Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/125830
Page 31 October 16, 1973 Y During the 1930s they produced some very good two-strokes, including 250 and 350cc enduro models that 'had four-speed footshift gearboxes. A new 125cc split-single was also designed in 1939 that remained in production until 1952. The model T developed 5.2 horsep9wer, but a faster sports model was available that churned out 7.5 horsepower. The 125 had a rigid frame, girder front fork, and a three speed gearbox. In 1949 the factory introduced their first post·war model called the TF, which was as modern as anything going then. This split-single 250 produced 12 horsepower in stock trim and 15 in sports trim, and it had a modern plunger suspension frame with a telescopic front fork. In 1951 new 125s appeared with a swinging·arm franie, and then in 1959 new 125 and 250cc enduro models made their debut. During the 1960.. Puch concentrated on improving their 125, 175, and 250cc split·singles, still using the design laid down by Marcellino forty years earlier. The split-single design was finally put The 1907 single had belt drive and developed 2% horsepower. to rest in 1965 when the first piston-port Puchs appeared, first in 50cc form and later 100, 125, and 175cc sizes, ;rhese singles were superb little bike's, and the works models gained many gold medals in such rugged tests as the ISDT, Puch has learned a great deal from ,their many years of enduro·trials and 125cc motocross efforts, so it surprised no one when they introduced new 125 and 175cc motocross models for 1973, This was followed by the announcement that Puch would contest the 1973 motocross and trials championships with official works bikes, which would be experimental 250 and 380cc models, There are also 125 and 175cc enduro models in the lineup this year, and other manufacturers around the world have u~ed and are still using Puch engines in their specialized dirt bikes, The 125cc engine has a bore and stroke of 55 x 52mm and churns out 19 horsepower at 9000 RPM. A Bing 30mm carburetor is used, as is a B,?sch magneto. The gearbox is a five speeder with ratios of 9,67, 12.36, 16,30, 21.42, and 33.86 to 1. The double·loop cradle frame has a 53.4 inch wheelbase using a Betor fork up front, while the tire sizes are 3,00 x 21" front and 3.50 x 18" rear. The dry weights are 209 pounds for the enduro and 202 pounds for the The 1936 "split single" sports model, with ~and shift three-speed. MX mo.del. The 175cc engine has a bore and stroke Jf 62 x 56mm, and, this model churns out 22 horsepower at 9000 RPM, A Bing 32mm carb is 'used, and the gear ratios are 80.90, 11.37, 14.84, 19.71, and 31.16 to 1. A larger 4.00 rear tire is used, but the frame is the same as the 125. The weights are 207 and 213 pounds on the two m.odels. The enduro comes with lights and a speedometer. The works bike~ ,are in the development stage this year, with the 250cc engine having a bore and stroke of 70 x 64mm, while the 380 has measurements 'of 83.5 x 70mm. The 250cc MX model develops 36 horsepower at 7200 RPM, while its bigger brother churns out 44 horsepower at around 6500 RPM. The carb 'size' is 34mm and- 36mm on these two engines, wh.ich use a Bosch electronic ignition and an Amal carburetor. The front forks are Spanish Betor, while the rear shocks are Dutch Konis. The works engines have been designed for ease of production at a later date, with the same magnesium crankcase used on both models. The gearbox will accept either five or six speed clusters, but the factory says that there is little need for the six spe.ed box. " ','C' In :in effort to gain some publicity £<;"1:,,, the..il.',.ClfRecte9, prod,"!$'tion m,?del~, ,'. '.. " A contemp\:>rary 125"CC'"Ol..0t,9Crb~er with ra'd,ial he13d and [l1ode(n goodie~. ~~~..... PE~hb..iredFinDisij"a.c;,e.qnMQ;~rn·torid~: __ .;,__ ~.~._ ·~.~~~.:"~~~~ •.._rr .: . . ::.F~-:;;: .. r.~~i;J:l~$'~:'!"'~·?-,".·:': ~.,:--:;.~~~:~~~~ . ~ ;. :/,.~ -~ ... _ _ ~ . • th.eir 2 5 (),'iri .al1~U;e w1lrla~Ol'!ship" ~"''';:;:'';;;;'"'-~~o::.:.-:''..;.,;o."";;;".,,, ~"""""";;;O;~~~;;;;'''''''1'!" ......--. ..;.._...",,,,'~.;;.'M.<~'l:much in its development stage; yet Palm developed marques, engine with extra flywheel weight next year, which should be available has succeeded in gaining, many fine The .trials models have also done added, and the carburetors are also next spring. places this season. The Puch so far qui te well for a' new prototype, with st:naller to improve low speed running, Puch is thus going about the work of seems to be exceptionally reliable, Walter Luft finishing in 18th place in The wide-ratio five speed boxes, shorter designing new trials and motocross bikes which is a good omen for, those the rugged Scottish Six Days Trial. Less wheelbase frames and alloy fuel tanks in a professional manner, lacking only potential customers around the world technical data is available on the trials appear, quite orthodox, and Puch the big splash made by the Japanese who must maintain their own machines. 125, 175, and 250cc models, which is appears to be making a great effort to factories. With some really top-flight The 380 has been ridden only in probably due to their being modified get the weigh t as low as possible riders they could well be a force to Austrian events by Walter Leitgeb, and during this season in the lights of what consistent with reliability. Puch intends reckon with in 1974, which would add it also seems to be very reliable but not is being learned in the trials events, to use their experience this year in even ,more color to the trials and quite 'liS fast as some of the more highly The trials bikes have a milder tuned designing their production trials bike for motocross scene. • :J: - w ._.