Moj 1937

MOJ, rare Polish motorcycle built in 1937-1939 in Katowice. Constructed by G. Różycki and K. Zuber. This motorcycle is dated 1937, with frame number 215. Later the dual exhaust was introduced (compare: Moj 1938).

Signature found in the engine

Gustaw Różycki bought a little metalworks manufacture in Katowice in 1933. It took him four years to rebuild, enlarge and modernize the factory. It was named Fabryka Maszyn Oraz Odlewnia Żelaza i Metali MOJ (MOJ Machine Manufacture and Metal Foundry). "Moj" was the owner's nickname from his university time. In 1937 Moj factory employed 386 workers and was an important manufacturer of mining equipment, boat engines, chain saws and other devices (among other things, they were making car starters for Polish Fiat produced by PzInż in Warsaw). 1937 was also the year when Moj motorcycle division was opened, under the direction of Karol Zuber. Zuber and Różycki constructed a light motorcycle patterned on best German motorcycles of the time. All subassemblies were built in Katowice, only prototypes were fitted with Villiers engines. The production version of Moj motorcycle had proprietary power unit. It was two-stroke, single-cylinder enigne 128cc. Next year the machine was rebuilt, the power output increased and hand-operated gearbox replaced with foot-operated one. In first two years - 1937 and 1938 - about 300 units were sold. Moj motorcycles took part in several sporting events, and Polish goverment was considering possibility of using Moj motorcycles in the army; in 1938 first tests were made. In 1939 another 500 units were built, and Różycki was working on 250cc model. The outbreak of the war destroyed all plans. Różycki spent the years of war in Nazi concentration camps in Dachau and Guzen. Zuber took part in Battle of Britain. The factory in Katowice was taken over by German occupants. It was producing mining equipment and ammunition; some Moj motorcycles were assembled from magazine parts, too. The last known transaction document is dated 1941, and the frame namber of Moj motorcycle sold this day was 944. When German occupants had left in 1945, the staff spontaneously took control over factory and secured the equipment and machines from being stolen. Różycki survived the war, and when he came back to Katowice, they were ready to renew the production. Unfortunately it wasn't accepted by new communist authorities. The factory was incorporated into the Union of Mining Tools and Equipment Factories, and Moj motorcycle was discontinued.