emu
Czech Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

CAS Motorcycles and Scooters

Manufactured by Ceska Automobilova Spolecnost, Prague 1920-1924

Designed by J. Reichzeigel, the firm produced two-stroke motorcycles and scooters of 173cc and 225cc, some of which were distinctive with their full disc wheels. The scooter was lean, long and low, with the engine mounted behind the forks at the rider's feet, and were built under licence to Autoped of New York where the scooter became notorious as the getaway choice for the world's first bikey gangs.

Cas scooter (1921) - 180cc, 0.9 kW, 35 km/h max speed, weight 48 kg.

The same scooter was also built in the UK, and in Germany by Krupp.

CAS also built microcars powered by 129cc and 147cc boxer-twin engines.

Sources: GTU Oldtimerservice, Tragatsch p 101, oldbike.eu, et al.

CAS-1920-Lightweight.jpg
CAS 1920 Lightweight

Novel saddle suspension and two belt rim brakes working on a common pivot are distinctive points of the C.A.S. lightweight; otherwise it closely follows British lines.

CAS-1920-Scooter.jpg
CAS 1920 Scooter

The C.A.S. scooter; it is fitted with a flat twin engine.

The Motor Cycle in Czecho-Slovakia

Activity in the New Republic. British Design becoming Standard on the Continent. New Motor Cycles and Seat Type Scooters.

(By Our Special Correspondent.)

In view of the importance now attached to the export side of the motor cycle industry, it is interesting to know that British motor cycle design now sets the vogue in many countries where hitherto the motor cycle has not been at all popular.

Due to faulty development, poor engnie design, etc., local makes were not much sought alter, while the more advanced British types were speedily bought up by the public, who had a keen eye for the practical side of the pastime, and refused to ride the hopelessly top-heavy mounts supplied by many Continental makers.

British Influence.

At present, the latest models of the Continental makers have a strong British flavour, as is illustrated in the leading Czecho-Slovak make, the C.A.S.

The motor scooter, too, is popular here, which fact in itself speaks volumes for this new style of vehicle. For in such a hilly country the standard of efficiency for machines to be of any practical use must needs be a high one.

Both machines mentioned were exhibited at the recent Prague Show, where they met with much favourable comment, many orders being booked by the C.A.S. Co.

The Motor Cycle, October 28th, 1920. p492

If you have a query about Czech motorcycles, please contact us