Gus Kuhn of Stockwell, London, produced motorcycles from 1968 to 1972.
Prior to 1968, Gus Kuhn had raced at Brooklands and on cinders, and had been more involved with cars than motorcycles. In that year the emphasis shifted when the firm began to produce customized models. They used the Commando for production machine events and a pair of Seeley singles for the open race classes.
These were joined by the Gus Kuhn Norton, a cafe racer available in a variety of specifications. Later they moved away from Norton and utilised BMW flat twins.
Dave Potter became 1972 750cc Class British Champion riding a Gus Kuhn Norton.
Gus E Kuhn
Kuhn's father, Gus E Kuhn, was a successful motorcycle racer whose career began before the Great War, during which he was with the RNAS (later named the RAF). Postwar he rode the TT before taking up dirt track riding in 1927, winning his first race that same year on a 350cc Velocette when everyone else was on a 500. Kuhn also competed in observed trials, hill climbs, sprint riding, and the ISDT. He even rode the Wall of Death.
When speedway arrived in the late 1920s, he was in like Flynn. He rode with Stamford Bridge, the Wimbledon Dons, the Wembley Lions and the Lea Bridge team, some of which he captained. Gus rode a Sunbeam DT90.
He established Gus Kuhn Motors in 1932, displaying both cars and motorcycles in his London showroom, and continued competition riding until 1939 when Mr Hitler put an end to festivities.
Sources: Graces Guide; guskuhn.net
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