All legendary motorcycles of the history of the Soviet Union. Iconic motorcycles in the USSR Motorcycles of the 50s and 60s

Most Popular Motorcycle Models Made in Great Britain in the 50s of the Last Century

PartVI

ACE motorcycles of the fifties

In the 1950s, British industry produced an average of 135,000 two-wheelers. More than 20 brands of domestic motorcycle companies, some of which were part of the conglomerate. One such group was Associated Motor Cycles (AMC), based in London. Another important player was the large BSA Group in the West Midlands.

Production in 1959 reached an all-time high of 234,300 vehicles. In the same year, the total number of motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, sidecars and motorcycles on the roads of Great Britain approached 1,750,000. Government elections in the 59th year contributed to the adoption of laws to reduce taxes, which in turn led to lower prices for rental and purchase of vehicles. And above all, it was an exceptionally long and dry summer.

The advent of affordable vehicles has spurred consumer demand to a large extent. During 1959 BritishMotorCorporation (BMC) launched four-wheel novelties on the marketMorrisMini- MinorandAustinSeven... Affordable, roomy enough for its size, and still very fashionable by the standards of its time, MINI from the very beginning began to take away potential customers from two-wheeled vehicles. At this point, the prerequisites were laid for a decline in demand for motorcycles in the future.

AJS, Matchless "Ajay"and"Matchbox"

The two brands formed the Associated Motor Cycles (AMC) holding, formed in 1937. Unified models, differing in color and emblems, were produced under the two brands AJS and Matchless. Sales were negatively impacted by AMC's refusal to provide the press with motorcycles for road tests.

Following the example of the Triumph, starting in 1949, models with two-cylinder engines remained in the production line. The single-cylinder machines were intended for export deliveries. AJS Model 20 Spring Twin and Matchless G9 Super Clubman models with 500 cc engines for comfortable movement were equipped with a pendulum rear suspension and soft seats. The main difference between the engines and the rest of the British twins was the presence of an additional bearing in the middle of the crankshaft. The middle bearing created another support that prevented the shaft from bending at high rpm.

Between 1956 and 1958, the large 600cc tweens AJS Model 30 and Matchless G11 were produced. There were several light sport versions of the CS (Competition Spring frame) model and its road version of the CSR, but these were mainly exported. This is the first time a G11 CS road bike with a two-cylinder engine has passed an unusual test. Experts from the Motor Cycle magazine drove him along the sports track at a speed of 160 km / h for one hour. In 1958, the manufacturer announced the admissibility of operating motorcycles with 650 cc Engines Model 31 and G12 at 160 km / h. Practice has shown that crankshafts in engines with an increased volume, they do not withstand long-term operation. Motors with a massive generator rotor at the end of the shaft are especially prone to breakdowns.

In the late 40s and early 50s, the single-cylinder 350-cc Matchless G3Ls, supplied in large numbers from 1941 to 1942 in the army, were collectively called ACE (ace). The G3L model preceded the later AJS and Matchless cars with 350 and 500 cubic centimeters engines, which were very pleasant and fast enough to drive, but it was unrealistic to perform a "ton" on them.

AMC contributed to the production of a large number of "quarters" in 1958. During this period, the singles AJS Model 14 and Matchless G2 were released. The mass of one car was 148 kg. and she was capable of accelerating to 110 km / h!

Ariel

The most famous product of the Birmingham plant, which has been part of the BSA Group since 1944, is the liter 4G Square Four. The name comes from the unusual square arrangement of the two rows of cylinders. Over the years, the parallel twin tandem remained the only 4-cylinder motorcycle made in the UK. The smooth forms of the silhouette of the apparatus served as an outward expression of the smooth and calm character of the motorcycle. It was not for nothing that he enjoyed constant popularity among wheelchair users. The throttle response can be attributed to the engine's amazing abilities. Without a sidecar, a motorcycle in the highest fourth gear could easily accelerate from a speed of 16 km / h.

Like the rest of the British, the Ariel had an initial volume of 200 cubic centimeters. Heavy "six hundred" were intended for use with a side carriage. The gap was filled with 350 and 500 cubic centimeters. The latter were the most popular among the "cafe raisers".

The most unusual British motorcycle Ariel Leader 250cc appeared in 1958. Steel fairing with fuel tank inside it completely covered the driver's legs and the engine body. A decent sized windshield towered over the top of the fairing. Tires with "whitewalls" were installed on the motorcycle, as on the fashionable cars of the 50s.

