I
t seems like everybody these
days is afraid of socialism
again, but history shows us
that everything from rock stars to
cars to electric guitars thrives in
a world of shared resources. Ron
-
nie Wood went from the Faces
to the Rolling Stones. Gretsch
guitars are owned by Fender, and
in a crazy family tree of automo
-
tive brands, Mercedes-Benz once
held the intellectual property
rights to American Motors. A
luxury Mercedes Gremlin is a
laughable idea, but a Javelin
Benz (with the optional 390
cubic-inch V8, pumping out 315
horsepower) would've shown
stiff-lipped Germans what a
real muscle car could do on the
Autobahn. Wunderbar!
GERMANY'S DKW
In 1972, the DKW 125
came in two versions: the
Hornet with a traditional
telescopic fork, and the
Motocross with its
unique springer fork.
Many still associate the
DKW with its unique
springer fork, which
Cycle News
said had its
advantages.
cubic-inch V8, pumping out 315
real muscle car could do on the
BOY'S WISH
While in Germany, be sure to
drive that imaginary automobile to
Zschopau, Saxony, the birthplace
of the DKW motorcycle. DKWs
have been gone for nearly 50
years, but in the 1960s and '70s,
it was not unusual to see these
unique machines near the front
of the motocross pack, especially
in the 125cc class. Cycle News
tested two DKW 125 models in
its August 22nd issue, way back
in 1972, right about the time that
Ronnie and the Faces were laugh
-
ing about poor ol' granddad.
In 2026, even the most discern-
ing MX fan will have a hard time
CNIIARCHIVES
P126
BY KENT TAYLOR
