Brief History of the Marque: Junak
Polish automobile constructions
Junak - The polish Harley
If I feel pity for any domestic product of the motorization industry,
then it especially is the Junak - a great motorcycle, which should be modernised
and produced until this very day.
Basic model - Junak M10 (after modernisation)
The Junak design emerged from the Warsaw Motor Industry’s Construction
Bureau (BKPMot).
The team was led by expert motorcycle constructors with experience from
the pre-war National Engineering Works (PZInz), Jan Ignatowicz and Stefan
Porazinski. The name Junak was related to the popular Fiat 508, which was
made in PZInz in the 30's, and at the same time it brought to mind the
gallant members of the those days young men’s labour brigades.
Theoretic work began in 1952. In the beginning it was supposed to be
a heavy motorcycle - mainly for the military - with a 500 cm3 engine, but
the project was changed and in effect a 350 cm3 class vehicle was created.
It was shown for the first time on the expo in "Hala Ludowa" in Wroclaw,
arranged in 1954, in occasion with the 10'th anniversary of Polish People’s
Republic.
The Junak immediately created a sensation. Articles, published in among
others the "Motor", were calling on instant serial production of the motorcycle.
But this was problematic. The Stettin’s Metal Part Production Plant, which
was to manufacture the Junak, was not prepared for it, lacking vital tools.
The co-operators also needed to create the instrumentation. Initial in
1956 the first 30 motorcycles were made, nearly by hand. During the next
year only 253 Junaks rolled off the production line. In January 1958 WSM
took on the name "Szczecin’s Motorcycles Factory"(SFM), and began an expansion,
in order to produce 20 thousand units of to-wheelers a year. These skills
were achieved in 1962, producing exactly 20 127 motorcycles.
Still in Poland they were hard to obtain, as export began. Junaks were
successfully sold in Bulgaria, Cuba, Mongolia, Venezuela, Uruguay, Turkey,
Libya, Syria, Hungary and ... the USA. On the other hand, other motorcycles
as Jawa, Izh, Simson and MZ began to flow into Poland.
In the sixty's the Junak got a few variations - a sidecar, a load crate,
a cross version - and had a serious facelift. The headlight got a smooth
casing, which was integrated with the suspension fork, got a deeper mudguard,
more efficient brakes were introduced, the chain was encapsulated and the
exhaust changed.
The motorcycle - in a standard version - cost nearly 23 thousand PLZ,
and was quite expensive compared with the average salary of 2,5 thousand
PLZ. Potential consumers - in their twenties - were making an average of
1500 PLZ. Imported motorcycles were cheaper, and the Junak began to lose
national market, although not enough to stop production. Unfortunately
the central leadership of PPR decided to shut down SFM. It transformed
into the co-operators of the FSO and FSM and began manufacturing of steering
controls and transmission valves. In 1964 SFM engineers developed a prototype
of a modern motorcycle "Iskra" with a two cylinder engine, but production
plans were never discussed. Polish People’s Republic garrotted a greatly
expanding motorcycle industry, because the "Council for Mutual Economic
Aid" strategy said so. The two-wheelers were to be in the domain of DDR,
Czechoslovakia and USSR...
Zbigniew D. Skoczek
(translated by Kristoffer Malewski – Denmark)
krzych at vip.cybercity.dk
From http://www.polskie.motocykle.org/polmot.html
Mon Oct 01 2007
danielcrawt<at>hotmail.com
junak
junak m10
Hi,im going to buy an m10 in poland and bring it back to england,any
advise?
Sun Mar 11 2007
a_gonta
hotmail
buy a junak millenium
Hi
Could you please tell me where i could purchase a junak millenium in
the UK.
Kind Regards
Adam
Sat Feb 10 2007
nathalie.de.smettelenet.be
Junak side-car
Hello, i've got a moto bmw with a junak side-car, i'm looking for a
junak windbreaker but i don't know where to search, i'm belgian. thanks
a lot, nathalie
Mechelen
Sun Feb 04 2007
ziemian_pndinteria.pl
part of motorcycle
Hi! My name is Pawel. I have a few motorcycles parts on sale (WFM OSA,
RYŚ MR1, JUNAK, SIMSON SR2). Could you write on your site
this advertisement??
