Motorrad
Universal, Modell 580 B 30 (Cardan-Boxer Touren)
Dating
1951Description
stehende Ventile (sv = Side Valves) - 4-Gang-Getriebe, Fussgeschaltet - Kardanantrieb - Zylinderbohrung: 72, Kolbenhub: 72 - Motor-Nr. 60329, Fahrgestell-Nr. 60329 - Soziussitz - Typen-Schein-Nr.: 409Signature / Inscription
Signatur / Beschriftung: Beschriftung: "Universal"Object type
Object (three-dimensional)Geography
Herstellungsort: Willisau, LUMaterial / Technique
Metall, Leder, KunststoffDimensions
210 x 60 x 110 cm 190 kgInventory number
VHS-3486Legend
Universal, model 580 B 30
(Cardan Boxer Touring), 1951
The Universal 580 B 30, released in 1951, marks a turning point in the history of the Swiss motorcycle brand Universal. After the Secon World War, the factory in Willisau (LU) moved away from English built-in engines to an independent, prestigious design: the transverse boxer engine with cardan drive. The B 30 model was designed as a “touring model”. While its sportier sister (B 50) had overhead valves (OHV), the B 30 relied on side-valves (SV). This design was considered extremely robust, smooth-running and low-maintenance – ideal for long journeys and demanding sidecar operation in the Swiss Alps. The distinctive housing above the gearbox, which protects the carburetor and air filter, gives the machine its typical “tidy”, almost automotive look. It impresses with its solid construction and high-quality workmanship, which earned it the reputation of a “Swiss BMW” and represents an era in which Swiss motorcycles were among the world’s best in terms of technology, before the advent of mass motorization by cars heralded the end of many of these manufacturers.
Technical data
Main colour
schwarzNumber of crew
1Number of passengers
1Top speed [km/h]
110Type of propulsion
Kolbenverbrennungsmotor (Benzin) mit KardanwelleEngine design
Boxer, Viertakt, Luftkühlung mit seitlichen VentilenPower [kW]
14.71 (20 PS)Capacity [l]
0.578Number of cylinders
2Speed [rpm]
4200Systematics
• without pedals