Description
Victoria 1925 “KR III“ 499 cc OHV flat twin frame # 16291 engine # 6202
Victoria was founded in 1886 as a bicycle manufacturer in Nürnberg, Germany. From about 1901 till 1966 motorcycles and mopeds were produced. In its early years Victoria fitted proprietary engines, mainly from Fafnir in Aachen. After a production stop during the 1914-1918 war, the company took up production in 1922 with a robust model, fitted for solo or sidecar work. This model, labelled KR I, was fitted with a proprietary 496 cc side valve flat twin engine from BMW. This model was quite successful, but when BMW started to construct its own motorcycles in 1923, Victoria had to revert to another power source. This was a 499 cc OHV flat twin with bore x stroke dimensions of 70,4 x 64 mm. The new engine was designed by former BMW engineer Martin Stolle and built by the firm of W. Sedlbauer in Munich. This model was designated KR II. In 1925 the KR II was succeeded by the KR III. This machine no longer had chain-cum-belt transmission but full chain transmission. The engine power was brought up from 9 to 12 hp @ 3600 rpm and a practical centre stand was fitted.
Early Victoria flat twins are much sought-after and this older restoration is a fine specimen. She comes with Noris magneto, Bosch lighting, Eisemann v-belt driven dynamo, sprung pillion seat and rear view mirror. There are three speeds on board and the stopping power is provided by an internal expanding rear brake.