German Motorrad

Today in Motorcycle History

Luwe Motorcycles

A Brief History of the Marque

Founded in 1921 by Ludwig Weber in Freiburg, Breisgau as an automobile manufacturer using extensively modified V12 Mercedes-Benz aviation engines, motorcycle production began around 1924. Ludwig's brother Anton joined the firm in 1925 in an administrative role.

Ludwig, an aero engineer and pilot, was a keen motorcyclist who partook in many racing events and was the co-founder of the Motorrad-Club-Freiburg i.Br.

Early Luwe machines used 148cc and 198cc ohv Paqué engines. Later motorcycles used Kühne 348cc ohv units, 750cc V-twin engines from MAG in Switzerland, and others from English suppliers JAP and Blackburne.

In 1931 the Wunderle company took over and continued production in Kirchzarten until 1933. Around 2000 motorcycles were built in total.

Dealers included Johann Bartholomä of Gurtweil who later built his own motorcycles branded "Tiger".

Sources: Tragatsch p196, wikiwand.com/de, historisches-freiburg.de, et al.