At that time, the new concept went towards the idea of ​​creating a motorcycle for every day, which was at odds with the approach to developing motorcycles for pleasure. Young riders needed semi-finished products to build their own ideal car, the majority of ordinary consumers wanted to get inexpensive and reliable motorcycles... Many city racers looked at scooters and bonded motorcycles with contempt, calling the drivers of such vehicles "scooters" and "mama's sons".

The "Leader" did not have a dizzying acceleration, but it steered well, kept the road well, however, it braked poorly and emitted a lot of smoke from its two-stroke engine.

BSA

The company, founded in the 19th century as a weapons manufacturing company, has become one of the largest manufacturers motorcycles. During the Second World War, the BSA plant produced hundreds of thousands of weapons and motorcycles. In 1948 BSA produced 50,000 motorcycles, many of which were exported.

In 1946, the new A7 Star Twin 500cc was born with a parallel twin, similar in design to the pre-war Triumph 5T Speed ​​Twin, 1938. From 1951 to 1961, a sports version of the A7SS Shooting Star motorcycle was produced, capable of accelerating over 145 km / h.

BSA has developed a range of 650cc parallel-cylinder motorcycles especially for export deliveries. The A10 Golden Flash hit the market in 1951, a reliable and versatile sidecar motorcycle. In the mid-50s, he got a rear pendulum suspension. Especially for speed lovers, the Road Rocket (maximum speed 170 km / h) went into series in 1955. Production of this model ended with the introduction of the Super Rocket in 1958. latest model produced from 1958 to 1961.

The "cafe" elite included BSA Gold Star. Upper-shaft, airy singles made of light-alloy materials with a volume of 350 and 500 cubes were produced in small quantities especially for connoisseurs of weekend pokatushki. The emerging demand for the Clubmans TT and Thruxton Nine Hour street racers prompted BSA to push ahead with the development and production of the Clubmans Goldie in 1956. This uncompromising "street hooligan" accelerated in second gear to 140 km / h. As expensive as anything new, with a difficult engine start, noisy like Jericho Trumpets, Goldie was the perfect vehicle for a ton until the DBD34 500 appeared. The maximum speed in the DB32 350cc version is very close to 160 km / h.

The manufacturer did not forget about ordinary citizens moving at a low speed. Motorcycles for beginners and riding with a passenger with an engine capacity of 250, 320 and 500 cubic centimeters appeared on the assembly line. Thousands of drivers have learned about the Bantam, a 125cc replica of the German DKW RT125. This two-stroke was produced in several versions with a volume of 150 and 175 cubic centimeters. Big bike lovers despised the small, smoky and smelly Beesa Bantam, but that didn't stop it from finding refuge in half a million homes in the UK and abroad.

Douglas "Duggie"

The Bristol brand in the fifties specialized in the production of two-cylinder, opposed 350-cc cars. The Douglas Plus 90, built from 1950 to 1954, lived up to its “fast” name. A torsion bar suspension was installed on the Douglas Plus. In 1955, it was replaced by the unusual-looking tourist Dragonfly, capable of accelerating to 113 km / h. But after three years of unsuccessful sales, the plant switched to licensed production of the Italian Vespa.

Norton

The popularity of the "Nortons" is associated with the sporting success that they managed to achieve in the period from the early 30s to the mid 50s. The brand was founded in 1902 by enthusiast James Norton, who by 1912 ran out of money to develop the company. The collapse was avoided thanks to the automaker RT Shelley.

The most popular motorcycles at the Birmingham plant in the middle of the last century were the Dominator parallel twin roadsters, popularly known as the Dommies. The firstborn in 1949 was the Model 7 500cc with a top speed of 160 km / h. The Dominator 88 followed him from the factory stocks in 1952. A feature of the sports "Eighty-eighth" was a lightweight frame, the model was offered for sports teams. The Featherbed frame was mainly exported. Good handling and stable directional stability of the model had a positive effect on the brand's reputation in general. Introduced in 1956, the Dominator 99 with a 600 cc engine raised the top speed bar to 160 km / h.

A rare pre-war sports Norton International with overhead, single-cylinder power plants with a volume of 350 and 500 cubic meters has received a new life. Especially for Inter, they developed their own version of the Featherbed frame, which was used for the last five years of production until 1958. With the mufflers dismantled, "International" squeezed out "a ton", but at the same time heavy loads led to oil leakage from the engine.

