An exhibition devoted to the history of the SHL Metal Works can be seen in the building of the CK Technik Vocational Training Centre in Kielce. The exhibits include a legend of Polish motorisation, the SHL M-11 motorbike and one of the factory’s most famous products, the “Frania” washing machine.

“There are fourteen motorbikes here. The most interesting model on display is the SHL M-11. It was the most popular model, with the longest production run, and proved to be an export hit as it was manufactured under licence in India. Then we have the SHL Gazelle – this was a model with a completely new design. It was produced for three years and was the last motorbike with the SHL logo. Other Polish motorcycles, including WSK, Romet and Komar, were donated by members of the association”, said the president of the ‘SHL, History and Facts’ Association Ryszard Harasimowicz.

The first motorbike, the SHL M-06 U, left the production line in 1957. By 1959, more than 10,000 examples were made. It was replaced by the M-06 T model, equipped with a larger headlamp and rear lamp with brake light. Production of this model ended in 1961. A total of 27,370 units left the factory.

The M-11 model, the first Polish motorbike of the 175 class, became a legend of Polish motorcycling. By mid-1967, more than 185,000 units were produced with an engine developed at WFM. Another design with the M-11 engine was so successful that the licence was sold to India, and those motorbikes under a changed name were produced there until 2005.

In 1995, the plant was privatised. Today, under the name ZWM “SHL” S.A., it is owned by Italian capital.

The motorbike exhibition is complemented by a board display documenting the history of the SHL Metal Works and its products. Among the exhibits there is also the “Frania” washing machine – one of the most famous and popular household appliances from the communist era.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński