1974 PANNONIA 250 P20
1974 PANNONIA 250 P20 Atlas Editions Classic Motorcycle card.
Hungary’s only postwar make
Hungarian motorcycles have never been well known outside their country. Only one maker existed after WWII. It even offered its Pannonia marque in export markets in 1970.
Postwar Nationalization
“Pannonia,” the Roman name for Hungary, originated in 1937 as the “Csepel,” named for the island in the Danube, south of Budapest, where the huge Weiss-Manfred machinely and armament works was located. The factory was nationalized after WWII, and Csepel launched a new 250 single in 1951, which was the basis of the first Pannonia.
Youthful Image
The Pannonia P10 first appeared in 1954. The factory’s products, previously called “Csepel,” were marketed under several labels: “Pannonia” (250), “Danuvia” (125), “Berva” (cycle motors), “Tunde” and “Panni” (scooters). The Pannonia P10 competed, with some success, in the French Bol d’Or races in the late 1950s. The P20 twin was launched in 1967 and finally evolved into the P21 in 1974. The main changes were the “bellows” on the forks and the separate instrument panel. The P20 already had these features in export markets, where a less-enveloping chaincase, chromed side panels on the fuel tank and a larger front brake brandished a more “youthful” image. Because of its liberal economic policy, Hungary could buy Western-made components, notably Mikuni carburetors. Hungarian motorcycle manufacturing ceased in 1975, the P21 and the P12 single being the last of the line.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 246cc (56x50mm) air-cooled twin cylinder
Power Rating: 23 hp @ 7500 rpm
Valves: two-stroke; ports controlled by piston skirt
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 5-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm (rear)
Brakes: drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 3.00×18 inch (front); 3.25×18 inch (rear)
Weight: 313 lb
Maximum Speed: 87 mph
The Pannonia F20 was a highly-developed Eastern Bloc production bike. In 1971 and 1972, a racing version (inset) ran in the Bol d’Or endurance race.
Card number D2 000 52-09
