Racing motorcycles of the USSR. how it started. Legendary motorcycles of the USSR (12 photos) Cult motorcycles of the USSR

Most of the motorcycle factories of the USSR did not survive the dashing 1990s, having gone bankrupt against the backdrop of market competition with more advanced imported products. But others survived and today are gradually beginning to rise from the ashes.

"Izh". The Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant is primarily known for its weapons production, and from 1929 to 2008 it produced motorcycles that were very successful and in demand in the USSR. This was the first mass production of motorcycles in the new state; at first, several prototypes were made, and since 1933 Izh-7 went into series. The picture shows Izh Planet-2 (1964), one of the most popular models of the plant.

"Minsk". The Minsk Motorcycle and Bicycle Plant (MMVZ) was founded in 1945 and is still operating. In 1951, the first motorcycle "Minsk" M1A went into production. Today, the brand has the export name M1NSK and a fairly large range of models - sports, road and enduro. The picture shows "Minsk" M103, produced in 1962-1964.

"Ural". The Irbit motorcycle plant today is literally one of a couple of factories in the world that produce heavy motorcycles with a side trailer. The plant was founded in 1941 and once made "Urals" in the millions. He survived the 1990s and today produces very beautiful retro motorcycles in small series, mainly for export. A fan of the Urals is, for example, Brad Pitt. The picture shows a handsome Ural City 2016 model year.

"Dnieper". The Kyiv Motorcycle Plant was founded in 1945 and has not been nominally liquidated to date, although production was stopped a few years ago. The first model was a light motorcycle K-1B "Kievlyanin". In the late 1950s, the plant also tried to produce cars, but not for long. And in the picture is the M-72 motorcycle, which was produced by the Kyiv plant according to the Irbit documentation from 1950 to 1953. At that time, the plant had not yet used the proper name "Dnepr" for its models.

"Tula". The Tula Machine-Building Plant has existed since 1879 and during its long history it has produced almost everything in the world (mainly weapons). But in 1953, it launched the production of bicycles, and three years later, scooters. Today, TulMash no longer builds motorcycles, but its products - "Tulitsa", "Ant", "Tourist" - entered the history of Soviet motorcycle construction. The picture shows the famous cargo scooter TGA200 "Ant".

"Kovrovets". The Degtyarev plant in Kovrov is an arms factory, but since 1946 it has also been making motorcycles under the Kovrovets and Voskhod brands. Production has been suspended today. The picture shows Kovrovets K-175 (1957).

TIZ. The Taganrog Tool Plant (now the Taganrog Combine Plant) is one of the first pre-war motorcycle manufacturers in the USSR. True, after the war, the plant did not return to the production of motor vehicles. The picture shows the main model TIZ AM-600 (1935−1943).

Motorcycles for the citizens of the USSR played a very important role. Often, they were the only way to gain freedom of movement. They went to work, on vacation to the sea, met children from the hospital and rolled girls in the villages.

Modern bikers have switched to foreign-made sportbikes or choppers and are completely unaware of the history of domestic motorcycles. We decided that it was time to stop for a couple of minutes and remember the 10 most popular, most beloved and most popular motorcycles from the distant USSR.

1. L-300 "Red October". The very first.

The very first serial Soviet motorcycle was the L-300 "Red October".
the first motorcycle of the ussr
At the beginning of 1930, Leningrad designers prepared its drawings, inspired by the most reliable bike of that time - the German DKW Luxus 300. And in the fall of that year, the first batch of L-300 was ready.
The motorcycle was produced until 1938, and then the no less legendary IZH-8 was created on its basis. This “descendant” of the L-300 even got on the silver coins of… New Zealand.
By the way, the name IZH-7 was borne by all the same L-300s, which, in parallel with the Leningrad enterprise Krasny Oktyabr, were produced in Izhevsk.

2. M-72. The most combative

M-72 was not the first army motorcycle in the USSR. In 1934, the assembly of the first Soviet heavy model PMZ-A-750 began, and in 1939, the “understudy” of the British BSA and, as is considered, the best pre-war motorcycle in the Union, TiZ-AM-600.

