My 1957 DKW Hummel 50cc Moped

UPDATE: July 15th, 2015
After 3 years, I knew she’d be a challenge, but didn’t think it’d be quite as much work as it became. 100s of hours, and far too much of my money later, thanks to Detroit Moped Works, she finally runs! At cruising speed of a solid 25mph and a 3-speed manual transmission, she looks and works amazing!
Video of the first ride below.

Named after the German word for "Bumblebee," DKW began making the 50cc Hummel Moped in 1956. This was one of the first motorcycles in the world to have a 3-Speed gearbox. In 1932, DKW merged with Audi and two other German auto manufacturers to form The Auto Union, which is why the DKW's official logo contains Audi's signature four rings, representing the four companies that combined.

I purchased this bike unworking a few years ago and spend my free time fixing and restoring it.
I enjoy working on simple vehicles like this one and ride my 1985 Sachs G3 moped almost everyday.

My 1985 Sachs G3 50cc Moped 

I purchased this moped my sophomore year of college at UC. Unable to start or run, I fixed up the bike until it ran smoothly and rode it to class and around Cincinnati nearly everyday, even in the winter. It is my pride and joy.

This moped was then stolen from me 2 years ago from my house in the middle of a stormy night. I was devastated and did everything I could to spread the word about its disappearance online and around the neighborhood. I unfortunately had no luck finding it.

About 9 or so months later, I had given up the search and purchased a new moped project, my 1957 DKW Hummel above. I was convinced that my Sachs G3 was gone for good. While at work one day at the Apple Store, I get a call. Someone from Columbus, Ohio claimed that he may have found my bike after being approached by a seller on Craigslist. He recognized it from my posts online months and months earlier and used the forums I'd posted in to get my contact information.

I used the seller's cell number and the address the man gave me to track it down, eventually retrieving it thanks to the Cincinnati PD. The original paint and graphics were ruined by the thief, so I spent the next year slowly sanding and cleaning up the bike back to the condition you see now. I am so happy to have her back!