Zündapp KS 601: A Legend on Wheels: A Legend on Wheels

"Zundapp KS601: A Legend-The 'Green Elephant'" by Reiner Scharfenberg is a focused and well executed historical profile of the amazing Zundapp KS601 motorcycle from the now legendary German firm.While the text is clearly translated with this book, it reads incredibly well and is quite informative. Scharfenberg covers the entire development of the KS601, from Fritz Neumeyer's initial concept idea through to the ancestry of the type including mentions of contemporary competition from BMW and bikes that were manufactured for the German military effort during the Second World War. Development of the machine and its status throughout the post war years long after production ended is also included.The photos in this publication are exceptional, and include several color photos of a cutaway model of the KS601 that was displayed at the 1952 IFMA show. Advertisements from Zundapp for the KS601 are also included, as well as many full page black and white images taken by the factory. Racing is discussed via a photo archive manner, and the captions are well written and informative to the reader.Any motorcycle enthusiast will find this book to be of exceptional interest. While many books have been published on a variety of German marques, I don't know of any other publications off hand that offer the focus on one particular model by Zundapp. While German motorcycle buffs will go nuts for this book, it truly is a publication that would serve well in any motorcycle enthusiast's library.

The only English language book on the Zundapp KS 601. interesting pictures and test, well worth the low price.