However, it was the M-72, the design of which was “peeped” from the German BMW R71 (it was them that the Wehrmacht was equipped with), that came out in the tragic year 1941, and were produced throughout the war. And then they also seriously served the people for civilian purposes - the last copies left the assembly line already in 1960.
From 1941 to 1945, the M-72 was carried by fighters armed with anti-tank missile systems, machine guns or light mortars. From the first post-war years - and long after - these motorcycles became the main police transport. And since 1954, ordinary Soviet citizens could buy them for their own needs.
"Descendants" M-72 at the beginning of the "zero" ordered the Republican Guard of Saddam Hussein. But I didn’t have time to use it - and combat motorcycles “went to the people”. At the request of customers, Iraqi auto repair shops put additional “active and passive protection” on the Urals - armor and a machine gun.

3. "Minsk M1A". First Belarusian

And to this day, the Minsk races remain the most “popular” motorcycle in Belarus. They run along the roads of the entire former Union, and not only. But most of them, of course, in their homeland.

The half-century anniversary of the motorcycles "Minsk" jumped a long time ago (the first models already fully deserve the name "vintage"), and very soon, on July 12, they will celebrate their 61st birthday.
The first Belarusian "bike" was the Minsk M1A, which had many "relatives" not only in the USSR, but also abroad. The "ancestor" of the motorcycle was developed in 1939 by the Germans. DKW RT125 turned out to be so successful that analogues of this motorcycle were produced under different names in 7 countries of the world, including the USA, England and Japan.
By the way, Richard Hammond, one of the hosts of the famous British show Top Gear, tested one of the old “Minsk racers” in harsh conditions. He rode it from south to north almost all of Vietnam. Summary of the charismatic "car maniac": "This is the AK-47 among motorcycles - reliable, simple, easy to repair. It is made specifically for those countries where there are no roads.”

4. IZH Planet Sport. The fastest and most technologically advanced.

In 1973, the Izhevsk Motor Plant surprised the whole country by showing the first Soviet motorcycle with a sports bias, Planet Sport. Unlike all earlier motorcycles, which were modeled after German models, the Planet Sport was clearly trying to be like the Japanese motorcycles of the 60s and 70s.

Due to the high quality of workmanship, IZH Planet Sport was actively sold in export markets, for example, in the UK, the Netherlands and Finland. Soviet bikers accelerated on them up to 140 km / h, which was an incredible speed in those days.

5. Sunrise. Most rustic.

Motorcycles "Voskhod" began to be produced in the city of Kovrov, Vladimir Region, in 1957. These were very unpretentious single-cylinder motorcycles (173.7 cm3 engine). The Dyagterev plant constantly improved this model, launching on the market after Voskhod its upgraded versions Voskhod-2, Voskhod-3, Voskhod-3M. The last Voskhod motorcycle was the 3M-01 model with a 15 hp engine.

Because of their reliability, Voskhod motorcycles became real workers in thousands of Soviet villages. Even now, you can easily find a Voskhod motorcycle there in good condition.

6. M-62. The choice of the police.

The Soviet police, fair and incorruptible, in the 50s and 60s mostly traveled on motorcycles with a sidecar. The M-62, produced by the Irbit Motorcycle Plant, was the most popular choice for the servants of the law. Its four-stroke engine produced 28 hp.

An interesting fact is that ordinary citizens of the USSR were not allowed to operate the Urals without a sidecar at that time. Still, these bikes were pretty heavy to handle. But the police used motorcycles without sidecars, which looked very cool in the eyes of Soviet boys. How can you not want to become a policeman!

7. Tula-200. For hunters and fishermen.

The Soviet motorcycle industry did not produce ATVs (some small-scale models, however, were still produced, read below), but for the needs of hunters and fishermen, a very unusual Tula-200 motorcycle with wide off-road wheels was produced. The mass distribution of such motorcycles occurred in 1986-1988.

The engine was taken from the Tulitsa scooter, increasing its power to 13 hp. This made it possible to accelerate at 200k to 90 km / h. 10-12 thousand of these bikes were produced per year, the last of which rolled off the assembly line of the plant in 1996. By the way, even a trike was produced on the basis of Tula-200!

8. IZH-49. The most survivable.

Reliable, durable, beautiful. The sound of his engine for the ear of a Soviet person was akin to the sound of a Harley-Davidson engine for Americans. Their release began in 1951. At its core, it was an improved design of the German DKW NZ 350 motorcycle. IZH-49 won great love from the population and was used in all corners of the vast Soviet Union.

On its basis, versions with a sidecar were produced, as well as sports motorcycles for cross-country and road racing. Now IZH-49 are collector's items. Their prices start from 100 thousand rubles.

