1976 König 500
Country: Germany
Engine: Water-cooled, horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder 2-stroke
Ignition: Krober electronic
Power Rating: 85bhp @9,800rpm
Bore x Stroke: 86 x 50mm
Displacement: 492cc
Valves: Rotary valve induction
Fuel Systems: Solex 45mm twin choke carburetor
Transmission: Norton/Schafleitner 6-speed
Suspension: Front telescopic forks, rear single shock
Brakes: Frond and rear discs
Weight: 254lbs
Top Speed: 170mph
König was a small company that built motors for powerboats, and in 1969 they decided to build a small number of 500cc road racing motorcycles. Their motors were very light and powerful and were competitive from the start. Königs were often faster at certain tracks that Agostini’s MV, which resulted in a second place in the 1973 500cc World Championship. 680cc versions were built for use in sidecars, and proved to be unbeatable in the mid-1970s, winning a World title in 1975.