Kölner Motorrad- u. Maschinenfabrik Franz Becker (KMB) manufactured four-stroke singles and twins.
Construction began in late 1922 of motorcycles similar in appearance to the English Triumph - so much so that they were referred to colloquially as the "Cologne Triumph".
In 1923 the marque did quite well in local sporting events. That year two new models were presented, a 550 cc single-cylinder sidevalve model and a 6 hp 4-valve single of some 636cc (90x100 mm b/s) - the latter quite possibly a modified Triumph Ricardo. The following year there were many laurels received at regional and national competition events.
1924 models were available with engines from Blackburne, JAP, and Motosacoche. Blackburne offered KMA, KMB and KMC engines, the KMB being the racing version, so it would be reasonable to assume it was named for the Becker machines.
The economic disaster which engulfed Germany took Becker with it. In November 1925, bankruptcy proceedings were instigated and he lost his home and his factory.
Sources: Tragatsch p185; Motopedia.
Notes.
1. KMB, owned by Franz Becker, had no connection with Imperia-Werk Cologne owned by Jakob Becker.
2. There was also a Hungarian KMB.