9. M-1A "Moscow". The first post-war

After the war, the Moscow Bicycle Plant mastered the production of a copy of the German DKW RT125 motorcycle with a 125 cc engine. M-1A "Moskva" became the first post-war motorcycle of the USSR. It was a simple and lightweight motorcycle that did not require a lot of metal and rubber to produce.

Such motorcycles were used in large quantities to train motorcyclists in DOSAAF schools. Perhaps your grandfather studied just like that. In 1951, production was transferred to Minsk to a bicycle factory built there. An almost identical model was produced in Kovrov under the designation K-125.

10. Jawa 360. The most beautiful.

In the 70s, every third motorcyclist went to Java. In total, more than 1 million Jawa motorcycles of various models were delivered to the USSR, but the 360 ​​was the most beautiful of all. Now cherry motorcycles with chrome gas tanks are called "Old Lady". Particularly valuable are specimens with a fiberglass side carriage. They produced versions with a 1-cylinder engine (250/260) or with a 2-cylinder engine (350/360).

By the way, Java often got into various movies. For example, it is on the Jawa 360 that Gesha Kozodoev takes Semyon Semyonovich Gorbunkov fishing on the White Rock in the film The Diamond Hand.
11. IZH Planet. The ancestor of the series.

In 1962, the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant launched the production of a fundamentally new model for itself, Izh Planet. It was the first generation of these motorcycles that set the vector for the development of a whole family that was produced until 2008 (IZH Planet 7).

12. Java 350/638. Motorcycle roaring 90s.

The last of the "Yav", sold in the USSR, 638, also became a "people's" motorcycle. Having managed to come out just before perestroika, in 1984, this model often appeared in harsh films of the late 1980s and early 1990s. So "Java 350 638" can be seen in the drama "Accident - the daughter of a cop" and the action movie "Rats, or the Night Mafia." The motorcycle is even dedicated to the song "Java" by the popular group "Gas Sector" in those years.

13. Vyatka VP-150. Italian elegance.

The last one in our review is not a motorcycle at all, but a scooter. Vyatka VP-150, the prototype of which was the Italian Vespa scooter, is rightfully considered the most elegant two-wheeled vehicle of the USSR.

It was a quiet and very comfortable scooter, which was easily controlled even by women. On the basis of Vyatka, they made a whole range of three-wheeled scooters with various bodies, which were actively used in urban cargo transportation.

Mopeds at the Riga plant "Sarkana zvaigzne" began to be produced back in 1958. Many boys dreamed that their parents would give them a moped for their birthday. And so they did, so mopeds, and especially Riga-13, became the first vehicle for many.

Riga-13 began to be produced in 1983. Equipped with a 1.3 hp engine, it accelerated to only 40 km/h. To start from a standstill and move uphill, the “biker” was recommended to help the engine by turning the pedals. Riga-13 was produced until 1998, becoming the most massive model of the plant.

15. "Ant". Truck for everyone.

On the basis of Tula scooters, the Tula Machine-Building Plant produced a huge number of three-wheeled Ant cargo scooters. It was a breakthrough for the Soviet Union, because the sale of vans and station wagons to citizens of the USSR was prohibited. So such scooters were almost the only way to transport small consignments.

TMZ produced a huge number of such scooters. They were equipped with flatbeds, tipper bodies, vans and even tanks. They are popular even now.

Surprisingly, in our country, despite the complete absence of roads in some places, ATVs have never been mass-produced. Almost the only more or less serial copy was the ZID-175 4ShP, produced at the Dyagterev Plant.

The design was not very successful: a weak engine, complex transmission elements. This is probably why such ATVs have not received wide distribution.

I would like to start with those who are older. I think most bikers once, perhaps even in childhood, tried these motorcycles, learned to ride them, knew where to climb if they did not start or stalled.
In general, despite all the disadvantages of the domestic motor industry, I think they have good memories ...

1) Good old (for sure Help:
Minsk Motorcycle and Bicycle Plant was founded in 1945 on
the basis of the exported equipment of the DKW factories of defeated Germany. Starting with bicycles, already in 1951 Minskers put the first motorcycle on the conveyor. Since then, little has changed. Well, except that a 250-cc engine appeared. The first Belarusian "bike" was the Minsk M1A, which had many "relatives" not only in the USSR, but also abroad. The "ancestor" of the motorcycle was developed in 1939 by the Germans. DKW RT125 turned out to be so successful that analogues of this motorcycle were produced under different names in 7 countries of the world, including the USA, England and Japan.
known to everyone) MINSK.