Poland - Krosno
Fri Nov 17 2006
pustynnyvp.pl
Junak Pomorski - Wortal of Free Owners of Junak SFM
All Junak Models
Hello Friends
I would like to present the biggest wortal of Junak Owners.
http://junak.ekoma.pl [404 0611]
There are Gallery with old and the newest photos of Junak, Polish language
forum of owners and much more about Junak SFM. If You have any questions
send email to me (kbad at polbox.com).
Good luck and see you on roads!
Pustynny :)
Stargard Szczecinski
December 12, 2002
My brother and i have a Junak M10, and we need a turning engine part.
Who oh who can help us. please send your message to wgoeman at
zeelandnet.nl -- Netherlands
October 2, 2002
Here is the current URL of Pawel Cmielewski's Junak page:
http://www.polskie.motocykle.org/polmot.html 404
Best regards
Krzych -- km at houe-olsen.dk
August 8, 2002
Hallo Junak - friends,
Can you tell me the next date from the oldtimer bazar in wrozlaw?
Thank for the information Wolfgang -- wosch53 at web.de
July 31, 2002
Hello
I'm from Poland, in Warsaw. My name is Arek. I have Junak M10, Royal
Enfield Bullet, 2000years, and Simson Awo 1956 years.
If you want parts for Junak, look in www.skuterdebica.hg.pl
My address javol at poczta.onet.pl
Best Regards
Arek from Poland
June 7, 2002
Hallo.
Via een kennis in Polen kreeg ik dit e-mail adres door ivm Junak motoren.
Hij vertelde mij dat jullie ook een web pagina hebben. Kunt u het adres
daarvan doorgeven aub?
Bij voorbaat mijn dank,
R. Grootjans -- rgrootjans at vermeer-international.com
June 4, 2002
Hello friends
My name is Jacob Foder -- jacob at zwicky.dk
6000 Kolding
Denmark
I hawe JUNAK M 10 1962
I Hawe buy it in Poland
December 25, 2001
Hello Esa,
I just read your email to www.narma.org
It is possible to find an original Junak M10 in Poland without any
problems. You can find the offers in MC magazines or on the net.
(all in polish)
The Junak should cost from 2000 PLZ (solo in running condition), up
to 10000 PLZ (with side-car and after TOP renovation)
If you are still interesting in buying the bike, please contact me by
e-mail.
Best regards
Krzych >> Vadum, DK
Junak M-10 (with side-car)
krzych at vip.cybercity.dk
Junak mailing list
Junak at motocykle.org
http://listserv.motocykle.org/mailman/listinfo/junak [404]
November 24, 2001
Hallo Junak friends,
I have a Junak (cafee racer) und I search for a Junak club or a date
from the next JunaK meeting. -- greetings from wolfgang --
WUdo222
at aol
August 28, 2001
Did You all know that thanks to POLMO-Szczecin Junak is reincarnated
!? After 35 years it made its début on 2001 Poznan Motor Show. I've
heard that Junak presented two models: belt driven for smaller cc engine
& shaft for larger one. Don't know all the details about these new
machines, but after my September visit to Poland I'll be more than happy
to share with you all I inquired there. -- maciek kolodziejczak
-- my e-mail jeicam at msn
or metanoiamt at hotmail
June 8, 2001
Hi Junak fans,
The new Junak was reborn. But unfortunately, it is not an original
Junak. It is Hyongsung from Far East, which will be marketing in
Poland under name of Junak – Millennium. (see the pictures of new and old
Junak, what a difference!) -- Regards -- Kristoffer
krzych
at vip.cybercity.dk
May 15, 2001
Dear "Junak" Friends!
The best way to buy all parts you want for your motorcycle is to go
for it to Poland! What's the problem!? Only 100-300 km from Germany. There
are frequently (three or four times in all year) organised following old
motorcycle markets:
- "Moto Weteran Bazar" ("Moto-Veteran Bazaar") in Lodz (central Poland),
the biggest and the famous;
- "Oldtimer Bazar" ("Oldtimer Bazaar") in Wroclaw (south-western Poland),
a little smaller than in Lodz, but near German border);
- "Warszawski Bazar Motocyklowy" ("Warsaw Motorcycle Bazaar") in Warsaw
(central Poland), new but big.
