ZÃœNDAPP

80cc Grand Prix / Stefan Dorflinger - 1984

The first and last GP Zündapp

Though Zündapp was several times World Champion in enduro and motocross, the company only contested a World Speed Championship during one season. After a run of prosperous years, Zündapp had to face the Japanese competition. In 1983, hoping to revitalize its image, the Munich firm contested the European 80cc championship, which was won by German Zündapp rider Abold, with the Italian Fargeri, also Zündapp-mounted, in second place.

A Successful Season

Flushed with success, the factory took part in the brand-new 80cc Grand Prix class – which replaced 50cc racing in 1984 – with the Swiss-German Stefan Dorflinger, World 50cc Champion in 1982-83. The 80cc Zündapp was magnificent: Dorflinger chalked up four victories out of a possible eight, winning his third successive world title.

Simple Engine, Monocoque Frame

Simple and effective, the Zündapp engine was a water-cooled single with a rotary intake and six transfer ports. The original frame – designed by Louis Christen, famed for his World Championship sidecar chassis – was an aluminum monocoque, the perfect response to the compactness of an 80cc power unit. But the world title wasn't enough to rescue Zündapp, which cashed in its chips a few weeks later. However, the works team was taken over by Mickael Krauser, a major German manufacturer and sponsor of Zündapp. Stefan Dorflinger regained the title in 1985 and the Krauser was the driving force in the 80cc World Championship until 1989, when the category was suspended.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 80cc (79.6x48.4 mm) water-cooled single-cylinder

Valves: two-stroke; rotary disc intake valve, six transfer ports; three exhaust pons

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 6-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: Ceriani telescopic forks (front); cantilever (rear)

Brakes: Zanzani disc; 8.7 inch (front); 7 inch (rear)

Wheels: 1.85x16 inch (front); 1.85x18 inch (rear)

The 80cc Zündapp ridden by Stefan Dorflinger was the only World Speed Championship machine to come from the famed German maker.