With the restoration of Kettenkrad 116714 largely done I would like to share some pics of the finer details that went into making this vehicles restoration rather special due to the ketts history as a Battle of the Bulge veteran, the richness in detail and depth of work invested in restoring it back to what it would have been like back in the day and giving it a second lease on life.
^ There is nothing subtle on a 70 year old, 2,726lbs, tracked motorcycle. The funny thing is they are more happy off road then on pavement as the weight of the vehicle and the rubber padded tracks tend to want to adhere to the pavement and turns require more throttle, on gravel, or in dirt no problem.
^ The Kettenkrad should have rubber mud flaps and one glass reflector (I have the reflector, made in Dresden) but I like the look less the flaps.
^ Notek Black Out Drive lamp (with Notek headstamped bolts) plate number came from a famous WWII movie that Tom Hanks starred in.
^ Details, details, details ( I would never do a "museum grade" restoration)
^ The soul crushing kettenkrad track, way, way, over engineered for what it had to do.
^ Left side bin all stowed, heater torch for those frosty Ardennes mornings ready to go.
^ Details galore, no 1/2assed "museum grade" restoration work here.
^ Researched and as accurate in detail as they come.
^ Sometime one just has to keep working at a problem till it all comes together, on the third attempt I got to suspension in the "Goldilocks Zone" and its just right, one week of hard work I shall never have to do again.
So guys there its is, I thank you all for all the positive and encouraging things you have said and hope you get to see this vehicle out and about over time.
^ Chirst its been a long haul, from there to here. Hmmmmmmm what crazy stuff should I do next ??? Maybe a nice Tatra 57K ??? Would be nice but that is it for me and now its just keep everything running and safe.