In Poland they produce many new parts: pipe, kick-starter, rear lamp,
piston, etc. Maybe sending by post is possible too. All parts (new and
used) are very chip. And new issue of the manual and parts list (in Polish
of course) is available.
Actual calendar you may check on page: http://www.wanderer.riders.pl/coc.htm
"Swieto Junaka" ("Junak Meeting") in Szczecin (Junak's build place)is
planned on 29.06.-01.07.2001.
In my opinion the best web page about "Junak" is: www.kki.net.pl/~junax/
"Spiker" -- lkm_wehikul at poczta.onet.pl
Sorry, but my English gramma isn't very good, yet.
From Sheldon -- Your English is a lot better than my Polish...
March 29, 2001
Does anybody can inform me: is it possible to buy in Poland a Junak
M10? How much does it approximately cost? -- Esa Alin,
Finnland -- e.alin at luukku
March 13, 2001
I HEV JUNAK FROM 1959 MODEL M-O7 lukaszzegar at poczta.onet.pl
February 17, 2001
Hello! Are you still interested in polish motorcycles? If yes, then
try following web site: http://marigan.w.interia.pl (a lot of info about
Junak). Pozdrawiam Mariusz Gandzel --- marigan at interia.pl
February 16, 2001
Hi guys
I can supply photocopies of Junak wiring diagram, parts book etc.
Please email me if you need information. If you need Junak parts
in Holland, try:
Jaap En Tinus
motorenverzamelaars
Tel: 0174 382909 or 0174 625205
Please find attached a picture of my M10 and also a WSK.
Cheers
Tom Norman -- tom.norman -- tom.norman
at ntlworld.com
January 30, 2001
Hello Junak friends !
My name is Mariusz Gandzel and I am from Polands. I have two Junak
M10 in my garage, and I have much of information on this theme. I can help
with technical problems. If you need any information, write to me and I
will answer soon as I can. Visit my page http://marigan.w.interia.pl
Mariusz (Black) -- marigan at interia.pl
November 18, 2001
Czesc Junak owners.
I have what is possibly the only Junak in UK. What is it like
to ride?
- Interesting!
Engine - easy starter and flexible but definitely not quick. Oil leaks
are a constant problem.
Brakes - for the brave. I have relined with British material, made
up stiffer cables and checked everything I can think of, but at the end
of the day the brakes still look better than they perform.
Gearbox - lots of neutrals
Centre stand - a real hernia inducer (try and get a side stand, but
that increases the oil leaks)
Suspension - very soft and far more comfortable than a British bike
of the same period.
I have an original copy of the Polish magazine Motor from 1960 which
includes a Junak road test - most of the above criticisms are mentioned
in that article (and a few more)
Do I like it? Of course I do! It is my own private piece of Poland.
Information.
There is a reprinted Junak spares and maintenance book (in Polish)
available in Poland. Entitled Junak M10, the ISBN is 83-206-1202-0.
It includes a fully illustrated parts list and wiring diagrams. If
you have difficulty getting a copy, I can probably help.
The Polish motorcycle magazine Swiat Motocycle has recently published
a series of articles on Junaks (again all in Polish). http://www.swiat-motocykli.pl/index_.html
I have a number of contemporary Polish articles. If anybody would
like a photocopy I will happily send one.
There is a section on Junak in the excellent book Polskie motocycle
1946-1985 by Andrzej Zielinski.
Spare parts.
Dutch owners should contact: Jaap En Tinus, Motorenverzamelaars, tel
0174-382909 or 0174-625205. Dealer in Junak spares. There are
a number of Junak spares specialists in Poland. Their advertisements
can be found in Swiat Motocycl. However as far as I know, none of
them speak English or are geared up for exports. If anybody wants
these addresses please let me know and I will post them. If you are
completely stuck for parts send me an email. I have Polish motorcyclist
friends who will be prepared to help.
If anybody wants to email me about Polish motorcycles I will be happy
to hear from them.
