The Ratier C6S remains one of the most fascinating and underappreciated motorcycles in European history. Produced between 1960 and 1962 by the French company Ratier, the C6S was designed to compete directly with Germany’s popular BMW boxer twins. It wasn’t just a motorcycle — it was a statement of national pride, engineering ambition, and political symbolism.
In an era when BMW dominated the premium touring motorcycle segment, the C6S became France’s bold attempt to challenge German supremacy — and while it enjoyed technical success and cultural importance, its short production life makes it a rare collector’s treasure today.
The Origins: From Propellers to Performance
Ratier was originally an aviation engineering company, widely known for producing aircraft propellers before and during World War II. After the war, France inherited a stockpile of German motorcycle components, including BMW-derived engines.
The French government wanted to create a homegrown touring motorcycle that could match — and ideally replace — German imports, especially for official government and police use. Ratier stepped in to deliver, leveraging its engineering expertise to develop a motorcycle based on German influence but designed, refined, and built entirely in France.
This vision led to the birth of the Ratier C6S, a sophisticated boxer-twin motorcycle crafted with precision and built to carry France’s pride on two wheels.
Engineering & Technical Innovations
The Ratier C6S was a highly advanced motorcycle for its time, blending BMW-inspired architecture with French engineering improvements.
Key Mechanical Highlights
Engine: 594cc air-cooled, four-stroke, OHV boxer-twin
Power Output: ~32 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Top Speed: ~160 km/h (~100 mph)
Transmission: 4-speed manual, shaft-driven with a rubber flector coupling for smoother power delivery
Frame: Double-cradle steel construction designed for stability and long-distance touring
Weight: ~210 kg (dry)
Suspension: Telescopic front forks and twin-shock rear setup for comfortable highway cruising
This combination allowed the C6S to compete directly with the BMW R60, offering comparable performance, smoother acceleration, and excellent high-speed touring capabilities.
Design & Styling
The Ratier C6S looked elegant yet purposeful, borrowing some styling cues from BMW but giving them a distinct French identity:
Rounded fuel tank with Ratier’s subtle badging
Streamlined front mudguards and a balanced silhouette
Classic twin exhaust pipes for symmetry
Spacious rider ergonomics designed for long-distance endurance
Minimalist instrumentation, keeping the focus on riding experience
It was simple, refined, and undeniably premium — a motorcycle meant to command presence on the road.
Who Rode the Ratier C6S
The French government adopted the Ratier C6S for official purposes, with notable users including:
French Gendarmerie (national police)
Presidential Escort Fleets
Touring divisions responsible for long-distance ceremonial duties
This wasn’t a mass-market motorcycle — it was an exclusive machine built primarily for government service, security forces, and a limited number of private enthusiasts.
Interestingly, French President Charles de Gaulle insisted that his convoy switch from German BMW motorcycles to French-built Ratiers, making the C6S a symbol of national independence.
User Experience & Customer Feedback
Those lucky enough to own or ride the Ratier C6S praised it for its:
Smooth Touring Performance – The boxer engine delivered linear power, making it ideal for long highways.
Exceptional Comfort – Soft suspension and ergonomic seating allowed effortless rides for hours.
Reliability – Designed for government use, the C6S was engineered to be robust and durable, especially under heavy-duty service.
However, it wasn’t perfect:
High Cost – Its pricing placed it out of reach for most private buyers.
Limited Service Network – Maintenance outside government workshops was difficult.
Low Production Numbers – Finding parts became challenging even during its production years.
Production Challenges & Short Lifespan
Between 1960 and 1962, only about 1,057 units of the Ratier C6S were produced. The reasons for its short run included:
Limited commercial viability due to high pricing
Difficulty scaling production against BMW’s global manufacturing efficiency
Internal company focus returning to aerospace engineering
By 1962, the French government ended large-scale motorcycle procurement, and Ratier withdrew from motorcycle manufacturing entirely, returning to its aviation roots.
Specifications Overview
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 594cc air-cooled OHV boxer twin |
| Power Output | ~32 hp |
| Top Speed | ~160 km/h |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual, shaft drive |
| Frame | Steel double-cradle |
| Brakes | Drum brakes, front & rear |
| Weight | ~210 kg |
| Production Years | 1960–1962 |
| Total Units Built | ~1,057 |
| Primary Use | Government fleets, police, escorts |
Legacy & Collectibility
Today, the Ratier C6S is one of the rarest European vintage motorcycles. Its combination of:
Historical significance
Limited production
Government heritage
French engineering prestige
…makes it highly desirable among serious collectors. Well-preserved examples are extremely scarce, and restored models often fetch premium values in classic motorcycle auctions.
Final Thoughts
The Ratier C6S wasn’t just a motorcycle — it was France’s bold answer to German engineering dominance. With its advanced boxer engine, refined touring design, and status as a presidential escort bike, it remains a symbol of national pride and mechanical ingenuity.
Though its production was brief, its story is unforgettable. Today, the Ratier C6S lives on as a rare collector’s gem and a remarkable chapter in the evolution of European motorcycle engineering.
