 | |
| Industry | Bicycle,moped andmotorcycle manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1908; 117 years ago (1908) inVarberg, Sweden |
| Founder | Birger Svensson |
| Website | www |
Monark, also known asCykelfabriken Monark AB andMonark AB, is aSwedishbicycle,moped andmotorcycle manufacturer, established inVarberg,Sweden, in 1908 by the industrialist Birger Svensson.[1][2][3][4][5] As of 2016, Monark was valued at 11.5 billion kr.
In 1920, Monark produced its Esse model, which employed a British 172ccVillierstwo stroke engine in a heavy bicycle frame.[1] They gained popularity in Scandinavian countries because machines of this type were not required to be licensed, taxed or insured.[1] In 1928, Monark hired Robert Ebe-Karlsson away from theAmal Carburettor Company to design a range of motorcycles using engines provided by theBlackburne motorcycle company.[1] During this period, the Monark factory entered riders intoenduro off-road events.[1]
In the wake of theeconomic depression during the 1930s, Monark stopped producing motorcycles in 1936 to concentrate on a 98cc motorbike.[1] During theSecond World War, Monark produced a military motorcycle for the Swedish army, using a reliable single cylinder engine.[1][6] After the war, Monark resumed production of the 98cc motorbike which remained in production until 1950.[1]
In the 1950s, Monark had a successful record inoff-road motorcycle competitions.[1] In 1954 they entered 8 bikes in theInternational Six Days Trial, a form of off-road motorcycle Olympics.[1][6] All 8 Monark riders finished with gold medals.[1] In 1959, Monark'sSten Lundin won the500cc Motocross World Championship.[6][7][8][9] When the Monark racing team manager Lennart Varborn unexpectedly died during the1960 season, Monark management made the decision to withdraw from Grand Prix racing. As compensation, Monark management allowed Lundin keep his race bike. Lundinrebadged his Monark motorcycle as a Lito and recaptured the world championship in1961.[10] He dropped to third place in the world championship in1962, finished second toRolf Tibblin in the1963 World Championship and third in the1964 World Championship.[10][11][12][13]
In 1961, Monark merged withNymanbolagen,Uppsala,Sweden intoMonark-Crescentbolagen orMCB.[7] Monark is today part ofCycleurope, belonging toGrimaldi Industri AB. Monark is also a brand of Brazilian bicycles, related to the original Swedish Monark AB.[14]
Bicycle racer,Gösta Pettersson won the1971 Giro d'Italia riding a Monark bicycle.[5]
The Cykelfabriken should not be confused with theMonark-Silver King, Inc.,Chicago, IL, a manufacturer of classic bicycles from 1934 to 1957, (formerly the Monark Battery Company). Nor should it be confused with theMonarch Cycle Manufacturing Company, 1892–1899, Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Toronto, founded byJohn William Kiser.
Monark produces the Elcykel, an electric bicycle, built of aluminum with the same engine system includingPosten AB uses. It utilizes a 10 Ah Lithium battery for long running time and fast recharge and is equipped with a Navgenerator, approved locks and immobilizers elimination part.
The Transporter is aUnisex steel work bike which is equipped with a heavy-duty front carrier and a robust kickstand. The rims are made of stainless steel and reinforced spokes They are available as Shimano Single or 3-speeds. They only come in black.[16]
The Truck is a work bike, popular inDenmark,[17] It is a steel framed work bike with a front carrier and generator lightning.[17] It is available as a single or three speed and only comes in Black.[17]
The military bike is a new version of theSwedish military bicycle, it is available in a men's or women's model. The rims are made of stainless steel with reinforced spokes. The bicycles are equipped with lock and generator lighting. They are only available in red or green and come as single or 3-speeds.[18]
Monark produces the following Specialized bikes:[19]
Monark produces the followingscooters:[20]