On the eve of the October holiday, the team of the Minsk Motorcycle and Bicycle
The plant produced the first industrial batch of new road motorcycles "Minsk", which received the designation MMVZ-3.111, and from the first day of this year (1974) began their serial production.
When developing a new model, the designers were faced with the task of creating a motorcycle of a modern look, more reliable and durable compared to its predecessor, the M-106.
I think that motorists will appreciate the external forms. Let's just say that they were chosen as a result of a lot of work that was carried out by the plant's designers together with VNIIMotoprom specialists, after a thorough study of modern domestic and best foreign models. To make the motorcycle look elegant, the artists suggested a combined color scheme in two colors - black and cherry. Despite the significant differences between the "Minsk" and the M-106, it was possible to ensure the wide interchangeability of their components and parts, reaching a percentage value of 83.7.

The Voskhod motorcycle is a representative of the classic road two-wheeled all-terrain vehicles of the Soviet era! The design is extremely simple, and the motorcycle is completely repairable, which guarantees unpretentiousness and reliability of the machine in any situation.

The Voskhod motorcycle is produced by the plant. Degtyarev (ZID) and is an example of the subsequent development of the K-175 (Kovrovets) model, which was produced until 1965 starting from 1957.

Undoubtedly, like any technique, the Voskhod motorcycle has a number of pros and cons. The most compelling argument in favor of Voskhod, perhaps, is its relatively low price and the ability to be repaired almost “on the go”. The wide distribution of the motorcycle throughout the country and the developed network of suppliers of spare parts for domestic motorcycles guarantee that the owner of Voskhod will never have to find and replace a failed part.

By the way, Sunrise breakdowns do not happen so often and in most cases due to the negligence or oversight of the owner. Therefore, in order not to stall somewhere in the middle of the "pea" field, there must be a master's attitude to the motorcycle and constant control.

All Voskhods prefer to “feast on” seventy-sixth gasoline (and now 80th) and, of course, with a good portion of oil. With the right settings for the carburetor and ignition, Voskhod turns out to be a very economical motorcycle.

And now about the main thing... About "show-offs". If you are looking for a motorcycle to show off in front of your friends or to ride “with the breeze” through the evening city to the envy of everyone with a pretty blonde in the back seat, then the Voskhod motorcycle is clearly not for you. The motorcycle is unremarkable, and only a true master can make something interesting out of it. So if your hands are growing from the right place and you can hold the instrument firmly - feel free to buy Sunrise, if not - leave this matter to the professionals!

When driving on the highway, you need to be extremely careful - light weight and constant characteristic vibration can play a cruel joke at speeds over 90 km / h.
Do not wishful thinking: if all your life you have dreamed of buying an expensive American cruiser, you will definitely buy it over time. But before that, it would be nice to have a good practice on the "indestructible" Sunrise. The Voskhod motorcycle is perfect for developing driving skills, learning and accustoming you to a bright, full-fledged motorcycle life!

The Voskhod 2 motorcycle replaced the first model. The motorcycle, although it has become a little more powerful, is practically no different from its predecessor. The changes affected only the appearance. Voskhod 2 acquired new headlights and round indicators, a taillight. The electronic non-contact ignition system has been improved and new light signaling devices have been added. Minor changes to Voskhod 2 touched on the addition of power (by 0.5 hp) and torque (by 1 Nm) compared to the old model, which actually remained invisible, but still a pleasant addition.

The upgraded Voskhod 2 motorcycle became faster and could reach speeds of up to 95 km / h, however, gained a couple of kilograms in weight.

The second Voskhod was replaced in 1977 by the upgraded Voskhod 2M. The motorcycle engine retained its previous volume, but became more powerful (13 hp) and “torque” (16 Nm at 5600 rpm).

This was achieved by improving the configuration of the channels in the cylinder, crankcase and new head (compression ratio increased to 9.2). Now the new Voskhod 2M was able to calmly “eat” high-octane 93rd gasoline, along with the usual A-76.

The changes affected the suspension of the motorcycle: the front fork was changed, the shock absorbers were improved and the diameter of the pipes was increased. The fork travel was 160mm. Voskhod 2M became faster by 10 km/h (max. speed 105 km/h) and heavier (121 kg).

