Walter Kaaden

Walter Kaaden was a German engineer who improved the performance of two-stroke engines by understanding the role of resonance waves in the exhaust system. Working for the VEB Motorradwerk Zschopau part of the Industrieverband Fahrzeugbau (IFA), he introduced milestone improvements in two-stroke engines. His understanding of gas flow and resonance enabled him to make the first engine to achieve 200BHP/litre with his 1961 125cc racer. His motorcycle engines were ridden to 13 Grand Prix victories and a further 105 podium finishes between 1955 and 1976.