Post Listing Update: This Victoria did not get any interest at the opening ask of $5,600.
One of Norbert Riedel’s many contributions to the world of motorcycling was the design of the Victoria Swing, named for the fact that the motor was directly connected to the swingarm – it would rise and fall with the rear suspension! In addition, the Swing featured a push button shifter that utilized electromagnets. The Swing also offered an electric starter way before it was a common option, but that seems pedestrian in light of the first two points! It’s an incredibly rare bike in the US, but Rob B has found one in Florida for those of you looking for a true oddball in your collection.
Photo from Bernie’s Bike Shed – https://berniesbikeshed.wordpress.com/viktoria-kr21-swing-motorcycle-with-electric-gear-change/
The engine is a 197cc two-stroke single which is connected to a four speed transmission. A fully enclosed chain transfers power to the rear wheel. The shifting system had buttons on the left handlebar controls that let the rider select which gear he or she would like to use. Per Bernie’s Bike Shed:
“Four doughnut-shaped electro magnets are arranged in line around the draw-key shaft.
When a button is pressed on the selector, one of the four magnets energizes and pulls a cylindrical barrel threaded onto the end of the shaft into the position needed to engage the individual gears…the gears are engaged by detent balls arranged within their hubs, pushed outward by a bulb-shaped wedge on the end of the selector shaft to lock the gear. Neutral is selected by activating both the 1st and 2nd gear magnets, which will hold the wedge between the two positions and allow the gears to freewheel. While ingenious and unique, the system can be fragile and prone to failure, easily accomplished if the rider selects the wrong gear at the wrong time.”
It’s a fascinating bike with some creative design ideas (for better or worse). For more on Riedel and his legacy in the world of motorcycling, check out this article on Odd Bike.
This example has 15,361 miles and the seller suggests it should be in a museum. He/she has had it in a temperature controlled collection on display but has never tried to use it beyond running it on the centerstand and shifting through the gears several years ago. In his/her words, “I have no key but a Jawa key I have seems to energize the ignition at least.” There’s also a few minor issues with the bike: the exhaust isn’t correct, the seat has been repaired, the kickstarter has been welded onto the input shaft, and the black engine cover is a reproduction.
Find this Victoria Swing for sale in Williston, Florida with an unmet opening bid of $5,600
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Rob B!