Following 2M, a new motorcycle came out - Voskhod 3. The model, of course, became much better than previous generations. A large fuel tank was supplied to Voskhod 3, rear shock absorbers with increased energy intensity were installed. The shock absorbers are located at an angle of 12 °, which made it possible to increase the stroke to 105 mm. Installed a new intake system.

Voskhod 3 was equipped with a new modernized brake system, in which the diameter of the brake drums was increased to 160 mm (from 125 mm). The motorcycle was equipped with new wheels with wear-resistant tires and a 7-volt generator.

The driver's seat has become more comfortable. The maximum speed of Sunrise 3 remained the same as the previous version - 105 km / h, and the weight increased to 125 kg.

Voskhod 3M was released in 1984. The motorcycle was very reliable and of high quality, produced until 1992. 3M received 12-volt equipment, a reflective taillight and a new FG-137B format headlight with a “European” light diffuser, and the cylinder fins became larger, which increased the engine cooling surface.
The dashboard harmoniously fit into the design and is located above the headlight. On the panel there are: speedometer, ignition, indicators of direction indicators, high and low beams.

The Voskhod ZM motorcycle received a special wear indicator for brake pads. The front shock absorbers were fitted with new rubber bellows. And also, Voskhod ZM became the owner of a new profiled front wheel guard.

A modernized kickstarter system with a folding pedal was installed on the motorcycle, rear-view mirrors and folding driver's footboards were added. The maximum speed is 105 km/h and the total weight is 122 kg.

In 1989, another modification appeared - Voskhod 3M-01. The appearance of this motorcycle remained almost unchanged. Only the engine, with a petal valve, underwent serious modifications.

The motor was distinguished by one exhaust port and a five-channel scavenging cylinder. Thanks to the installed petal valve at the inlet, it was possible to reduce fuel consumption to 4.2 liters per hundred kilometers. The power of the power unit has increased to 14 hp, and the maximum torque - up to 17 Nm at 5500 rpm.

The Voskhod 3M-01 motorcycle has one muffler, the steering wheel has become wider and more comfortable. Following the 3M-01 model, the release of motorcycles under the Owl brand followed.

IZH motorcycles have been produced since 1929 by the Izhmash-Moto plant in the city of Izhevsk. Motorcycle IZH Planet-5 has been produced since 1987. In its appearance and in all characteristics, IZH Planet-5 is significantly superior to all its predecessors. The motorcycle has acquired a stylish, more modern look: the devices now have all Izh planet 5 designations, with a certain malfunction, a certain control lamp will light up. All the shields and the tank of the new IZH Planet-5 look just perfect. The saddle now looks much nicer than in previous models, and it has become much more comfortable.

The power produced by the IZH Planet-5 engine reaches 22 horsepower. And in terms of high-torque in such a class, there is simply no equal: IZH Planet-5 will slowly puff at idle, but it will climb any mountain. A very big advantage of IZH Planet-5 is a single-cylinder engine, while two-cylinder engines are capricious all the time or one of the cylinders often fails. IZH Planet-5 has relatively good characteristics in terms of efficiency: fuel consumption per 100 km at a speed of 90 km / h does not exceed 5 liters. As for the maximum speed of IZH Planet-5, it reaches 120 km / h. The motorcycle can be used as a loner, as well as with a side trailer. The rear suspension IZH Planet-5 is adjustable depending on the road characteristics and the load on the motorcycle.

Thanks to all its qualities, IZH Planet-5 has a wide range of owners and fans, both in the city and outside the city.

The history of IMZ (Ural) motorcycles began in 1940. The motorcycle "BMW R71" was taken as a basis, which was ordered to be carefully copied. For these purposes, 5 motorcycles were purchased, to keep the secret, in Sweden - and reproduced. For the manufacture of a motorcycle that received the M-72 index, three factories took up in 1941 at once - in Moscow, Leningrad and Kharkov. The plant assembled a Ural motorcycle for the Russian army, on which the Konkurs-M anti-tank missile system was installed. But the outbreak of war forced the evacuation of the equipment of these factories far to the east, to the Ural city of Irbit, where the production of these motorcycles was launched in a short time. But still, the needs of the Red Army in motor vehicles during the Great Patriotic War were met mainly through lend-lease supplies from the USA and Great Britain. In particular, the Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycle was exported to the United States right up to 1945.

