KKS 500 Kardan Sport

1937 Zündapp KKS 500 Kardan Sport Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Zündapp's sport motorcycle platform, the 1937 Zündapp KKS 500 Kardan Sport relies on a 498 cc (30.4 cu in) air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 24 HP (17.5 kW) at 5,200 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 48.2 HP per liter, the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the KKS 500 Kardan Sport measures 175 kg (386 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.14 HP/kg (7.29 kg per horsepower). The 12.5-liter (3.3 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 140 km/h (87 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Zündapp archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1937 to 1938, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.