The History of König Race Outboards

The story of König outboard engines: record-setting two-stroke motors that redefined outboard racing history from 1927 to 1998.

Introduction

The history of König outboard racing engines is one of the most remarkable stories in the evolution of 2-stroke outboards and competitive boat racing. Founded in Berlin in 1927 by Rudolf König, the company began as a small workshop producing simple one-horsepower motors.

Within a few years, König Motorenbau transformed the world of outboard racing history, proving that lightweight, high-revving two-stroke engines could outperform the heavier, more complex four-stroke designs of the era. Their innovations not only set world records but also defined an entirely new standard for racing outboard engines.

Early Development and Record-Breaking Success

By the early 1930s, König had begun producing stern-mounted outboards tailored for speed competitions. In 1935, the company introduced the legendary König “J” engine, which set two straightaway world records that remained unbeaten for eighteen years.

This achievement placed König at the forefront of boat racing history and proved the dominance of their lightweight engineering. With rotary-disc inlet timing, advanced water-cooling, and precise port geometry, the König “J” represented the cutting edge of 2-stroke outboard racing technology.

Post-War Expansion and Racing Dominance

After World War II, Dieter König, Rudolf’s son, expanded the company’s focus on competitive racing. Through the 1950s, 1960s, and beyond, König dominated outboard racing in classes ranging from 250cc to 700cc.

Their modular two-stroke engines provided versatility and unmatched performance across hydroplane and circuit racing categories. For decades, König-powered boats captured the majority of European and World Championship titles, reinforcing their place as the most successful manufacturer in outboard racing history.

Cross-Disciplinary Innovation: From Boats to Motorcycles

König’s reputation grew even further when their racing engines crossed over into motorcycle competition. In the early 1970s, New Zealand engineer Kim Newcombe adapted a König 500cc flat-four outboard motor for use in a Grand Prix motorcycle.

With a new cooling system and Norton transmission, the König GP bike shocked the world by finishing second overall in the 1973 500cc World Championship. König technology also powered world-championship-winning sidecar racing teams, proving that their two-stroke racing engines were as effective on land as they were on water.

Later Years and Closure

In later decades, König experimented with aircraft and ultralight propulsion systems but remained best known for racing outboards. By the 1980s and 1990s, their engines were still at the top of competitive boat racing, outpacing much larger rivals with their lighter, faster, and more efficient two-stroke designs.

After Dieter König’s tragic death in 1991, the company continued briefly but officially closed its doors in 1998. While production ceased, König outboards remain highly valued by collectors and restorers, symbolizing a golden era of boat racing heritage.

Legacy in Outboard Racing History

The story of König Motorenbau is inseparable from the history of racing outboard engines. From the record-setting “J” of 1935 to their decades of championship dominance, König proved that two-stroke engineering could achieve unparalleled success in outboard racing history. Their influence extended across hydroplane racing, motorcycle Grand Prix, and even aviation, showcasing the versatility and brilliance of their designs.

Today, König engines are remembered not only as machines of speed and precision but also as milestones in boat racing history. They embody the relentless pursuit of innovation in small-engine technology and remain a touchstone for anyone passionate about the world of 2-stroke outboards and competitive racing.

This marked König’s first true rear-mounted outboard racing engine, designed to be installed directly on the transom at the back of a boat—an innovation that set the stage for modern 2-stroke outboard racing history.

In 1956, a 25-year-old Dieter König introduced König racing engines to the United States, marking a pivotal moment in outboard racing history. His debut came at the World Championships in Minden, Louisiana, where he won the C Division and initially finished second in the A Division, only to be disqualified for not securing a U.S. inspection stamp on his motor. At that time, König already held the C Class world speed record at 73 mph, set in Berlin in March 1955. By then, König Motors had also swept all the European Championships of 1955 and set two additional world speed records, firmly establishing themselves as the premier 2-stroke outboards in international competition.

By the late 1960s, König outboard racing engines had firmly established themselves as the power of choice in American and international boat racing history. An advertisement for the 1968 König models proudly showcased their unmatched record of success, pointing to a string of victories at the 1967 Outboard Nationals. Champions like Armand Hebert, William Hoctor, and Bill Seebold captured national titles in A Hydro, B Hydro, and B Runabout divisions. Homer Kincaid and Clayton Elmer added to König’s tally with wins in C Hydro at the APBA and NOA Nationals, while Ron Hill proved unstoppable with wins in both C Hydro at the famed John Ward Race and D Runabout at the APBA Nationals. Freddie Goehl secured the C Runabout victory, while Billy Seebold doubled down with wins in D Hydro and D Runabout at the NOA Nationals. Together, these racers formed a roster of legends that underscored König’s reputation for building the fastest, most dependable 2-stroke outboards in the world. The results told the story: whether on hydroplanes or runabouts, in the A, B, C, or D divisions, König engines were faster, dependable, and proven, powering champions to the top of the podium across the United States.

The striking yellow machine pictured here is the legendary König 500 GP motorcycle, one of the most fascinating chapters in racing engine history. Developed in the early 1970s, this motorcycle was powered by a modified König flat-four 500cc two-stroke outboard engine, originally designed for competitive boat racing. New Zealand engineer and rider Kim Newcombe adapted the engine for land racing by adding a custom radiator system, a Norton six-speed gearbox, and lightweight racing chassis. The result was a motorcycle that shocked the world of Grand Prix racing. In 1973, Newcombe rode the König to second place overall in the 500cc World Championship, proving that a small Berlin workshop famous for outboard racing engines could challenge the dominance of Japanese giants in motorcycle Grand Prix history. With its disc-valve induction, high-revving power delivery, and innovative design, the König GP bike remains a symbol of ingenuity and cross-disciplinary engineering, blending the best of 2-stroke outboard technology with the demands of world-class motorcycle racing.

Even though König Motorenbau is no longer in operation, its name continues to stand as a legend in the history of 2-stroke outboard and motorcycle racing.