OGAR

250cc Type IV - 1937

Sacrificed to state control

In the 1930s, Machek & Spol operated a major automobile and motorcycle spares and accessories business in Prague, and in 1934, they began making mass-market motorcycles.

One-Model Policy

The first Ogar was a 198cc, quickly replaced in 1935 by a 247cc two-stroke single. Designed by Frantisek Barmska, this bike was a remarkable success, both aesthetically – its sporty looks captivated the public – and technically. Powerful and reliable, it gained an enviable reputation and sold very well. The marque, based at Prague-Strasnire, remained faithful to its policy of a single model- economical, popular and constantly improving. This strategy ensured it third place on the Czech market behind Jawa and CZ.

Sacrificed to the State

The company entered its bikes in many races, where riders Jan Lucak, Vaclav Lischka and Hugo Rosak achieved notable success. The racing version benefited from liquid cooling and – in a rare break with its single-model policy – Ogar added a new 500cc overhead-valve four-stroke competition model alongside its series-derived two-stroke. Postwar nationalization saw the popular marque sacrificed on the altar of state control, in favor of Jawa, even though in 1946, Ogar had announced a modem overhead-camshaft 350cc single, designed by Vincenz Sklenar. It never went into production. The forced marriage with Jawa saw the marque building a 350 two-stroke twin designed by its old rival; it was called "Ogar" until 1950, when the firm became a research and development center for Jawa and CZ.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 247cc (68x68mm) air-cooled single-cylinder; Bosch flywheel magneto

Power Rating: 10.2 hp @ 4000 rpm

Valves: two-stroke

Fuel System: Amal carburetor

Transmission: 4-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: girder forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 3.00x19 inch wire (front & rear)

Weight: 232 lb

Maximum Speed: 60 mph

This is the Type IV Ogar of 1937, first of the popular Czech 250cc two-stroke line to be equipped with a four-speed transmission.