Conglomerate AMC acquired Norton in 1952. V lineup the single-cylinder Model 50 350cc and the touring ES2 500cc appeared. Together with them, in 1958, entry-level two-cylinder motorcycles were born with a 250 cc engine. But Jubilee, with its top 113 km / h, has never entered the same league as the Dominators.

Panther

P&M, headquartered in Yorkshire, is known for its 600cc and 650cc single-cylinder Panthers. "Partners" with strollers were especially popular among merchants. Starting a low-speed engine was not easy. Therefore, there was even a common joke about it: "It's easier to start a telegraph pole!" Less well-known models are considered "Panthers" with two-stroke single-cylinder engines of 200 and 250 cc.

RoyalEnfield

Despite their advanced technology, Anfield has never been as popular as AMC, BSA, Norton and Triumph. The motorcycles were assembled in Redditch, Worcestershire, and the name was taken from the old Royal Small Arms Factory in Anfield, Worcestershire. The company, whose slogan Made like a Gun goes like a bullet (Collected like a weapon, rides like a bullet), constantly carried out life tests their technology during long international travel. The main models were considered the single-cylinder Bullet 350 and 500 cubic centimeters, intended for tourism. The company's engineers paid Special attention the development of traditional British two-cylinder motorcycles. In 1948, a rear pendulum suspension appears on the "five hundred".

By the mid-fifties, large two-cylinder Meteor 700cc motorcycles (maximum speed 153 km / h) were released, and then Super Meteor with a maximum speed of 180 km / h. Between 1958 and 1962, the twin-carburetor Constellation 700cc was produced. The two-cylinder engines were assembled in an underground factory previously used as a secret military facility in Bradford-upon-Avon, Wiltshire.

In Madras, India (now Chennai), a plant was built for the production of a 350-cc "Bullet" and a 175-cc two-stroke under license. The Indian facility is currently producing old, four-stroke Bullet models. The surviving plant is part of the large industrial group Eicher.

Sunbeam ‘Beam’

Produced under the BSA brand. They reached their apogee in the 20s of the last century. The majestic Sunbeam S7 and the Sunbeam S8 that followed, were two-cylinder touring "five hundred" with puffy tires. The motorcycles were not commercially successful, and production of the C8 ceased in 1958.

Triumph ‘ Trumpet’

The BSA Group holding acquired Triumph in 1951. However, the "Triumph" cars produced at the Meridene plant, located near Coventry, retained their individuality. Most of them used a two-cylinder parallel twin, designed by Edward Turner and first installed in 1938 on the Speed ​​Twin. Under Turner's guidance, the company focused on manufacturing products for the American market. The challenge of capturing America's wealthy market required the development of powerful, stylish, yet inexpensive motorcycles. The first models sold were popular for their speed. However, the machines that appeared in the 40s and 50s did not fully satisfy the requirements of consumers. Triumph did not have racing teams that were so necessary for testing new technical solutions.

The sports version of the Tiger 100 with a 500 cc engine, called the Speed ​​Twin, was reissued after the war. Its declared top speed was 160 km / h. In 1951, a model with a lightweight aluminum alloy engine entered the market. A special motorcycle tuning kit is available for sale at dealerships, intended for American fans to ride on weekends "with a breeze."

American companies sold motorcycles with an engine capacity of 1200 cubic centimeters, the British "five hundred" looked small against their background. Especially for the Americans, Turner developed a 650cc motorcycle called the Thunderbird. The new model developed a top speed of 160 km / h. Sales jumped up. Overseas racers began to take Triumph seriously.

The handling of the motorcycle improved with the introduction of the pendulum suspension in 1954. Next model received the name Tiger 110 650cc. Motor Cycling magazine reported reaching the 190 km / h mark, however, with specially installed sports camshafts... Fans of speed have appreciated the powerful picks and loud sound of the agile Top Ten.

In 1956, a landmark event for the Triumph took place on the Bonneville Salt Lake, Utah, a sports projectile with a 650 cc engine from Thunderbird was able to reach a speed of 345 km / h. Triumph products received wide publicity. In the 59th there was a confusion in the names, "T110" began to be called Bonneville with the "T120" index, indicating the maximum speed. The Triumph Bonnie went down in history as the most famous "road igniter".

Produced from 1957 to 1966, the Triumph Twenty One 350cc became a milestone in motorcycle production - for the first time a gearbox was in the same block with an engine. But the form of metal protection against dirt, called "bathtub" or "skirt", had a negative impact on the popularity of the model. An unsportsmanlike looking motorcycle could accelerate to 120 km / h. The Tiger 100A 600cc was produced from 1959 to 1961.

