1918 MOTOSACOCHE 1000 PROTOTYPE 2C9-BS
During the early Twentieth Century, the
big-cylindered bike was frequently engined in a V-configuration by two builders
who then dominated the market - JAP in England and MAG in Switzerland. The
firms also made their own bikes under the name Motosacoche. Since so many
European bikes of the period owed their engines to MAG, the company became one
of the most successful in the history of cycling.
Innovation through
Racing
The race track was the place where Motosacoche worked out its most
revolutionary technical developments. 350 and 500cc V-twins were zooming down
the straight-aways as early as 1913, and in 1918, a 1000cc tourer dubbed the
"Autosacoche" made its first appearance. This big touring machine was followed
in 1920 by a more advanced version that tore up the track at Brooklands. 1922
brought even greater accomplishments, with a 500cc record-breaker that
positively peeled up the Brooklands asphalt.
Endless
Development
Built in a series labeled "2C9" for the 1000cc bike, the
Motoscoche of the late Twenties continued its advance on the twin realms of
technology and styling - the firm's ambition was remarkable, and its appetite
for change seemingly could not be satisfied. 1926 saw the introduction of a
radical "two-chambered" gas tank, along with alterations in bodystyling.
Looking back at the finest examples of the bikes from the Teens, it becomes
clear the merger of machinery and aesthetics was so original that Motosacoche
can honestly be credited with building motorcycles that have stood the test of
time.