On the dates of July 18 to 20, 2025, the International Klassik Motorrad Weekend “Norddeutschland” was held in Brokdorf, Germany for motorcycles built up to the year 1955. This year’s event stands out for not only the broad and diverse array of motorcycles that partook, but also for the presentation of the 33rd “Best Preserved Vehicle” award to a 1917 NSU Heeresmodell.
The Heeresmodell, owned by Mr. Horst Kinkelbur of Rothenuffeln, Germany bears specific mention not only for its high level of originality and preservation, but also for the unique background of its owner. Mr. Kinkelbur, 82 years young, is a long time rider, competing on grass tracks from 1962 to 1977 using Kreidler, Maico, Adler and finally Hagon JAP motorcycles. In 1970, he achieved a national ranking of vice champion of Germany. It bears mention that during the years 1967 – 1970, Mr. Kinkelbur also competed in the European Championship series.
Nowadays, Mr. Kinkelbur is concentrating on not only riding his NSU but also an Ardie at rallies as well as weekend trips. The Hagon JAP that he keeps under safe wraps in his garage is a keen reminder of his past racing exploits.
The Heeresmodell is powered by a 2-cylinder V - twin, 4 - stroke engine with 2 gears and a weight of 80 kg., enabling it to reach a top speed of 85 km/h. Bought by Mr. Kinkelbur in 1993 from an owner in a neighboring village, it had been completely dismantled and stored in different boxes.
After collecting information about the vehicle from different organisations, museums and owners of similar bikes, it was determined that the bike was in nearly 100 % original condition and only a few parts needed repair or replacement. Accordingly, the restoration was undertaken by Mr. Kinkelbur himself, with only plating and painting being outsourced to specialists. The whole restoration process has been fully documented by pictures.
The jury of judges, all having also been participants of the rally, received a pre-judging briefing about the main requirements of the FIVA Charta of Turin so as to be able to identify and select motorcycles having the requisite criteria to qualify for the ‘Preservation Award’. Accordingly, the jury examined all the nominated motorcycles and, after a short deliberation, selected the NSU Heeresmodell due to the very high standard of its restoration and originality, thus awarding it the FIVA Best Preserved Vehicle Award.
Jochen Kleine, Member of the FIVA Motorcycle Commission & Steward
