Simson AWO 425

The AWO 425 has the distinction of being the only four stroke motorcycle manufactured in the former East Germany. In production from 1950 to 1961, the AWO was a popular base for choppers and custom bikes during the 1970s and 1980s,  retains a cult following both as custom bike and classic restoration right through to the present day.
Following WW2, the gun factory in Suhl was converted into the Soviet controlled Avtovelo bike company, in order to raise funds for war reparation payments. Later, Avtovelo turned into the German-owned Simson company (more famous for making 50cc mopeds) and to distinguish from the mopeds, enthusiasts always referred to the large bikes as AWO.
Despite the 425 in the model number, the Simson has a 250 cc engine, foot-operated 4-speed gearbox with auxiliary hand shift, and shaft drive to the rear wheel. Popular legend has it that the machine was originally planned with chain drive, however in the post-war economy there was a lack of good quality chain so shaft drive was used instead.


Two version were produced, the "Touren AWO" (Simson 425, made from 1950 to 1960) and the "Sport AWO" (Simson 425 Sport, 1956 to 1961), the most obvious difference between the two being the rear suspension setup with the "Sport" having  modern hydraulic twin shocks and a more powerful engine. In the final years, a 350cc version of the "Sport" was produced for authority use, with a 350 cc engine conversion kit sold to the public.