Horex VR 6 (1)

Hello,

  As a fan of motorcycles, I am very interested in niche products and curious about enthusiastic companies starting new ventures and dare to shake up the status quo. One of these most interesting companies for me is Horex, a German manufacturer producing motorcycles with an extremely compact built six cylinder in 'VR' arrangement. 
   Their latest model is the Horex VR6 Raw in the 'deepest' black glossy or matt color available. With extremely light aluminum wheels the dry weight is 200kg - for a motorcycle with a 1218 cc six cylinder engine a very reasonable weight indeed.  

Horex VR6 Black Edition, http://www.horex.com/en/models/horex-vr6-black-edition/

   The origin of this true manufacturer dates back to 1920 when Friedrich Kleemann (1868-1949), financial manager at Rex Konservenglas Gesellschaft (preservative jar manufacturing company) in Bad Homburg (Germany) purchased Columbus Motorenbau AG, a small motor factory in Oberursel, right in the neighborhood of the mother company. 

   In 1923 the Horex Fahrzeugbau AG was founded and developed a range of models with single cylinder Columbus engines from 250 cc to 600 cc. In 1933 two parallel-twin models were added; the 24 hp 600 cc S6 and the 30 hp 800 cc S8, both with chain-driven OHC valve gear (Wikipedia). Due to the high price and some engine problems, there were only very few sold of both models.

Horex S8, http://motos-of-war.ru/en/motorcycles/horex-s8/

   World War II interrupted the motorcycle production for civil use but in 1948 Horex resumed its output with a 350 cc single cylinder model named Regina. It featured a 342 cc air cooled OHV single cylinder with 18 hp @ 5,000 rpm.

Horex Regina

https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-german-motorcycles/horex-history-more-than-singles

In 1955 Horex added a 500cc OHC parallel-twin which was called the Imperator.

(to be continued)