Friedel Münch unveiled his Mammut in 1966, marrying a 996cc NSU Prinz four-cylinder car engine to a bespoke chassis and distinctive cast-Elektron rear wheel. “Incredible!” “A behemoth!” “It has a car engine!” Exclamations of shock and awe abounded when the world first encountered the Münch TT. Touted as the fastest, most powerful and most expensive motorcycle of its time, it became an instant legend.
Its immense proportions, advanced engineering and uncompromising performance made it unlike anything else on the road, while its rarity and hand-built character ensured enduring fascination among riders, collectors and motorcycle historians to this day.
The air-cooled, overhead-camshaft inline four produced around 55hp in early form, driving through a gear primary drive, four-speed gearbox and enclosed-chain final drive. The chassis featured a steel-tube double-cradle frame, telescopic front forks and twin rear dampers, with large 250mm drum brakes providing the stopping power. Even with extensive use of Elektron magnesium alloy, the early Mammut weighed around 255kg.
