Classic Velocity

In the late 19th century in Bielefeld Germany, Goricke came into being with a focus on bicycles, sewing machines, and milking machines. In 1903 they jumped into the motorcycle production business, and established themselves as a high quality manufacturer. Unlike most, they went straight into producing larger machines, and used competition to advertise and to improve the product. In 1909 they reportedly captured the first motorcycle world speed record. They also produced a 3-wheeled car in 1907.

With the outbreak of hostilities in World War I, Goricke transitioned to military products, and did not re-enter the motorcycle market until around 1920. They produced singles and V-Twin configuration machines which some claimed were just pre WWI machines warmed over. In 1924 they acquired the failed Fabula company, but did little with the products. Goricke stumbled along through the hard economic times of the 1920s and 1930s, surviving a bankruptcy in 1929, an acquisition, and then supported largely by their bicycle business. And then came another war, and another transition to producing military equipment.

Following the war, Goricke produced small displacement motorcycles and mopeds. A breakthrough came in 1953 with the Go-175 motorcycle. It lasted for 6 years, and did reasonably in a very crowded market segment. They then introduced a 50cc model that they ironically called the Supersport. Simultaneously, Goricke was doing even better with other types of machines. A 3 wheeler (2 wheels in front with a large basket) powered by a 50cc Fichtel & Sachs motor and intended for work duty did well. Mopeds became a success  with the Diva, and then the Regina models. They did attempt to introduce a “big” bike,  meaning 250cc powered by the popular Ilo motor. However, it died before getting to production, as it was up against much more powerful and popular models from Adler,  NSU, and DKW.

The late 1950s saw the dramatic decline of the motorcycle business for everyone including Goricke. In 1964, they were acquired by Panterwerke, who continued the Goricke brand, but only in the bicycle business all the way up until 1983.