However, after the start of the Great Patriotic Work to expand the production of the M-72 motorcycle, they went more intensively. But the offensive of the German troops was swift: on October 20, 1941, Moscow was declared under a state of siege, and the next day, on October 21, the Evacuation Council under the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR decided to transfer the Moscow Motor Plant and the ZIS and KIM workshops related to motorcycle production to the Urals in city ​​of Irbit. Specialists from Kharkov, Taganrog and Leningrad were also sent to a distant Ural town. The first echelon arrived in Irbit on November 17, 1941.
The plant, which since that time has become the Irbit Motorcycle Plant (IMZ), was located on the territory of the former brewery.
Despite all the difficulties, on February 25, 1942, the first batch of M-72 motorcycles was produced from engines brought from Moscow.

M-61, M-63, M-66

A motorcycle with the M-61 index, assembled in small batches since 1957, completely filled the assembly line in 1960 and was built until 1963. He became the first to receive the name "Ural". Since 1961, the M-62 model was assembled in parallel with a new camshaft and an automatic ignition advance mechanism. Motor power increased to 28 hp. The upgraded gearbox - with gear clutches instead of cam clutches - was unified with the motorcycles of the Kyiv Motor Plant (KMZ). In addition, the suspension travel was increased and the shape of the front fork covers was changed.
In 1955, together with NAMI, the development of an original wagon layout microcar called "Squirrel" began: the engine was borrowed from a motorcycle, but received forced cooling. In 1959, factory designers developed the Ogonyok all-terrain vehicle.
From 1965 to 1971, the M-63, patrol, Cross-650, and Strela motorcycles, which were at the level of the best world models, were mastered and went into series. The crowning achievement of the development of the IMZ in the pre-perestroika period was November 22, 1985, the day when 2,000,000 motorcycles left the factory assembly line.

The next motorcycle in the series of serial Irbit models was the M-63, which appeared in 1963 and completely replaced the previous car from 1965, which was given the name Ural-2. For this motorcycle, a new frame was developed with a pendulum rear suspension, which received hydraulic shock absorbers. The shape of the gas tank has also changed, while its capacity has increased. The exhaust system has also received a new form. This car turned out to be a long-liver, produced until 1980.
The M-66 Ural-3 motorcycle, which appeared in 1971, was the son of further evolutionary changes in the design of Irbit motorcycles. Externally, the car has not changed much, except for the direction indicators. Engine power increased to 32 hp, for the first time a full-flow oil filter with a replaceable element was introduced into the engine lubrication system. This car was built until 1975, but on the basis of its engine, by 1973, a significantly redesigned chassis with a combined driver and passenger seat was ready. The debutant received the name "Ural" M-67. Other innovations of this machine include 12-volt electrical equipment and a two-cam front brake. In 1976, an even more modern version, the Ural M 67-36, came to replace it, which received a 36-horsepower engine of a constant displacement - 650 cm3.

In 1973, specialists from the JAVA national enterprise developed a new motorcycle model - 634, it was produced only with a 350 cc engine. cm.

The design of the power unit of JAVA motorcycles that existed so far was so successful that in the motorcycle of the new mod. 634 it survived. Two cylinders arranged in a row across the axis of the motorcycle are tilted forward by 25°. The location of the crank mechanism, gearbox and motor forward gear in the common crankcase remained the same as in previous models. However, to improve the reliability of operation and increase the service life, they have been somewhat changed. In the articulation of the piston pin with the connecting rod, instead of a bronze bushing in the upper head of the connecting rod, a needle bearing with INA needles fixed against axial displacement was used. An INA bearing with a cage was installed in the lower head of the connecting rod, fixed in the axial direction with hardened steel washers. The middle bearing of the crankshaft can be re-lubricated with grease.

A change and design improvement can be considered the use of a double bush chain in the front chain drive (instead of the previous simple one). The double chain has a longer service life, does not elongate, and does not cause shocks to be transmitted to the gear pairs of the gearbox. Gear couplings on the gear wheels of the gearbox have already been introduced on motorcycles of models 623 and 633 and on mod. 362 Californian IV.
The most characteristic feature of the motorcycle of the new model 634/4 is a completely new frame with an oscillating fork, using which the location of the remaining components and parts of the running gear has been changed.

Since time immemorial, Java motorcycles have been started using a common start and gear lever. However, now a cold engine starts after a few cranks, and a warm one after one pedal is pressed.

The semi-automatic clutch of the Java is disengaged when the gear lever is moved. For those who use the clutch lever, this makes it necessary to immediately release the lever as soon as the appropriate gear is engaged.

