Adler Motorcycles (1901–1957)

Adler, a name that resonates with Germany’s rich industrial history, began its journey in 1901—not with motorcycles, but with bicycles. Founded in Frankfurt, Adler initially ventured into the world of motorized transport by fitting its bicycles with De Dion engines, a popular choice at the time for early motorized vehicles. However, the company’s ambition soon led it to develop its own engines, creating single and twin-cylinder models that showcased German engineering prowess.

By 1907, Adler shifted its focus entirely to the burgeoning automobile industry, putting motorcycle production on hold. This pivot reflected the global fascination with cars during that era, as the automotive revolution was in full swing. However, Adler’s motorcycle legacy was far from over.

The Post-War Revival

In 1949, after the disruptions of World War II, Adler made a triumphant return to the motorcycle scene with the introduction of the M series. Starting with a modest yet superb 100cc two-stroke engine, the M series quickly evolved into a 125cc model, capturing the attention of motorcycle enthusiasts for its reliability and advanced engineering. Adler’s innovative spirit shone through in these models, combining performance with sleek, practical designs suited for post-war Germany’s recovery era.

Building on the success of the M series, Adler developed an even more sophisticated line of motorcycles—the luxurious 200cc and 250cc two-stroke twins. These bikes were not only mechanically advanced but also set new standards for comfort and performance in their class. Their influence was so profound that Japanese manufacturers, including Yamaha and Suzuki, adopted and adapted Adler’s engineering concepts in their early two-stroke motorcycles, laying the groundwork for Japan’s future dominance in the industry.

The Junior Scooter and RS250 Racer

Despite its successes, Adler’s venture into scooters with the Junior model did not fare as well. The scooter market was becoming increasingly competitive, and the Junior struggled to carve out a significant share. However, Adler’s spirit of innovation remained undiminished.

One of the brand’s most remarkable achievements came through private racer Helmut Hallmeier, who developed the RS250, a water-cooled two-stroke racing machine. The RS250 performed exceptionally well in German racing circuits, demonstrating Adler’s potential in competitive motorsports even as the company’s commercial motorcycle sales began to decline.

From Motorcycles to Typewriters

By the late 1950s, facing stiff competition and shifting market demands, Adler made the strategic decision to exit the motorcycle industry. Yet, this was not the end of Adler’s story. The company successfully reinvented itself as a leading manufacturer of typewriters and office equipment, becoming a household name in the business world.