Today in motorcycle history, August 4, 1956

   

    

  The Delphin III becomes the first motorcycle to break 200 mph at Bonneville.

  To break the 200 mph barrier was the desired, but seemingly untouchable goal of many Bonneville motorcycle riders in the early 1950's.  That barrier is finally broken by the legendary German racer, Wihelm Herz.  Riding on a 500cc, supercharged, double overhead cam, V-Twin, NSU streamliner, Herz is clocked at 210.896 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

  With its nearly 211 mph speed, the NSU "Delphin III" was the first bike to cross the 200 mph threshold. It was part of a concentrated onslaught on Bonneville by the German manufacturer, which was fixated on breaking the land speed record. The bike featured an experimental, three-lobe Wankel supercharger rotary device that helped to inspire the Wankel engine. Looking more like a fish out of water than a motorcycle, NSU reduced drag by redesigning the shape of the streamliner to give it its distinctive aerodynamic look. When the day came NSU needed a rider they could trust and that rider was Wilhelm Herz.



  Wilhelm Herz started his racing career in 1932 with DKW and switched over to NSU in 1939. He gained his reputation racing on  national and international courses like the Berlin AVUS, Grenzlandring, Isle of Man, Hockenheimring, Monza, Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Schleizer Dreieck, Helsinki, Schottenring, Nurburgring and Solitude. 

  Herz was honored for his merits in the field of motorsports by former German President Theodor Heuss who presented him the Silbernen Lorbeer in 1952 and in 1972 he received the Order of Merit by former Chancellor Dr. Helmut Kohl. The city of Hockenheim presented him with the Goldene Verdienstmedaille for his achievements at Hockenheimring, which he not only raced on, but managed from 1954 until 1992.

  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD).  www.nabd.org.uk