Once you get used to this somewhat idiosyncratic driving, it's easy to get used to shifting gears. It would be nice for this car to have five gears, since it does not have a wide enough range of the desired speed. To achieve good acceleration during acceleration, you have to use an increased number of revolutions. The best engine torque is between 3,000 and 5,250 rpm. However, up to a speed of 90 km / h, the motorcycle accelerates on a par with an average car.

The maximum speed of the motorcycle according to the passport is about 120 km / h, but on a well-run motorcycle it is not difficult to reach a speed of 130 km / h. The car behaves best at a speed of 110-115 km / h, although it vibrates a little while driving and these vibrations are felt on the footboards. Fuel consumption is about 1 liter per 16 km, so in relation to the volume of the tank (17 liters), Java has a sufficient power reserve.

Driving behavior

The motorcycle has very good running properties. It is extremely stable and easy to control even on bad roads.
Good driving properties are partly due to the front fork, which is quite stiff and withstands bumps in the road well. Although it should be noted that Barum tires, designed for the entire life of the motorcycle, do not have the necessary grip, and therefore you have to resort to the appropriate riding style.
In the city of Java, it has established itself as a well-controlled vehicle, and this is positively facilitated by a curb weight of 166 kg.
In terms of comfort, this Java motorcycle model is at a fairly high level for a motorcycle in its class.
The rather rigid saddle, even on long trips, does not cause complaints of any kind of pain. As already mentioned, the front fork is stiff, but perfectly compensates for large and small shocks. Adjustable shock absorbers at the rear allow you to overcome bumps in the road even with a heavy load. Due to its size, the motorcycle is ideal for two people.

Strangely, in the Soviet Union, where there was never a biker subculture as such, motorcycle production remained at a very good level.

Their factories appeared in Irbit, Izhevsk, Kovrov and Minsk. For Java, the guys were ready to sell their souls (no one believed in such matters at that time anyway), for the heavy Ural or Voskhod, no less difficult battles were going on in the village. We decided to collect for you some cult bikes of those times, when looking at which even the most seasoned manager will feel (even for a second) an angel flying into the distance.

Perhaps this handsome man has become almost the only direct competitor of the legendary Java. The motorcycle was produced by the Czechoslovak arms factory Ceska Zbrojovka and came to the USSR only in 1960.

The Czechoslovak company Jawa won the tender for the supply of motorcycles to the Soviet Union. By 1976, two million Yavs were crisscrossing the roads of the country - without exaggeration, cult motorcycles among young people. Most of all they loved the Java-368 model, released in 1984. 26 hp two-stroke engine allowed to develop a speed of 120 km / h.

As a prototype, Soviet designers did not hesitate to borrow the scheme and appearance of the German handsome DKW RT-125. Almost immediately after the war, the conveyor production of "Sunrise" began at the plant. Degtyarev. I must say that from the same factory, the only one in the USSR, limited batches of bikes for motocross were subsequently produced.

Lovers of rarities are still chasing a well-preserved model of this motorcycle. The contours of the "Pannonia" were so unusual for their time that the motorcycle instantly became a cult. The most popular model was the Pannonia 250 TLF: 18 liter tank, 350 cc engine and sidecar made it ideal for long journeys.

IZH

This is another illegitimate son of the German DKW NC-350. Modernized motorcycles received real recognition in the USSR, and the IZH-Planeta-Sport model, capable of accelerating to hundreds in just 11 seconds, has become just a dream for many.

From 1957 to 1966, fashionistas of the USSR could easily compete with English mods and Italian dudes. The Vyatka VP-150 motor scooter was an almost complete copy of the famous Vespa GS150 and was the ultimate dream of the capital's youth.

Until 1964, Ural motorcycles were used only for military purposes. Moreover, an ordinary citizen was obliged to register with the military when buying a Ural, but it was completely forbidden to use it without a stroller. Despite all this, later the Urals found their niche among young people: heavy, like tanks on two wheels, they could get through any off-road.

In some cases, these are reworked foreign models. But even the most stupid biker could fix these Soviet motorcycles. Moreover, this could be done in almost any conditions. And yet these bikes are still ruthlessly exploited, do not give up, and will obviously serve for more than a dozen years.

