Looking every bit the oddity that it was, the 1975 Hercules W2000 was powered by a Wankel (rotary) motor. Not a new company, the German concern; Hercules Company, dates back to 1888.

In 1974 Hercules was the first motorcycle company to offer a rotary engine to the motorcycling public. Alas, the bike was never well loved, partially because of the maintenance, but mostly because of it’s lack of performance. The W2000 had a single rotor motor, produced only 23hp from 294cc. The Wankel patent owners (not Hercules) restricted the size of the motor and Hercules was limited in the size of the motor that could be used. It stymied the progression of the model.

I say it looked like a bicycle that ran over a vacuum cleaner– but they are certainly rare. Only 500 were made. Not a bike that would ingratiate you with the Harley crowd (are you really going to impress them with your “Wankel” tattoo?) this bike makes no appreciable exhaust noise.

Part of the reason for the loud Harley exhaust note is “prevention”. As in, preventing others from running broadside into you. The hope is that sound makes others aware. Not so with the Wankel – they’ll never hear you coming.

More of an oddity than a pleasure bike, this wheezer never took hold. Due to the size and shape of the motor, handling was questionable to boot. You couldn’t lean the bike very far into corners without scraping the finish off of the vaccum cleaner.

The Suzuki RE5 was another attempt to put a rotary motor in a motorcycle. Ironically also introduced in 1974, it too failed. Like the Hercules W2000, it is destined to be collectible also.

I’ve attached a scan from the original factory picture.

Today, they are impossible to find. Have you seen one? We’ve been lucky enough to add one to the collection. What it’s worth, we can’t say, but once restored she’ll be a great showpiece. At least she’ll be quiet.

From http://www.theburtcollection.com/