43-hp Simson Smoker from Tony Möckel…
In 1856, brothers Löb and Moses Simson purchased one third of a steelhammer works in Suhl, Germany, and began producing guns and gun barrels under the trade name Simson & Co. The company later began bicycle and auto production, with the Simson Supra V8 garnering wide acclaim.
After WWII, the factory fell under Communist control and began producing motorcycles and mopeds. While Simson offered both four-stroke and two-stroke machines, the latter have developed a very strong cult following, with customizers and tuners transforming these East German mopeds and minibikes into giant-killing rockets.
One such enthusiast is our friend Tony Möckel (@moeckeltony), who works in a foundry near Meuselwitz, Germany, and has loved these bikes since he was a boy. Today, he builds extreme Simson conversions as a hobby. Last year, we featured his custom Simson S51 “Orange Monster” — a 32-hp minibike that Tony likened to “riding a cannonball.” Our kind of fun!
Now Tony’s back with a new S51 build, and it’s even more extreme than the last. It’s a tribute to the late Ken Block — DC Shoes founder, rally driver, gymkhana star, and “Head Hoonigan In Charge” (HHIC) of Hoonigan Racing Division. As many of you likely know, Block passed away in a snowmobile accident in 2023 near his ranch in Utah.
“As I’m a fan of Ken Block, I built this bike in his honor… The design was inspired by project cars from the company Hoonigan. They build fierce racing/drift and stunt cars and were part of Ken’s legacy.” -Tony
The base in an S51 — a pint-size motorcycle introduced in 1980 with a two-stroke 50cc engine producing 3.7 bhp. But this machine is a far cry from stock. Dubbed the “Holy Bastard,” it produces 43 hp from a custom-built 125cc engine — more than 11.5 times the power of the original! Highlights include billet cases, Rotax cylinder, five-speed transmission, custom six-plate clutch, and twin ATV radiators with a VW water pump — trick!
To handle all this newfound power, the chassis was reinforced, and Tony constructed his own belt drive. He also built the fuel tank from a Simson 550 unit, widening and reshaping it to fit the design, and the seat is a based on a Recaro Podium model like you might find in a Hoonigan drift car, complete with a carbon fiber base.
The “Holy Bastard” rides on 17-inch wheels with Brembo brakes and Continental racing rubber, and a Motogadget MoUnit blue serves as the central control unit. So what’s it like to ride a 43-bhp two-stroke minibike that weighs under 200 pounds?
“The moped handles like a desert vole on steroids. Small, fast, and incredibly maneuverable.”
Bravo to Tony for building such a fitting tribute to one of the motoring world’s most beloved drivers. We’re sure Ken would approve…and want to experience this two-stroke smoker for himself.
Below you’ll find our full interview with Tony about the build, including more technical details and photos.
Simson 51 Custom: Builder Interview
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
Simson S51 Custom Build. (It was never a registered motorcycle and was made from individual parts.)
• Why was this bike built? (Customer project, company promotion, personal, etc.)
Building such extreme Simson conversions is my hobby. As I’m a fan of Ken Block, I built this bike in his honor. (Ken Block died in 2023 during a stunt.)
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The design was inspired by project cars from the company Hoonigan. They build fierce racing/drift and stunt cars and were part of Ken’s legacy.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
Custom builds included: a self-constructed belt drive including engine side covers (belts from Gates), a self-built fuel tank based on a Simson 550 fuel tank. Air ducts and beads were then added, and the tank was widened by 8 cm.
The seat was based on the RECARO Podium sports seat. The base plate is made of real carbon, and the seat pads are designed in the same way as the seat. The bike features a Motogadget MoUnit blue as the central control unit.
Wheels: Front: 3.5-inch rims with 80/90 17-inch Continental tires and a dual 320mm brake disc paired with two Brembo 4-piston fixed-caliper calipers. Rear: 4.25-inch wide rim base with 110/70 Continental Race Slick tires and a 320mm brake disc, also with a Brembo fixed caliper.
The base frame was reinforced at each corner with support plates and struts. All frame components were drilled and reinforced with steel sleeves (more of a visual aspect). The headlight mask was machined from a single block of aluminum billet and carries two LED headlights. All frame components were powder-coated in neon matte yellow. The fuel tank and side cover were painted matte black.
The engine: The engine bay is machined from billet by PZ-Tuning in Trebbin. The crankshaft with a 44mm stroke also comes from them. The 5-speed transmission is from RONGE. Motorsport from Chemnitz. The 6-plate clutch is a custom design and operates hydraulically. The cylinder is a Rotax dd2 with exhaust control and 125cc, producing a final output of 43 hp.
The engine is cooled by two radiators from an ATV and powered by an electric water pump from a Volkswagen T6. DASH pipes were used for the water lines, and a flow monitor was installed for monitoring.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Project name: Holy Bastard.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride?
The moped handles like a desert vole on steroids. Small, fast, and incredibly maneuverable.
“Ready to leave everyone behind and out of reach.”
Ausgezeichnet!