Puch Classic Motorcycle for Sale

Bicycle manufacturer, Puch, founded in 1899, launched their first motorcycle in Graz, Austria in 1903. Their extensive catalogue of post-war motorcycles and mopeds in particular, bearing a shield shaped badge with green and white quarters, were valued for their quality workmanship.

Early Puch Motorcycles

Puch motorcycles were sturdy, reliable and noted for their double piston, two stroke engines that became standardised in 1923. Six years later, the strength of the 250T model was put to the test when it was ridden across North Africa by Max Reisch. He then made the first overland journey to the Indian continent on a 1933 Type T. Reisch's father, Hans August, had no doubt inspired him by riding a very early Puch from 1904 across the Alps. The S4 was introduced in 1934, followed in 1935 by the 250R. The 1937 Puch 500 VL featured a sidecar manufactured by Felber. In 1939, the S4 became a military motorbike.

Post-War Puch Models

Financial support was needed from Fiat to relaunch Puch after WWII, with their new models, the 150TL and TF250 being introduced in 1952. Their first moped, the MS50 of 1952, was small and delicate in appearance, earning it the name of Baby Puch. The R125 and 175SV followed in 1953. The 1954 MS50 moped enjoyed enormous success due to its lightweight frame that was easy to manoeuvre. The most popular model of the late fifties was the Puch 125cc with a two stroke single engine that reached a maximum of 45 mph, making it ideal for commuters, while the performance of later versions was enhanced by the introduction of foot controls.

Later Puch Mopeds

Several models were launched in 1961 including the Alpine, an update of an earlier 1958 version, the Puch D50R and two scooters, the Cheetah and the more expensive D560R Scooterette. Puch launched several models that had three and four speed fan-cooled gearboxes, such as the Dakota VZ50 and the Florida MV50. The Arizona, and Monza M50 gearboxes were similar except they were air-cooled. One of Puch's most famous models was the Maxi S 49cc which had a two stroke single cylinder engine that attained a speed of 28mph/48kmh. Similar models were the Newport and the MS50D. The reliable Puch 250 SGS with a two stroke oil pump mechanism, was also known as the Twingle. Launched in 1953, it was brought to an end in 1970. By the eighties, Puch were considered a little dated and sales began to decrease leading to the complete closure of the motorcycle and moped production. The company was sold to Piaggio while the design of the Maxi appeared in India as the Hero, where it made impressive sales until production ceased in 2003.