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Sorry, I have no idea about spares, but have loved these bikes for years. I hereby repost this article so others can see then too!
(Therut, hope you don't mind too much!)
Swiss Army Condor A350
A scaleyback article
The beauty of a specific bike is usually defined by 'In the eye of the beholder.' But the Swiss Army Condor A350, comes under the heading of 'Near to tears beautiful', for those who like army bikes.
They were manufactured between 1972 and 1978 (when the factory 'closed it's doors') by the condor cycle company, being built in Switzerland, but using de-tuned Ducati 350 single engines.
There were only 3000 Condor A350's made, as Switzerland is a small country, making these army chuggers a very rare sight indeed.
They even had their own complete support trailers which contained just everything.
The swiss army cared for them so well that they lasted in service for many years, the last being pensioned off in 2001.
They were right gear shift with the kickstart on the left hand side!
details might be useful here...
Manufacturer Condor SA, Courfaivre
Military Service Specialised military model supplied to the Swiss armed forces in 1973, for solo despatch and general liaison duties.
Military equipment Rear carry rack, leather panniers, sub-marine support brackets, additional masked lighting, all-over service livery.
Engine type Ducati -Condor, vertical ohc single-cylinder capacity: 340 cc 76 x 75 mm
Comp, ratio 8.2 : 1
Output 16.6 hp at 5000 rpm
Starting left foot kick-start
Carburettor single Dell'Orto type VHB 27 AD
Electrics 6V, 70 Watt
Clutch Multi-plate, wet
Gearbox Foot change, 5-speed
Final Exposed chain
Frame & Wheels
Type duplex cradle, tubular construction
Front forks telescopic, hydraulic damping
Rear forks trailing, helical sprung
Brakes internal expanding drums, 200 mm diameter front and rear
Tyre size 3.25 x 18"front, 3.50 x 18"rear, road pattern
Later Ducati had the engines made by a company in Spain, only difference is they do not have 'Made in Italy' on them!
And of course, Switzerland having many mountains, the bikes were expected to get around them better than a sure footed goat!
Here, a bunch of happy swiss guys wearing 'Picasso' camouflage, pose with their snow covered Condors.
Mind you, wasn't always cold!
There was a bracket and strap each side to hold the rider's (and passenger's) rifle
Apart from despatch riding, they were used to put up for temporary signage for military excercises.
And also for the military police. Taken in 1999, these bikes have sadly neared the end of their service life, but are still in excellent mechanical and visual condition.
They are still around!
Many of these bikes made it into preservation, with the Swiss army taking the unusual step of selling parts to the owners as required. This was found to be more economical than either junking or selling them as a bulk lot!
Even with indicators fitted, a Condor A 350 is still a very stunning ride, that does not fail to turn heads.
If you ever do come across one of these, take a look under the seat...
where the documents live...
You should find a record of
every single trip that the bike made during it's army career!
Oh, one last thing... The engines were so incredibly quiet, that the swiss patrols could just drive up to people without them realising it!
So that is
scaly's guide to the condor A350. A beautiful motorcycle! And one that is sorely missed as the last army bike made in Switzerland. (They use BMW's now!)
The Swiss Army maintain a 'Lakes Flotilla'. The British Army operates more boats than the Royal Navy and more aircraft than the RAF does aeroplanes (sp!). Switzerland does have a civil merchant navy. No submarines.