Terrot
The legacy of Terrot motorcycles is deeply interwoven with the history of two-wheeled mobility. Originating from Dijon, France, this iconic brand has left an indelible mark on the motorcycle landscape. Charles Terrot, together with Wilhelm Stücklen, established a machinery factory in Germany in the mid-19th century, subsequently expanding operations to Dijon in 1887. Initially focused on the manufacturing of knitting machines, the Dijon factory diversified its production line to include bicycles in 1890, marking the beginning of Terrot's journey into mobility solutions.
The dawn of the 20th century saw the advent of Terrot's first motorcycle, a product powered by a 2 bhp engine provided by Zédel of Switzerland. This marked the birth of a brand that would go on to create motorcycles with engines ranging from 173cc to 498cc, partnering with various proprietary engine suppliers across Europe.
Terrot's expansion was driven by innovation, and in 1905 they introduced their first twin-cylinder model. The company's reputation for quality made it a valuable asset during wartime, providing 500cc motorcycles to the French Army from 1915. The post-war period saw Terrot diversify its offerings, introducing a variety of two-stroke models and commencing the production of four-stroke models from 1923.
As the company grew, so did its reputation and prestige. This was marked by Terrot's 100,000th motorcycle rolling off the production line in 1929. The Great Depression led to the creation of a new class of vehicles - motorized bicycles, an innovation that once again demonstrated Terrot's adaptability.
In the world of competitive racing, Terrot was a force to be reckoned with. A remarkable year was 1932 when the company claimed a triple championship, winning the French 250cc, 350cc, and 500cc classes. However, Terrot's influence was not limited to the racetrack. During the Second World War, the brand supplied the French Army with sidecar models, underlining their reputation for durability and reliability.
The post-war era saw Terrot continue to evolve and innovate. In 1951, the company launched its first motor scooter, known as the VMS, and in the years that followed, it concentrated its efforts on the burgeoning market for mopeds and lightweight motorcycles.
However, Terrot's journey was not without its challenges. By 1958, the company was taken over by Peugeot, marking the end of an era. Although production ceased at the original Terrot factory in 1961, the brand's legacy lives on, a testament to its contribution to the world of motorcycles.
