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DKW RT 250 — 1953

A perfect entry into the vintage motorcycle hobby. A 1950s DKW in ride-ready and appreciated patinated condition, featuring a rebuilt engine and otherwise left untouched.

Mathias Casserlund
Besiktningsman
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Rebecca R Bengtsson
Case manager
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"A simple, robust, and practical motorcycle model that was a popular means of transport in post-war Europe.

This example is presented in charming patinated condition and is best enjoyed just as it is. It does, however, require a new fuel tap, as the current one is sticking. The bike is fitted with older tires; if it is to be used more regularly, a tire replacement is recommended for safety reasons."

COUNTDOWN
CURRENT BID
25 FEB 11:30
5 000SEK
LOT NUMBER
LOCATION
18996
UMEÅ
ESTIMATED VALUE
RESERVE PRICE
25 - 35 000 SEK
Not reached
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Non deductable VAT
SEK
Auction fee: 5% or min. 2900 SEK (incl VAT)
BID HISTORY
1359
19 FEB 22:52
5 000 SEK
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Mathias Casserlund
Inspector
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Rebecca R Bengtsson
Case manager
Send message

"A simple, robust, and practical motorcycle model that was a popular means of transport in post-war Europe.

This example is presented in charming patinated condition and is best enjoyed just as it is. It does, however, require a new fuel tap, as the current one is sticking. The bike is fitted with older tires; if it is to be used more regularly, a tire replacement is recommended for safety reasons."

Description

The motorcycle was originally sold new in Stockholm, according to the plaque mounted on the fuel tank. Beyond that, not much is known about its early history. The current owner purchased it from an elderly gentleman in Dalarna. His goal was to repair the motorcycle while preserving its patina, rather than carrying out a full restoration — something we believe he has succeeded in doing.

Aside from a sticking fuel tap, the motorcycle is ready to start and enjoy at this summer’s classic vehicle meets. It was last ridden in the autumn of 2025. The most recent approved inspection was carried out on June 21, 2016. Under current Swedish historic vehicle regulations, it remains approved until further notice and is exempt from road tax.

The odometer reads 0 km, as the trip meter has stopped functioning. According to the owner, he has ridden approximately 500 km since 2012. He has now chosen to let Bilweb Auctions handle the sale, as he no longer has the time to use the motorcycle.

The round hole in the battery box is the result of a previous owner having installed a powerful car horn there — clearly someone who wanted to make sure he was heard when signaling.

This is a remote auction. The photographs were taken by an independent photographer with a strong interest in motorcycles, and all information regarding the bike and its technical condition has been provided by the owner. BWA has therefore not physically inspected the motorcycle on site.

Carfaxrapport Free history (6)

Technical data

  • Year
    1953/1953 
  • Registration date
    2012-05-24 
  • Mileage
     
  • Registration Number
    XPS950 
  • Chassis Number
    48538911 
  • Kw / hp
    8 / 11 
  • Fuel Type
    Petrol 
  • Transmission
    Manual 
  • Interior finish
     
  • Colour
    Black 

Condition

  • Mechanical condition:

    Single-cylinder, two-stroke engine of 244 cc, with a stated output of 11 horsepower.

    The current owner has dismantled and rebuilt the engine, fitting new bearings and clutch plates, and servicing the gearbox, etc. At the same time, an electronic (breakerless) ignition system was installed. It runs well and performs smoothly.

  • Interior condition:

    Long bench seat in good condition.

  • Exterior condition:

    Patinated, well-used condition. The rear fender has some dents and is missing the Auto-Union badge. It is fitted with a newer tail light from an English motorcycle.

    The chrome on the tank and other brightwork shows surface rust — see photos. The aluminum parts have a slightly oxidized finish.

    The bike is equipped with older Värnamo tires, which are in unusually good condition for their age. There is a round hole in the battery box (see description for more information about this).

  • General condition:

    Charming, patinated driver-condition.

MOT (tech. insp.)

Fordonsstatus: Itrafik 2012-05-24
Ursprungsbesiktning: 2011-10-25 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 2012-05-24 (530101)
Senast godkända besiktning: 2016-06-21
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 1

Owner's comment

I purchased the motorcycle from an elderly gentleman in Dalarna. At that time, it had been removed from the Swedish vehicle register and needed to be re-registered with the Swedish Transport Agency. This process took some time. I had to search the National Archives for documentation and obtain certification assistance from the Swedish Motor Historic Association. In 2012, the motorcycle was successfully re-registered and could once again be legally ridden on the road. While the registration process was ongoing, I dismantled and rebuilt the engine. All bearings were replaced, the clutch was refurbished with new cork plates, and several worn gears in the gearbox were replaced. The piston and cylinder, however, were in good enough condition to be reused. Finally, I installed an electronic (breakerless) ignition system and replaced the entire electrical system.

Facts about the model

The first RT 250 was presented in the autumn of 1951 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The earliest examples were built with a rigid frame from the RT 200 model, but only 23 such units were produced before full series production began.

The first production version of the RT 250 received the designation “H” (Hinterradfederung) to highlight its new telescopic rear suspension. The major innovation was that the rear suspension was designed as a telescopic system with progressive spring action. A strong coil spring absorbed impacts from the road, while a slightly softer spring absorbed rebound forces. Rubber buffers limited the maximum suspension travel to approximately 40 mm upward and downward to prevent the damper from bottoming out.

The RT 250 was equipped with a telescopic front fork carried over unchanged from the RT 200. The engine was a further development of the 200 cc unit, with the cylinder bored out to 244 cc.

Location and viewing Information

Location: Umeå

For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:

Mathias Casserlund

mathias.casserlund@bilwebauctions.se

Pick up

Collection must take place before: 2026-03-11.

NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.

Auction information

Distance sales
  • This car has not been photographed or tested by Bilweb Auctions. The information above is based on the seller's information.
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
  • At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
  • During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
  • Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
  • When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
  • If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
  • If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
  • Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
  • For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.

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