1984 Zundapp 80cc Grand Prix
1984 Zundapp 80cc Grand Prix
Stefan Dorifinger
The first and last GP Zündapp
Though Zundapp was several times World Champion in enduro and motocross, the company only contested a World Speed Championship during one season. After a run of prosperous years, Zundapp had to face the Japanese competition. In 1983, hoping to revitalize its image, the Munich firm contested the European 80cc championship, which was won by German Zundapp rider Abold, with the Italian Fargeri, also Zundapp-mounted, in second place.
A Successful Season
Flushed with success, the factory took part in the brand-new 80cc Grand Prix class — which replaced 50cc racing in 1984 with the Swiss-German Stefan Dorflinger, World 50cc Champion in 1982-83. The 80cc Zundapp was magnificent: Dorflinger chalked up four victories out of a possible eight, winning his third successive world title.
Simple Engine, Monocoque Frame
Simple and effective, the Zundapp engine was a water-cooled single with a rotary intake and six transfer ports. The original frame designed by Louis Christen, famed for his World Championship sidecar chassis was an aluminum monocoque, the perfect response to the compactness of an 80cc power unit. But the world title wasn’t enough to rescue Zundapp, which cashed in its chips a few weeks later. However, the works team was taken over by Mickael Krauser, a major German manufacturer and sponsor of Zundapp. Stefan Dorflinger regained the title in 1985 and the Krauser was the driving force in the 80cc World Championship until 1989, when the category was suspended.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 80cc (79.6×48.4mm) water-cooled single-cylinder
Valves: two-stroke; rotary disc intake valve, six transfer ports; three exhaust ports
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 6-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: Ceriani telescopic forks (front); cantilever (rear)
Brakes: Zanzani disc; 8.7 inch (front); 7 inch (rear)
Wheels: 1.85×16 inch (front); 1.85×18 inch (rear)
The 80cc Zundapp ridden by Stefan Dorflinger was the only World Speed Championship machine to come from the famed German maker.
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