(1925-1928)
Einspur means “Single Track” and ‘Monotrace” means the same in French. The Monotrace had two retractable stabilizer wheels, with a single passenger situated directly behind the driver (unlike the remarkable Sabella tandem car of 1913, where the driver sat behind the passenger). The Monotrace solved the problem of coming to a halt without falling over by having two small extra wheels (complete with mudguards) that were lowered by means of a elongated hand lever when stopping. The wheels were swiveled upwards rather than being retracted into the body, so even if the driver forgot to lower the wheels when stopping (it must have happened) the car would tilt but not fall over completely. It was powered by a 510cc single cylinder motor. Very few were made and even fewer survive today. La Monotrace was manufactured in One example was restored by Koehler AG, Reidtwil and now resides in a museum. Koehler AG, Reidtwil
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RESTORED MONOTRACE
Color shot of the strange 2-wheeler on the road
A Monotrace in a museum
Note bizarre semi-circular steering wheel with wooden grips
The Monotrace, showing a stabilizer wheel cocked in the air, and the fishtail silencer
The Monotrace cockpit.
The handle of the lever for lowering the stabilizer wheels can be seen just above the seat back.
The Monotrace had a single cylinder, 85mm x 90mm side-valve engine, a three-speed gearbox, and two chains in series to transfer the drive to the rear wheel.
Actual hp is unknown.
The Monotrace chassis with engine installed.
The big lever for lowering the stabilizer wheels is on the left. Judging by the size of it, considerable force was needed. The rear of the chassis is to the right.
MODERN DAY MONOTRACE
Notice the rear drop wheels which are retracted while the bike is on its stand. In operation they drop down for stability just like the old vehicle… which begs the question, “Is this an odd motorcycle or a modern 2-wheeled car?”
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