AWO

AWO (Autowelo) resulted from the reorganization of industry in Soviet occupied East Germany following the end of WW2, and together with MZ was state-owned by the East German government. Production of AWO motorcycles began at the old Simson-Supra car factory in Suhl in 1949 with a range of 247cc four-strokes. During the 1950s the name was changed to Simson and from the 1960s onwards the firm concentrated on lightweight motorcycles of less than 100cc, leaving the larger-capacity classes to MZ. Its first introduction - the 247cc 425T - was, not surprisingly, BMW influenced, being an overhead-valve single with inline crankshaft and four-speed shaft drive transmission. The cycle parts comprised a tubular cradle frame equipped with telescopic front fork, plunger rear suspension and 180mm diameter brakes on both wheels. Maximum output was 12bhp at 5,550rpm and the top speed 62mph (100km/h).