### The Birth of a Beast In the late 1960s, a peculiar motorcycle emerged, one that combined the reliability of a car engine with the agility of a two-wheeler. The Münch Mammut TTS, named after its manufacturer, NSU, was an air-cooled 996-cc four-cylinder motorcycle powered by the same engine used in the compact West German NSU Prinz 1000TT. This unusual arrangement allowed the Mammut to produce a respectable 55 horsepower, propelling a 480-pound bike to a top speed of 115 mph. ### Evolution and Expansion In 1966, the engine's displacement increased to 1,085 cc, and power rose to 70 horsepower. Two years later, the NSU TTS arrived, boasting a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that churned out 88 horsepower. This increase in power came at the cost of a heavier bike, weighing in at 656 pounds. However, the Mammut's top speed soared to 137 mph, thanks to its impressive torque. ### Innovative ...
### The Birth of a Beast
In the late 1960s, a peculiar motorcycle emerged, one that combined the reliability of a car engine with the agility of a two-wheeler. The Münch Mammut TTS, named after its manufacturer, NSU, was an air-cooled 996-cc four-cylinder motorcycle powered by the same engine used in the compact West German NSU Prinz 1000TT. This unusual arrangement allowed the Mammut to produce a respectable 55 horsepower, propelling a 480-pound bike to a top speed of 115 mph.
### Evolution and Expansion
In 1966, the engine’s displacement increased to 1,085 cc, and power rose to 70 horsepower. Two years later, the NSU TTS arrived, boasting a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that churned out 88 horsepower. This increase in power came at the cost of a heavier bike, weighing in at 656 pounds. However, the Mammut’s top speed soared to 137 mph, thanks to its impressive torque.
### Innovative Solutions
To counter the issue of rear wheel spaghetti, the Mammut’s designers implemented a novel solution. The wheel was replaced with a solid cast unit made from a magnesium alloy called Elektron. This change allowed owners to achieve an astonishing 1,000 miles from a rear tire, a testament to the bike’s durability.
### A Legend in Its Own Right
The Münch Mammut TTS was not alone in its time. Other notable motorcycles, such as Harley Davidson’s Electra Glide and the Triumph Bonneville T120R, also boasted impressive performance. However, the Mammut stood out for its unique combination of brute strength, size, and refinement. If the Electra Glide was a luxurious sedan and the Bonneville a high-performance sports car, the Mammut was a bespoke creation, akin to a twin-turbo V12 Mercedes-AMG S-Class.
### Conclusion
The Münch Mammut TTS is a fascinating example of innovative design and engineering. Its unusual engine and impressive performance make it a true classic, one that continues to captivate enthusiasts of motorcycles and cars alike. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, the Mammut’s story is sure to leave you in awe of its sheer ingenuity.
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