"Vyatka VP-150"

Vyatka VP-150 is the first Soviet motor scooter manufactured by the Vyatka-Polyansky Machine-Building Plant. Produced from 1957 to 1966. It is a copy of the Italian motor scooter "Vespa" 150GS 1955.

Before the scooter, the plant produced Shpagin submachine guns. "Vyatka" could not reach the level of popularity of PPSh and Vespa's older sister. But a million scooters sold is also a very worthy result.

They say it was the most "disco transport". This is because, on it, men arrived at the party with clean, not stained trousers, and women did not have to carry spare “overalls” in their purses.

Source: youtube.com

L-300. "Red October"

This motorcycle was copied from the German DKW Luxus 300 in 1930. In the same year, the first models rolled off the assembly line. Although production ended in 1938, its history did not stop there. The basis of the motorcycle was taken for the design and production of IZH-8 (which, by the way, is even on New Zealand silver coins).

Specifications L-300:

• 300 cm3 engine at 3000 rpm;
• power - 6 hp in early modifications; 6.5 HP - in the later ones;
• maximum speed - 80 km / h;
• gasoline consumption - 4.5 l / 100 km;
• dry weight - 125 kg.

Source: angarsk.moto.drom.ru

M-72

It was produced in a large series from 1941 to 1960 - at the factories of Moscow, Gorky, Irbit, Leningrad and Kyiv. Initially, it was intended exclusively for military needs, and until the mid-50s, the motorcycle was not available for free sale.

Each M-72 was a carrier of small arms, therefore, according to some classifications, it was listed as "armored vehicles". More than 8500 cars were produced. It was produced both with a sidecar and in a single version. Made on the basis of the German motorcycle BMW R71.

After the end of the war, motorcycles fell into the ranks of the police, becoming their main transport. And since 1954, even ordinary citizens could buy such horses for themselves.

Source: carakoom.com

"Ural M-62"

Soviet heavy motorcycle with a sidecar. Produced by the Irbit Motorcycle Plant (IMZ "Ural") from 1961 to 1965. Featured:

• increased engine power - 28 "horses";
• modernized gearbox - gear clutches;
• increased suspension travel;
• reshaped front fork covers.

Due to this, the M-62 with a 255-kilogram load easily accelerated to 95 km / h, and “ate” in the region of only 6 liters per 100 km. Like the M-72, it was most often seen in the form of police transport.

Source: vodi.la

IZH-49

Izh-49 is a middle-class road motorcycle designed to ride on any roads of the Fatherland - both alone and with a passenger. Produced by the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant from 1951 to 1958. A modification in the form of a side stroller was available.

Reliable, tenacious, adapted to any conditions and very sonorous (its growl in the USSR is like the roar of "Harleys" in the USA), IZH-49 is still found on the roads of the CIS countries.

Source: m1a.unoforum.ru

"Izh Planet Sport"

It was produced by the Izhevsk Motor Plant from 1973 to 1984. This is perhaps the first serial sports motorcycle of the Union. All thanks to the fact that it was created with an eye on the then Japanese Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki. Pay attention: this "grandfather" and today does not look archaic at all. And he is also capable of miracles in the form of:

• maximum speed 140 km/h;
• fuel consumption - no more than 7 l / 100 km;
• acceleration to 100 km / h in 11 seconds;
• engine power - up to 32 hp

See the test drive "Izh" a:

Java 360

In Soviet times, these bikes were considered the best available for sale. Please note: the name of the motorcycle has nothing to do with the island of Java. It is an abbreviation for the owner of the factory - the Czech Frantisek Janicek, and from the name of the company "Wanderer".

By the 1970s, every third Soviet motorcyclist rode Javas. Therefore, it is not surprising that Czechoslovak bikes very often fell into the frame. You can't help but remember the scene from the "Diamond Arm", where Gesha Kozodoev is driving Semyon Semyonovich Gorbunkov's White Rock to fish on a Jawa 360.

These motorcycles, like other heroes of the chart, have survived to this day. Some of them, by the way, look like new:

Java 350638"

The first "Java" had a 4-stroke engine with a cylinder capacity of 500 cm3, were quite complex, expensive and not in demand. A series of upgrades followed. One of the most successful occurred in 1984. It turned out to be so successful and in demand that the number of motorcycles produced in the 1980s exceeded 3 million units.

She repeatedly appeared in films (“Accident - the daughter of a cop”, “Rats, or the Night Mafia”, etc.). They even composed songs about her (“Java” by the Gaza Strip group).