KS-80: the latest model from the legendary Zündapp brand

In 1980, at the behest of the Federal Environment Agency, the German motorcycle manufacturer Zündapp began looking for ways to reduce noise emissions. The growing public discontent was directed primarily at mopeds, which had no engine speed limits. The subsequent decline in their sales led to the creation of a new class, defined as a "light motorcycle", with a maximum displacement of 80 cc and a top speed of 80 km/h. Zündapp thus developed its first light motorcycle, called the "KS-80", with its performance and price corresponding to the upper end of the new class magazin de piese auto online.

KS-80: the latest model from the legendary Zündapp brand

In addition to the basic model, which was available in silver or golden orange, there was also the KS 80 Touring version without a fairing, with raised handlebars and a brown metallic finish. Later, the range was expanded with the more affordable K 80 version, as well as the higher-end KS 80 Super and KS 80 Sport versions.

The Zündapp KS 80 is equipped with a single-cylinder, water-cooled, two-stroke engine that is integrally connected to the transmission. In the die-cast, double-walled cylinder, the coolant circulates between the inner wall and the circular intermediate wall. The displacement is 77 cc (piston stroke 47 mm and cylinder diameter 46 mm), and the maximum power reaches 8.7 hp (6.4 kW) at 6,000 rpm.

with a compression ratio of 11.2:1. The maximum torque of 10.8 Nm is achieved at 5500 rpm. The cooling system is thermosyphon, which eliminates the need for a pump. The carburetor is a Bing 21/20/105 type, with the intake air cleaned by a paper air filter positioned under the right side cover. With this model, Zündapp introduced a new 5-speed gearbox for the first time, thus achieving significantly faster gear changes. The engine is started with a kick starter.

The motorcycle has a cast light alloy frame with a central tube. The front wheel is mounted on a hydraulically damped Marzocchi telescopic fork with springs. The rear wheel is mounted on a tubular swingarm and is supported by three-stage adjustable, hydraulically damped spring-damper units. The robust main structure allows for a high permissible total weight of 300 kg. The 1.60×17 inch aluminum wheels are equipped with reinforced tires. The motorcycle is equipped with a hydraulically actuated 220 mm diameter disc brake at the front and a 150 mm diameter drum brake actuated by a rod at the rear.

Electricity is provided by a contactless, 6-volt, capacitor-type ignition unit from Motoplat. The 35-watt circuit directly powers the main headlight, which is equipped with a 35-watt double filament bulb. The second 30-watt generator circuit powers the taillight, brake light and instrument lighting. The third 13-watt circuit powers the turn signal system, which, through a special function, controls the front and rear turn signals sequentially. By halving the maximum current, line and contact losses are minimized, ensuring that the turn signal is clearly visible despite the low 6-volt voltage.

The Zündapp KS 80 was the last model in the history of the legendary German brand, which was produced from 1981 to 1983. The company's bankruptcy was announced in August 1984 by managing director Dieter Neumeier (grandson of its founder). On October 26 of the same year, the production facilities were sold to the Chinese company Tianjin Motorcycle Co. for 16 million German marks (8.2 million euros). The production of Zündapp mopeds and small motorcycles continued in Portugal until the end of the 1990s.

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In addition to the basic model, which was available in silver or golden orange, there was also the KS 80 Touring version without a fairing, with raised handlebars and a brown metallic finish

The Zündapp KS 80 is equipped with a single-cylinder, water-cooled, two-stroke engine that is integrally connected to the transmission