Velocette "Velo"

A progressive and successful racing production plant in the 1930s, Veloce Ltd. was located in Birmingham. After the war, Velossete developed a “motorcycle for everyone”. Smooth and almost silent LE twin with guards and footrests, with a difficult engine start, gained popularity among city policemen and in countries with low speeds.

The black enamelled post-war Velocettes were considered sedate bikes, with the exception of the Viper 350cc and Venom 500cc, both introduced in the mid-1950s.

Vincent ‘Vin orVinny’

The motorcycles, assembled in small batches at the Vincent HRD plant in Stevenage, had a strong charisma. The company began its work under the leadership of Philip Vincent, who began his career under the direction of Austrian engineer Phil Irving, who designed products for exploration riders. Too expensive for the average user, Vincent stood out from the crowd. Post-war line of V-shaped motorcycles, liter engines, began with the Rapide Series B. The main features of these machines were cast aluminum engines and a gearbox interlocked with the engine in a common housing. Factory engineers did not use a conventional tubular frame, the cornerstone of the whole structure was power point, which acted as a support for the entire chassis. The rear cantilever suspension was the forerunner of the monoshock system that became widespread in the 70s. But the Girdraulic front fork looked archaic next to the emerging front telescopes.

With the exception of some export cars, black was considered the corporate color. Produced between 1948 and 1955, the Black Shadow was painted completely black, including the engine. The cruising speed of the Shadow was 145-160 km / h, the maximum speed was 201 km / h! Nothing but a few racing cars of that time could not be compared with Black Shadow.

"Vincents" differed in their driving qualities. The downsized bikes were obedient and economical machines, but the disadvantage turned out to be passenger seat, mercilessly tormenting the rear fulcrum of the passenger on the bumps.

Born in 55, the Black Prince had a fixed seat and moldings all over the body, windshield and protection of legs from precipitation. With a gloomy appearance, he was selected as a police vehicle, and also took part in the filming of the movie based on the novel by George Orwell in 1984. "Cafe racers" did not appreciate this model at its true worth, recognition came to it 10 years later.

Vincent went bankrupt in 1955, but Black Shadow never lost its sacred status. The whimsical design of the large V-twin has been called "engineered for engineers." The company produced single-cylinder "five hundred" cars that developed 145 km / h, and this during the period of craze for parallel two-cylinder motorcycles.

In the 50s, two-stroke 250 cc British two-wheeled cars became widespread. This class includes those built by Francis-Barnett or James, plus Cotton, DMW, Dot, Excelsior, Norman, and Sun. Italian cars were imported in small quantities, but due to high cost they did not receive wide distribution.

Highway of youth

On December 5, 1958, British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan drove 13.5 km. on a section of the UK's first Preston Bypass Freeway, marking its opening for road traffic... Later this road became part of the M6.

Construction of high-speed Highways were slated to begin in the 1930s, when Germany began building highways, Italy was building highways, and highways were being built in the United States.

The first planned 108 km section of the M1, which became part of the London-Yorkshire motorway, passing between Berrigrove (Jackson 5) near the Busy Bee cafe, located near Watford in Northamptonshire, opened in 1959.

In accordance with the rules that existed at that time, the maximum permissible speed was considered to be 115 km / h, but on new highways the maximum speed was not limited. According to contemporaries, when Transport Minister Ernest Marples saw cars rushing along the M1 at high speed, he exclaimed: “Oh God! What have I done?"

The new M1 highway was ideal not only for motorcyclists who decided to complete the "ton", but also for racing races between sports bikes and cars. Motorcycle factories in the Midlands, such as Triumph and Norton, have decided to use the M1 to demonstrate the speed capabilities of its two-wheeled vehicles and evaluate new tires.

The construction of the road north to Leeds proceeded in stages. In parallel with this, the construction of the southern end of the highway was underway. In May 1967, the M1 was connected to the Great Northern Road in the Mill Hill area, which is about 8 kilometers from ACE CAFE. True, by that time, for several months, national legislation limited the speed of 115 km / h on highways and two-way roads.

Translation by Igor Kuzin

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 at the seaside, met children from the hospital and drove the girls in the villages.

