1954 Adler MB 250
Country: Germany
Engine: Air-cooled, twin-cylinder 2-stroke
Ignition: Battery and coil
Power rating: 12hp @ 5,600rpm
Bore x stroke: 54mm x 54mm
Displacement: 247cc
Fuel system: Single 22mm Bing carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed
Suspension: Front leading link fork, plunger rear
Brakes: Front and rear drum
Weight: 297lb
Top speed: 75mph
The success of the modern twin-cylinder 2-stroke, such as the Yamaha RD series, can be traced back to the postwar Adler. The MB 250 was a revolutionary design that set new standards, and was copied by many manufacturers such as Ariel and Suzuki, not forgetting Yamaha. Adler also built typewriters, and when motorcycle sales in Europe declined they were purchased by Grundig who still produced them under the TA label. Adler translates to Eagle in English.