Simson KR50

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Samson
Simson KR50 in hammer blow blue / gray (unrestored original condition from 1960)
Simson KR50 in hammer blow blue / gray (unrestored original condition from 1960)
KR50
Manufacturer: Vehicle and hunting weapons factory "Ernst Thälmann"
Construction time: 1958-1964
Number of pieces: 164,500
Previous model: -
Successor: Samson Swallow
Technical specifications
Engine : Single-cylinder two-stroke - gasoline engine
Displacement : 47.6 cm³
Performance : 1.5-1.7 kW at 5500 rpm
Gearbox : 2-speed
Drive : Chain
Empty weight : 63-68 kg
Power to weight ratio : 40.6 kg / kW
Top speed : 50 km / h
Brakes : Drums / drums
Tank capacity : 6.3 l
Fuel consumption : 2.5 l / 100 km
KR50 from 1960, side view
For comparison: Simson KR51 "Schwalbe"

The KR (small scooters) 50 was a disguised moped in Roller optics, the 1958 to 1964 a total of 164,500 times with Simson in Suhl was built (Thuringia). Design elements of the KR50 were clearly found in its successor, the KR51 "Schwalbe" .

history

The KR50 went into series production in 1958 after test samples of small scooters had been repeatedly presented in the GDR. As early as 1954, the Leipzig Rolf Berger presented the scooter Pünktchen with a displacement of 50 cm³ and an output of 1.3 hp. However, the vehicle did not go into series production. In 1955 a mini scooter with 50 cm³ and a top speed of 35 km / h was constructed in Leipzig, but it was also not produced in series. The Simson KR50 was the first small scooter in the GDR. Conceptually, the concept of a hybrid of mokick and scooter was chosen.

Originally, the construction of models SR1, SR2 and SR3 was planned in parallel for the second five-year plan, whereby the SR3 was understood to be a small scooter-like vehicle. In the end it turned out that way, with the production of the SR1 being discontinued in favor of the SR2. As early as 1956, the Jawa 50 with kick starter and footrests aroused the desire that Simson should produce a mokick. In fact, the KR50 came with a Kickstarter in 1958. It also had the well-known two-speed manual transmission and, as was common at the time, only offered space for one person. The sheet metal body of the scooter guarantees comprehensive protection against dirt. New compared to the moped was the remote control of the swab and choke, as well as the generous luggage rack, which should also be found on the Simson bird series. The removable fuel tap as theft protection, however, could not prevail. The KR50 was delivered in two colors - copper brown / beige and diaphane blue / gray - both with a kind of hammer blow . Because of the sheet metal-intensive cladding, the small scooter could only be produced in limited numbers compared to the SR2 moped model; a total of 164,500 vehicles were produced.

The engine manufacturer was VEB Büromaschinenwerk Sömmerda , which belonged to the Rheinmetall Group before the Second World War . The side covers of the engine still showed the word "Rheinmetall".

Facelift

In 1959, the front fork was equipped with long-stroke coil springs and a caster. The chain has been reinforced, thicker tires have been installed, the horn has been improved and more colors have been added to the range. From 1960 there were further innovations, including a tilt stand made of stamped sheet metal parts, replacing the tube stand. In the spring of 1962, a new rear wheel suspension was introduced from chassis number 82132. The friction-damped struts with 85 mm suspension travel, which were new at the time, were used for the first time . Compared to the previous undamped version, this represented a significant improvement, but the quality of hydraulic struts was not achieved. The front wheel guidance was also changed and taken over from the then current SR2E . Overall, the new fork and swing arm construction provided more driving safety and the spring travel increased by 12 mm more comfort. In this context, the vehicle mass decreased slightly. The larger taillight completed the package of changes in October 1962. There were also some modifications in 1963, on the outside these vehicles can be recognized by a sheet metal bead that replaced the tubular handlebar. In addition, the capacity of the tank was increased by half a liter to 6.8 liters, which resulted in a range of 270 km. A retuned muffler resulted in improved torque and a slight increase in output of 0.2 hp.

properties

The KR50 offered excellent weather protection. The outward appearance, however, did not correspond to that of a scooter, since the KR50 with the engine arranged in front, the rather high step-through and large 16 "wheels had more of the character of a sporty mock-up. Because of its feminine appearance, the KR50 was always advertised with women In particular, the rear paneling in the form of a simple sheet metal box was described as unsuccessful by the trade press.

Technical specifications

Parameter Simson KR50
engine Single cylinder - two-stroke engine with flat shank
cooling Airstream
starter kick
Displacement (cm³) 47.6
Stroke / bore (mm) 42/38
compression 7.5: 1; from 1963 8.5: 1
Power (hp / min) 2.1 / 5500; from 1963 2.3 / 5500
spark plug M14 / 225
Carburetor BVF central float carburettor NKJ 132-0; from 1963 NKJ 133-2
transmission Two-gear with manual transmission via Bowden cable (twist grip shift)
coupling Three- plate oil bath clutch
Tires 20x2.25; from 1963 16x2.50 DIN 7802
frame Double pipe
Brake front / rear Inner jaws
Front suspension Rocker arm with rubber buffers (50 mm spring travel); from 1959 short swing arm on coil springs (60 mm travel, from 1962 72 mm travel)
Rear suspension Swing arm with coil springs and rubber buffers (55 mm travel), from 1962 with friction-damped struts (85 mm suspension )
Dead weight (kg) 63; from 1963 68
permissible total weight (kg) 170
Top speed 50 km / h
Consumption (l / 100 km) 2.5
Tank capacity (l) 6.3
price 1150 marks from the German Central Bank (MDN); 1265 MDN with light alloy wheels and two-tone paintwork
construction time 1958-1964
number of pieces 164 500
Electrical system Flywheel magneto 15/18 W with light coil 6 V, 18 W
Others Headlights: 15/15 W, 6 V; Horn over two dry batteries

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Simson small scooter KR 50. , Motor vehicle technology 8/1958, pp. 304-305.
  2. ↑ Review of the 1954 technical fair. In: Motor vehicle technology 11/1954, p. 338.
  3. ↑ New mini scooter from Leipzig. In: Motor vehicle technology 3/1955, p. 91.
  4. ↑ Is the moped development appropriate? In: Automobiltechnik 5/1956, pp. 193–194.
  5. ↑ The state-owned motor vehicle construction at the Leipzig autumn fair in 1959 . In: Motor vehicle technology 9/1959, p. 369.
  6. ↑ The friction-damped struts on the Simson KR 50 . In: Motor Vehicle Technology 6/1962, pp. 239–241.
  7. ^ Simson products 1962. In: Motor vehicle technology 3/1962, pp. 118–120.
  8. ^ The small vehicles from Simson Suhl. In: Motor vehicle technology 4/1963, p. 133.
  9. ↑ Automotive technology assesses KR 51 “Schwalbe”. In: Motor Vehicle Technology 4/1964, pp. 147–150.

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