this bike, and I may consider selling it with a loss. RECENT ADDITIONS OR MODIFICATION 1. An extra engine, recently rebuilt in Hungary, is now in the frame, but the original engine goes with the bike. 2. Rear sprocket was replaced with 6 teeth larger, but original goes with the bike. 3. Added rear view mirror for a safer ride, but could be removed for original look. 4. Replaced original spokes with new stainless steel by Buchanan 5. Replaced front and rear inner tubes and tires with new, period correct tires. Still have one original, Cordatic tire for show. 6. An extra magneto plate is included with new ignition coil and breaker points, and both magneto wheels are re-magnetized. NOTE This bike should be placed in a museum or in a private collection, but could be ridden daily. This bike might have some minor imperfections, but it is almost perfect, considering the fit and finish of the original bike. I included a picture of this bike at the show at Del Mar, California. Mileage listed is not real. This motorcycle does not have an odometer. Original mileage unknown. New engine has approximately 150 miles