Мото-Ревъ Дуксъ
In 1898, an event occurred in the Russian Empire that influenced its industrial policy. In the last years of the 19th century, many factories in Europe were actively engaged in the production of tricycles. The owners of these enterprises, seeking to expand their markets, began to supply their “three-wheeled” inventions to Russia.
The press expressed ideas that Russia also needed to establish production of such motorcycles. The first manufacturer was A.A. Leitner, the owner of the Riga bicycle factory “Rossiya”.
In 1899, he received a license from the Werner brothers to produce motorcycles with an engine located below.
An advertisement about this appeared in the press. The same article reported: “The first bicycle factory in Russia “A.A. Leitner & Co.” in Riga released three- and two-wheeled motor bicycles as a novelty for 1899.”
However, motorcycle production was not intensive. In 1899, only five copies were produced.
In the following three years, the company “A. Leitner Co.” did not produce motorcycles. But in 1903, production was resumed.
In total, during the period 1899-1903, the company “A. Leitner & Co.” produced about 30 motorcycles. They were sold mainly in the Livonian province (Baltic countries).
At the All-Russian Automobile Exhibition of 1907 in St. Petersburg, the two-wheeled motorcycle “Rossiya” created by Leitner was presented. However, after a year, these motorcycles were taken out of production.
A.A. Leitner’s idea was supported by other Russian industrialists and inventors. Between 1907 and 1914, small companies such as Gloor, Fortuna, Zelten, Virkau, and Baltia began producing motorcycles, equipping bicycles with internal combustion engines.
The Moscow Dux plant made a significant contribution to the development of the country’s motorization. Starting in 1909, this plant, in addition to bicycles and cars, produced motorcycles. The design was based on the Swiss Moto-Rêve model.
This motorcycle was mass-produced from 1910 to 1911, and its design was constantly improved. In 1912, the motorcycle received an updated engine, and in 1913, a reinforced frame and an improved engine with a working volume of 404 cm³ and a power of 3 HP.
The transmission design used a freewheel sleeve from the British company BSA. In 1914, the Dux company began production of three new models equipped with engines of different power: 2.5 HP (1 cylinder); 4 HP (2 cylinders); 4.5 HP (overhead valve engine).
In total, about 600 motorcycles were produced at this plant from 1909 to 1915. In their models, domestic manufacturers used imported engines and other key parts, such as the rear wheel hub, chains, wheels, tires, acetylene lamps and other elements.
In 1914, a new model appeared in the Dux program. This is a light motorcycle intended for tourism. The design of another model allowed for the installation of a sidecar. This motorcycle was equipped with a two-speed gearbox and clutch. These models corresponded to the world technical level of that time and were in steady demand.
In particular, they participated in many sports races. In addition, large batches of cars were ordered by the Military Department of the Russian Empire.
After nationalization in 1918, the plant was renamed «Государственный авиационный завод №1» (ГАЗ №1) (“State Aviation Plant No.1”). In 1924, a group of engineers built the first Soviet motorcycle “Soyuz” there. Unlike pre-war products, all parts, except for the carburetor and magneto, were manufactured in Russia.
Manufacturer: Rossiya / Dux
Assembly: Russian Empire
Years of production: 1909—1915 ; 1918
Production: +600 units
Length: 1900 mm
Width: 550 mm
Height: 970 mm
Engine: 2 cylinders; 403.89 cc
Power: 3 HP
Max speed: 50 km/h
Weight: 60 kg
FSO Museum (VDNKh, Moscow, Russia)
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