After cancelling automobile production (1936), Zbrojovka (Brno) was looking for a supplementary civil programme. “Motorwheel”, a small motorcycle following the tradition of bicycle production, was considered. Ing. Josef Ullman was entrusted with the design. He finished the first prototype “Z 2” in 1939. However, it was actually a small motorcycle with a 98 cm3 engine. Further works were interrupted by the occupation; however Ing. Ullman was secretly carrying on with the project.  The production of an enhanced version was ready by 1945. Ten prototypes were created in 1946 that successfully passed tests, and thus the motorcycle was included in the capacity range of Czechoslovakian motorcycles. Also the decision on its production in the Zbrojovka subsidiary plant, in Považská Bystrica (later Považské strojárne), was made in the same year. The production initiation was managed by Ing. Ullman and his co-operators, while further enhancements of volume reduction to 93 cm3 (Ø 32 × 58 mm) were carried out. Mass production of the motorcycle named MANET 90 (named after hill Manín) was initiated in 1947. It was the first Czechoslovakian post-war motorcycle, as well as the first mass produced motor vehicle in Slovakia. The motorcycle had a simple and attractive design, and thus was equipped with a double-piston single engine. This principle was based on the arrangement of two vertical working cylinders in a row, along with a shared combustion area (Garelli patent). Motorcycles with engines of this concept were produced by Puch company from 1926; however the most significant successes were recorded under DKW brand. The Maneta 90 engine had the power of 2.8 kW (3,5 k) upon 4500 revolutions per minute. Along with a three-stage gearbox, and multi-disc clutch working in the oil sump. Riding comfort was assured by the front-wheel telescopic fork, and suspended driver´s seat. The motorcycle’s load capacity was 80 kg upon the average consumption of 1.5 l/100 km. The maximum speed of this load capacity was 65 km/h. Manet 90 was greatly enjoyed from its beginnings, and it significantly contributed to motorisation of post-war Slovakia. 37630 machines left the production plant, until its production finished in 1951. However, very few pieces remain currently, which is why it is valued and sought-after by various motorcycle veterans.
                                                                                                                                                                                     Miroslav Bachratý