Zündapp Bella

The Zündapp Bella is a motor scooter manufactured by German motorcycle manufacturer Zündapp from 1953 to 1964.^[1][2] Approximately 130,000 Bella scooters were sold, with engine sizes ranging from 150 to 200 cc (9.2 to 12.2 cu in).^[1]

Zündapp Bella

1958 Zündapp Bella R 154
Manufacturer	Zündapp
Production	1953–1964[1][2]
Class	Scooter
Engine	146 or 198 cc 8.9 or 12.1 cu in two-stroke, air-cooled, single;[3]
Bore / stroke	150: 57 mm × 58 mm 2.2 in × 2.3 in 200: 64 mm × 62 mm 2.5 in × 2.4 in[3]
Compression ratio	150: 6.7:1 200: 6.3:1[3]
Top speed	150: 50 mph (80 km/h)[1] 200: 75 mph (121 km/h)[4]
Power	150: 7.3 hp (5.4 kW) @ 4700 rpm[1] 200: 10 hp (7.5 kW) @ 5200 rpm[2]
Transmission	4 speed manual, primary chain drive, final chain drive[4]
Frame type	tubular steel[2]
Suspension	front: leading link, single spring on left rear: swingarm with coil springs and dampers
Tyres	3.50" X 12" [4]
Wheelbase	51.5 in (1,308 mm)[4]
Dimensions	L: 78 in (1,981 mm)[5] W: 24 in (610 mm)[5]
Weight	150: 302 lb (137 kg) 200: 322 lb (146 kg)[4] (dry)

The design of the Bella was heavily influenced by that of the Parilla Levriere, also known as the Parilla Greyhound.^[6][7] Along with being similar in general appearance, both designs have prominent air tunnels along the centreline of the scooter to allow fresh air to cool the engine without a fan.^[2][6]

As introduced in 1953, the Bella had a 146 cc^[3] two-stroke single cylinder engine,^[1][3] 12 inch wheels,^[4] 6 V electrics, a kick starter, and an undamped telescopic fork.^{[citation needed]} The fuel tank was mounted under the seat.^[6]

A version of the Bella called the Suburbanette was made for the United States market from 1953 to 1954.^[8] The Suburbanette was stripped of the body panels enclosing the engine.^[9] 370 Suburbanettes were sold.^[8] An export version of the last 150cc Bella, the R154K (K for kickstarter), with higher "Western" (buckhorn) bars and no dynastarter, came to the United States in the later 1950s.^[10]

A 197 cc (12.0 cu in) engine producing 10 hp (7.5 kW) became available in May 1954.^[1] The front suspension was later changed from a telescopic fork to an Earles-type leading link fork with a single suspension unit on left side of the fork.^[2] Later Bella scooters also had 12 V electricals^[4] powered by two 6 V batteries.^{[citation needed]} Electric starters also became available on the Bella.^[4]

The Bella was imported into the United Kingdom by Ambassador Motorcycles,^[6] and into the United States by International Motorcycle Company.^[5][9]

• 
  Early Bella with kick starter and telescopic fork
• 
  Dashboard

See also

• List of motorcycles of the 1950s