Victoria

Victoria started in Nürnberg by Max Frankenburger and Max Offenstein building bicycles in 1886 and after thirteen successful years they began to develop a motor cycle which were fitted with single cylinder Zebel and Fafnir engines which sold until 1918. After the War they built a 493cc model with the fore-aft horizontally opposed BMW M2B15 engines, but in 1923 BMW went into manufacturing complete motorcycles, so Victoria engaged their former designer Martin Stolle who stayed for two years an designed the 498cc and 598cc ohv twin of similar design. Gustav Steinlein joined the company and built the first supercharged German racing machine based on the 498cc model which broke the German speed record at 104mph in 1926. New single cylinder models were introduced in 1928 using Sturmey-Archer engines (built by Horex-Columbus under license) of 198cc to 498cc capacity. There was also a range of 98cc to 198cc two-stroke models using triangular pressed steel frames and unit-construction engines. After the war production was initially focused on 38cc auto-cycle engines (power pack) which were a great success. Then in 1948 came the KR25 Aero model, which had a 247cc single cylinder two-stroke engine giving 6bhp, through a four speed gearbox in a rigid frame. This was upgraded in 1951 Victoria to the KR25HM producing 9bhp. But the new KR125 Bi-Fix with a 123cc engine giving 4.5bhp and three speed box was released. In 1954 the 346cc V35 "Bergmeister" (Mountain Master) with a V-twin ohv four-stroke engine giving 21bhp and shaft drive (designed by Richard Küchen) was released after three years of designing and testing to eliminate the serious engine vibration, and this delay virtually ruined the company, despite the modern design with telescopic forks and plunger rear suspension.
By 1956 Victoria were becoming financially unstable and to combat this Victoria did a deal with the Italian Parilla company to produce a range of machines with the Italian engines. By 1959 the end came as the Victoria company was absorbed into the Zweirad-Union along with DKW and Express. Production of Victoria model ceased in 1966 after continuing with some mopeds and 50cc motorcycles models in to the sixties. The brand vanished in 1968.

1950 Victoria KR25 Aero 247cc	1951 Victoria KR25HM Aero 247cc	1953 Victoria KR125 Bi-Fix 123cc	1953 Victoria KR26 Aero Sport 247cc
1955 Victoria V35 Bergemeister 350cc	1955 Victoria KR21 Swing 197cc	1956 Victoria V35 Bergemeister 350cc

Victoria Bike Review

KR25 Aero 1948-53, 247cc, 2-stroke single, 4 speed, 292lbs, 6bhp
A twin port single two-stroke engine delivering it's power through a 4 speed box. Exceptionally advanced for it's time the KR25 had a single front tube duplex frame with rigid rear end and blade forks. In 1951 the KR25HM was released with a 9bhp motor, telescopic forks and plunger rear suspension.

KR125 Bi-Fix 1951-53, 123cc, 2-stroke single, 3 speed, 182lbs, 4.5bhp, 50mph
A basic model with rigid frame and telescopic front forks. Similar to the DKW 125cc model which had launched during the war and was copied by the British, Americans and Russians. Entered the market a little late to make an impact.

V35 Bergmeister 1953-, 347cc, 4-stroke V-Twin, 4 speed, 389lb, 21bhp, 81mph
Designed by Richard Kuchen, was an advanced bike with a powerful engine running at 7.5:1 compression, to give a useful amount of power through the shaft drive to the rear wheel. The camshaft was gear driven and electric 6 volt from the Noris Dynamo. A 180mm full width alloy front hub with the 19" wheels made its effect through the telescopic front forks and plunger rear suspension. Very good power delivery from the engine, with smooth and light gear changes. The throttle response was a little delayed in feeding through and a positive was that there was no sign of torque reaction common with this type of engine layout.

KR26 Aero 1953-, 247cc, 2-stroke single, 4 speed, 389lb, 16bhp, 81mph
Available in two models, KR26N and KR26 Sport, the differences amount to cosmetic changes only. The standard tank being 14.5 litres, were as the sport model had a larger 16 litre with chrome side and a dual seat. Fitted with 18" wheels, 180mm full width alloy front hub, telescopic front forks, plunger rear suspension and fully enclosed chain case.

Vicky III 1954-, 48cc, 2-stroke single, 2 speed, Moped

Peggy 1953-, 198cc, 2-stroke horizontal single, 4-speed Scooter

KR21 200 Swing 1955-, 198cc, 2-stroke horizontal single, 4 speed, 9.5bhp, 240lbs
A unique innovation, even if it failed to sell well. The unit construction engine was mounted in a duplex frame and attached to this engine was a strut which supported the rear wheel and housed the final drive chain which was adjusted by an internal eccentric jockey wheel. The whole engine unit pivoted in the frame to give rear suspension. A twist grip control on the handle bars was used to change gears as the frame being a welded unit precluded a foot change. The front suspension was from a leading link unit which was coil sprung in the pressed steel legs. In 1956 the power was increased to 11.3bhp and a 60 mph bike was produced with a thumb controlled gear change actuating a powerful electromagnet to move the gear selector.