Tornax Motorcycles: A Legacy of German Engineering and Innovation
Tornax was a German motorcycle manufacturer that operated from 1926 to 1955, based in Wuppertal, Germany. The company was founded by Ernst Wewer, a jeweler, watchmaker, and motorcycle racer, who realized his dream of producing motorcycles. Tornax quickly established a reputation for producing high-quality, performance-oriented motorcycles, often utilizing engines from renowned manufacturers like JAP and Columbus.
Early Models and Technical Innovations
The first Tornax motorcycle, the Model I-26, was introduced in 1926. It featured a 600cc single-cylinder side-valve engine from JAP, producing 15 horsepower. Throughout the late 1920s, Tornax expanded its lineup with models equipped with both side-valve and overhead-valve engines ranging from 500cc to 600cc, primarily sourced from JAP.
In 1930, Tornax unveiled its first twin-cylinder motorcycle, the Model III-30, powered by a 996cc side-valve V-twin JAP engine delivering 26 horsepower. This model marked Tornax’s entry into the larger displacement motorcycle market.
The High-Performance III-31 SS
A significant milestone was the introduction of the III-31 SS in 1931, a sports version boasting a 1000cc overhead-valve JAP engine. Tornax claimed this model produced 72 horsepower and guaranteed a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph), making it one of the fastest production motorcycles of its time. However, due to its high cost and the economic conditions of the Great Depression, sales were limited.
Adaptation During Economic Challenges
The National Socialist government’s restrictions on importing foreign components in 1934 forced Tornax to adapt by sourcing engines domestically. The company reduced its range to a single model, the Universal, featuring a 600cc side-valve Columbus engine. In 1935, Tornax introduced the Tornado, equipped with an 800cc overhead-camshaft parallel-twin Columbus engine, positioning it as a sports machine.
Post-War Production and Final Years
After World War II, Tornax resumed motorcycle production in 1948, starting with the K 125 model, which had a 125cc ILO engine. The company expanded its range with larger single-cylinder two-stroke ILO engines, culminating in 1953 with the Z-250 Schwarze Josephine, a 250cc twin-cylinder two-stroke producing 15 horsepower.
In 1954, Tornax ventured into four-stroke models with the V 250 and SV 250, featuring 250cc engines from Opti in Essen. Despite these innovations, Tornax ceased motorcycle production in 1955, with an estimated total production of about 50,000 vehicles over its 29-year history.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, Tornax motorcycles are considered rare and are highly sought after by collectors and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. Models like the III-31 SS and Schwarze Josephine are particularly prized for their historical significance and engineering excellence.