Good riding
Tom Norman -- tom.norman at ntlworld.com
November 13, 2000
Hello Junak friends,
I wonder if someone could help me on the following subject. A
couple of weeks ago I bought myself a Junak and it needs thoroughly to
be restored. One of the problems I noticed almost immediately was
that the dynamo is missing. Now I have heard something about a modification
to a 12 V installation. Is there anybody who can make me clever on
this subject?
Gerard van Oostrom -- the Netherlands -- gvanohhw
at wish.net
October 10, 2000
Hello!
I found your site while searching for info on my own bike, a 1963 SFM
Junak 350. Mine is the competition (MX) model. They also made a street,
and sixday enduro model. I have for info: a color sales brochure
showing the different models, a photocopy of the original repair manual
with exploded views, and a 1963 issue of "Cycle World" that has a test
of the enduro model. From what I gathered, they were imported to
the US by Portnoy Imports in Linwood NJ. this town is about 30 miles from
my house. I have contacted the widowed Mrs. Portnoy but she told
me nothing remains of the dealership at all. The manual was loaned
to me by a gentle man in Ohio and he allowed me to copy it. when it arrived
I was surprised to see the dealership and town stamped on the cover.
I'll try to locate his name/address, as he was very interested in finding
one for sale. He said he owned a new one when he was younger. I will
try to help out the people on the list with the info that I have, when
time permits and perhaps if their interested I can get the brochure
and the article scanned by a friend. The manual is way too large to do
but perhaps if their is interest I could recopy it for others.
Hope this helps, By the way, I need a carb, pipe and kickstarter
if anyone has these. Thanks. -- -Thom Allewelt
-- relicracing at aol
October 5, 2000
Hi there!
Are you still interested in polish motorcycles?
If yes, then try following web site:
http://tytan.umcs.lublin.pl/~pchmiel/polmot.htm [404]
(all about polish motorcycles, with a lot of info about Junak).
Enjoy
Grzech -- Grzegorz Kiwialo --
zenek at start.com.au
(Note from Sheldon August 24, 2002, Looks like this site is no longer
working. If anyone knows the current URL please let me know)
March 5, 2000
Do you have information as to were you can buy parts for a Junak M10
BJ 65 in Germany ? -- Thanks, Peter Arendt -- Peter.Arendt
at t-online.de
Novemeber 16, 1999
Hello,
I am Menno Sikkink from the Netherlands. I have a Junak m10 in
my garage, and now I am trying to get it on the road, but there are still
a few problems I have to solve. I have problems fixing the electrical
wiring. Do you have a schedule of this system for me?
Please let me Know. By the way what a great peace of technical they
make in Poland. -- Menno Sikkink --
menno.sikkink
at wxs.nl
November 10, 1999
Hello I'm Sven Sterckx from Belgium. If you have information
concerning this bike is it possible to mail it to me? I have a Junak
but he is not driving and I want to repair it. I have the bike almost
2 years now. I don't know from which year the bike is but the front
of the bike is different. -- Sven Sterckx -- ssterckx
at be.packardbell.org
October 16, 1999
My name is Jan Helder and I am from the Netherlands. My brother
bought 2 Junak's one from 1960 and one from 1963. We want to have
some more info about them... Do you know sites with info about parts
and stuff... -- Thanks, Jan Helder --
helderjr at
hotmail
March 29, 1999
Tell me what you want to know about these good bikes. I have
owned a few of them, and it is really bulletproof bikes with two exceptions.
The magneto is the main problem, not because its poor quality, but because
it have a stupid location, in front of the engine, just in place for water
from the front wheel. It also has a too small dynamo, which lets
you drive at night with a candle light. Most bikes these days have
a 12 volt dynamo and a normal distributor, and then you have a bike that
never let you down.
If you need any information, just mail me and I will answer soon as
I can.
Väinö Kultima, Kultima at online.no
Norway
Here is a photo of a Junak M10 from 1963 -- Varga
Bela, from Hungary -- varga at kgtt.bme.hu
If you can read Polish please translate this site: http://www.pol.pl/news._p/motor/retro-sa/junak/index.htm
[404]
(Note from Sheldon August 24, 2002, Looks like this site is no longer
working. This appears to be the current site:) http://www.polskie.motocykle.org/polmot.html
[404]
If you have a query about Junak motorcycles, or wish to share information
or images of these classic Polish machines, please contact
us!
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