DKW Auto-Union Project: 1938 DKW SB350

Thursday, 25 July 2024

1938 DKW SB350

Once Jorge Rasmussen secured exclusive patent rights for the Schneurle reverse flow scavaging in two-stroke engines in 1934, DKW's motorcycle range made increasingly rapid developments. The old fashioned E models of the late 1920s and early 1930s were replaced by the Block models, which incorporated the engine and gearbox into a single 'block' unit. These were supeseded by the SB range in 1934.

Superficially, the SB range resembled their Block predecessors with only minor changes to the handlebars, controls and fittings. The real changes were in the chassis, suspension and engine, which gave them much improved handling. Twin exhaust ports and enhancements to the scavenging flow gave the SB range a 40% reduction in fuel consumption over earlier DKW models. The SB range started with the 100cc Reich lightweight, two 200cc variants, a 250cc machine, a 350cc and two twin-cylinder 500cc variants.
https://dkwautounionproject.blogspot.com/2021/03/1934-dkw-motorrader-german-peoples.html
The SB range were replaced in 1938 and 39 with a new series of advanced motorcycles, including the NZ350, NZ500 and the game changing RT125.

My 1938 SB350

I had long wanted a get my hands on a prewar vehicle, so when this 1938 DKW SB350 went up for sale in Adelaide, South Australia, I jumped at the opportunity. The bike had been returned to running condition by a well-known DKW motorcycle enthusiast. The bike has Vape ignition, runs and drives, but there are lot of little jobs needing to be finished before it can be put on the road. All the cables look original and are badly frayed - but still work. Lots of fun ahead!