Dürkopp Diana: an impressive legacy.

Dürkopp is a German brand with a rich and diverse history. Over the years, the company has manufactured a wide range of products, including bicycles, cars, sewing machines, ball bearings, scooters and motorbikes. This illustrates not only Dürkopp's technological versatility, but also its ability to adapt to changing markets and times.

The story begins with the establishment of the Nikolaus Dürkopp Fahrrad- & Maschinenfabrik in Bielefeld, located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Later, the company evolved into Dürkopp-Werke AG and ultimately to the current Dürkopp Adler AG. These names reflect the company's growth and development over the decades.

Innovation in the motor industry

Dürkopp was one of the pioneers in the German motorbike industry. Between 1901 and 1914 and later again between 1948 and 1959, the company produced motorbikes. Dürkopp started with motorbikes using blocks from renowned manufacturers such as Minerva, Zedel and Fafnir. However, it was also an innovator, with early models including even four-cylinder engines. After restarting production in 1948, it introduced light motorbikes with Sachs- and ILO engines, as well as in-house engine designs developed under the guidance of Dr Fritz Gosslau.

A notable addition to the range was the Diana scooter with a 198cc engine, which entered the market in 1953. These models reflected Dürkopp's commitment to building reliable and modern vehicles.

A versatile production palette

Besides motorbikes, Dürkopp was known for producing bicycles, cars and sewing machines. In the 1930s, the company even focused on developing special racing bicycles and played an important role in German cycling. It sponsored sporting events and athletes, which contributed to its popularity and influence within the sports world.

Transition and takeover

Motorbike production ceased in 1959, and the company focused entirely on ball bearing production from then on. In 1961, the motorbike branch finally came to an end. Later, after the takeover by FAG Kugelfischer, Dürkopp merged with Kochs Adler to in 1987 Dürkopp-Adler to form. This new company, based in Bielefeld, specialised mainly in industrial sewing machines and is today largely owned by a China-based investment company.

With its rich history of innovation and production in various sectors, Dürkopp has left a lasting impression not only in Germany but also worldwide. The brand is a symbol of German quality and technical craftsmanship, which has always managed to adapt to new times and challenges.