Suzuki 50cc RM62 works racer & Ernst Degner – 1962 World Champion - motorcycle

Description

A superb and rare photo taken during the
Isle of Man T.T.
in
1962
. A
really great shot of one of motorcyclings great riders and engineers,
Ernst Degner
on one of the greatest bikes of all times, the amazing
8 speed
50cc Suzuki RM62 two stroke Works racer
. Ernst Degner would
win
the race in a time of
1:00.
16.4, averaging a speed of
75.12 mph
(
120.89 km/h
)
AND
he became the
1962 50cc World Champion
with the photographed machine!
The Suzuki RM62 works racer of 1962 has some interesting specs:
Engine type: Air-cooled 49.64 cc single cylinder rotary valve 2-stroke. 8 hp/ 10.500 rpm.
Bore x stroke: 40.0 x
39.5 mm
Carburetor type: M22
Compression ratio: 9:1
Top speed: 145 kph
Clutch type: Dry multiple plates
Transmission: 8 speeds
Tyres: 2.00-18 / 2.25-18
Brake type (front): 2 drums, 1 cam
Brake type (rear): 1 drum, 1 cam
Ernst Degner
(born
22 September 1931
in the town of
Gleiwitz
,
Germany
) won the
1962 50 cc World Championship
, but he may be better known for escaping from the former
East Germany
in the boot of a car to reach
West Germany
in 1961. He brought with him many of the industrial secrets of the competitive East German manufacturer MZ. The Japanese company, Suzuki hired him and almost overnight, their racing machines became more competitive, thanks to Degner's expertise with two-stroke engines.
The Japanese
Suzuki
company started manufacturing motorcycles in 1952, the first models being motorized bicycles. During the 1950s, 1960s and the better part of the 1970s, the company manufactured motorcycles with two-stroke engines only, the biggest two-stroke model being the water-cooled triple-cylinder GT750. A large factor in Suzuki's success in two- stroke competition was the East German Grand Prix racer Ernst Degner, who defected to the West in 1961, bringing with him expertise in two- stroke engines from the East German manufacturer MZ. Suzuki hired Degner, and he won the 50cc World Championship for them in 1962. However, it wasn't until 1976 when Suzuki introduced its first motorcycle with a four-stroke engine, the GS400 and GS750. Since then, Suzuki has established a reputation as a manufacturer of well- engineered sport motorcycles. Suzuki's racing machines have become legendary.
From the 1960s small capacity 50cc and 125cc two strokes to the magnificent RG500 Square Four two stroke, a machine that played a vital role in the 1970s world championship roadracing scene. In the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000's Suzuki wrote history with riders like Kevin Schwantz and, more recent, Kenny Roberts Jr.
We have more photos listed on Ebay of Ernst Degner, Suzuki, MZ and other brands with various riders.
This is your rare chance to own this
non period
photo that reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycle and Suzuki ’s history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x
30 cm
).
We have more photos listed on Ebay, also motorcycle (racing) photos! Check them out and use the shipping discount!
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files
and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.