In today's 'anything goes' society, the mad and unusual is commonplace. That said, the presence of behemoths like the small block-driven Boss Hoss, Triumph's two-plus liter Rocket III -even turbine jet bikes- hardly register a blip on the radar. This is what happens when motorcycles are designed to attract attention; foregoing solid production values for trendy shock and awe. One can ponder just how far the envelope can stretch, but it's a cinch someone's planning another bombshell. How many bumpers does Jay Leno have to melt to get someone's attention?

Today's mega-bike can trace its lineage back to an original thought. Looking at the big picture, one must credit drag racer E.J. Potter for his role in the movement. Potter, the Michigan legend who built and raced his Chevy V8 powered drag bike to fame in the 1960s was truly a breed apart. Following him was Friedl Munch. The German engineer who singlehandedly punted production motorcycle specifications into the stratosphere.

Christened the Mammoth ('Mammut') the best known/most recognizable is the 1200 TTS, which used the 1177cc, SOHC engine from the NSU Prinz automobile. Fitted with duel Weber carburetors the engine produced 88-bph @ 6000 rpm. Later versions, incorporating fuel injection and displacement options up to 1400 cc boosts the 600-lb plus Munch's reputation as a real handful. In reality, Munch worked diligently throughout the production era (which spanned roughly between the mid 1960s to the early 80s) to improve the machine's roadholding and handling. The frame was eventually strengthened to withstand the tremendous torque the engine, aided capably by a choice of Rickman or Ceriani forks and dual Koni shocks. The machine's enclosed chain guard served as half of the swingarm, with liberal does of magnesium incorporated to trim weight.

Assembled with great care with the finest components available, Munch's Mammut was arguably the benchmark for quality at the time of its release. Many NSU car parts were used in the build, including the machine's distinctive 'Elektronguss' headlamps, lifted directly from the donor Prinz automobile. Often criticized for its bulbous styling and non-sporting flair, the Munch was and is all about the engine. And with speed parts developed by NSU (including performance camshafts, ported and polished intakes, higher compression pistons and more) the prospective Munch buyer could not only look forward to class-leading build quality, but ownership of the world's most powerful production motorcycle.

The death of publishing mogul and importing partner Floyd Clymer ended Munch's hopes of capturing the American market, and when no suitable replacement could be found, the Munch works and naming right were eventually sold. Total production numbers fall somewhere past the two-hundred figure, with a smattering of Horex-named specials and new production visions assembled by Munch in the following years. Now a solid collectible and with a cult following, the Munch Mammut-4 stands with the Brough Superior and the Vincent Black Shadow as the performance and technological champion of its era. Nolan Woodbury

Munch Mammut specifications (1970)

Engine: Air cooked, four stroke, traversed four cylinder, OHC, 2 valve per cylinder

Transmission: 4 Speed/ enclosed chain

Chassis: Tube steel cradle with swingingarm

Front Suspension: Rickman or Ceriani tele forks

Rear Suspension: Dual Koni coil over

Front Brakes: Drum

Rear Brakes: Drum

Front Tire: 3.25-19

Rear Tire: 4.00 -18

Weight: (wet) Approx 600-lb