c1932 Motosacoche (MAG) 500cc Motorcycle (Project)

Description

The little known Swiss motorcycle manufacturer Motosacoche was founded in 1899 by brothers Henry and Armand Dufaux in Geneva, who left in 1905 to concentrate on building aircraft but the company they founded continued to thrive. Starting with a simple four-stroke single-cylinder motor suitable for just about any motorcycle frame, the engines gradually evolved in power and size, becoming popular with companies throughout Europe. These proprietory engines were sold under the name Motosacoche Acacias Geneva (MAG), while the company also began building complete motorcycles, many of them sold under licence in France and Italy. Success in competition ensured the Motosacoche name became well known and by the 1920s an extensive range of singles (in 250, 300 and 500cc capacities) and V-twins (from 500 to 1000cc) were providing reliable transport to owners across Europe. Built between 1928 and 1939, the 500cc overhead-valve single was rated at 20 horsepower and the Swiss-made frame was equipped with some of the best components on the market, including Enfield, Sturmey-Archer or Burman gearboxes, Brampton forks, Dunlop tyres, Bosch (later Scintilla) ignition and dyanamos, lights and horns and Terry saddles. The decline and ultimate demise of Motosacoche began in the 1930s, with sales falling, the model range stagnating and success on the track becoming increasingly elusive. The war years of 1939-1945 saw a brief revival in Motosacoche’s fortunes, the Swiss Army employing large numbers of MAG-powered motorcycles and sidecars, but the company continued to struggle post-war period, finally closing its doors for good in 1956.