Modern bikers have switched to sportbikes or choppers foreign production and do not know the history of domestic motor vehicles at all. We decided that it was time to stop for a couple of minutes and recall 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 the same year, the first batch of L-300 was ready.
The motorcycle was produced until 1938, and then 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 the same L-300, which, in parallel with the Leningrad enterprise "Krasny Oktyabr", were produced in Izhevsk.

2.M-72. The most combat

The 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 "backup" of the British BSA and, as it is believed, the best pre-war motorcycle in the Union TiZ-AM-600.

However, it was the M-72, the design of which was "spied" from the German BMW R71 (the Wehrmacht was equipped with them), which came out in the tragic 1941 year, 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 carried fighters armed with anti-tank missile systems, machine guns or light mortars. From the first post-war years - and long after that - 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 she did not 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 most "popular" motorcycle in Belarus is the "Minskachi". They run along the roads of the entire former Soviet Union, and not only. But most of them, of course, are at home.

The half-century anniversary of the motorcycles "Minsk" has skipped a long time ago (the first models already deserve the name "vintage"), and very soon, on July 12, they will celebrate their 61st birthday.
The first Belarusian "bike" was 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. The DKW RT125 was so successful that under different names the analogs of this motorcycle were produced in 7 countries of the world, including the USA, England and Japan.
By the way, one of the old "Minskers" in harsh conditions was tested by one of the hosts of the famous British show Top Gear Richard Hammond. He drove almost all of Vietnam from south to north on it. The summary of the charismatic “auto-maniac”: “This is the AK-47 among motorcycles - reliable, simple, easy to repair. It is specially made for those countries where there are no roads. "

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

In 1973, the Izhevsk Motorcycle 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 Planet Sport was clearly trying to be like Japanese motorcycles of the 60s and 70s.

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

5. Sunrise. The 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 modernized 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, the Voskhod motorcycles have become real toilers 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 militia, fair and incorruptible, in the 50s-60s mainly moved on motorcycles with a sidecar. The M-62, produced by the Irbit Motorcycle Plant, was the most popular choice of 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 wheelchair at that time. After all, these bikes were pretty heavy to handle. But the police used motorcycles without wheelchairs, 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 a very unusual motorcycle Tula-200 with wide off-road wheels was produced for the needs of hunters and fishermen. The mass distribution of such motorcycles fell on 1986-1988.

The engine was taken from the Tulitsa scooter, increasing its power to 13 hp. This made it possible to accelerate at 200ke to 90 km / h. 10-12 thousand of these bikes were produced per year, the last of which left 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 tenacious.

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

On its basis, they produced versions with a sidecar, as well as sports motorcycles for cross-country and road races. Now IZH-49 are collectible items. Prices for them start at 100 thousand rubles.

9. М-1А "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 "Moscow" 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 huge numbers to train motorcyclists in DOSAAF schools. Perhaps your grandfather studied just like this. In 1951, the 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 rode 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 Woman". Especially valuable are specimens with a side carriage made of fiberglass. They produced versions with a 1-cylinder engine (250/260) or with a 2-cylinder engine (350/360).

By the way, Java often appeared in various films. For example, it is on Jawa 360 that Gesha Kozodoev is taking Semyon Semyonovich Gorbunkov on a fishing trip to White Rock in the film The Diamond Hand.
11. IZH Planet. The founder 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 the whole family, which was produced until 2008 (IZH Planet 7).

12. Jawa 350/638. Motorcycle of the roaring 90s.

The last of the "Java" 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 the harsh films of the late 1980s and early 1990s. So "Java 350 638" can be seen in the drama "Crash - 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 THE USSR.

It was a quiet and very comfortable scooter that even women could drive with ease. 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 produce back in 1958. Many boys dreamed that their parents would give them a moped for their birthday. So they did, so mopeds, and especially Riga-13, became the first means of transport for many.

Riga-13 began to be produced in 1983. Equipped with a 1.3 hp engine, it accelerated to just 40 km / h. For starting from a standstill and moving uphill, the “biker” was advised to help the engine by rotating the pedals. Riga-13 was produced until 1998, becoming the most massive model of the plant.

15. "Ant". A truck for everyone.

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

TMZ has produced a huge number of such scooters. They were equipped with onboard platforms, 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: weak engine, complex transmission elements. This is probably why such ATVs were not widely used.

The production of motorcycles in the USSR was established on a grand scale. Irbit, Izhevsk, Kovrov and Minsk became the main centers of bridge building, and the motorcycles themselves, including the imported "Java" and "Chezetas", became an integral part of the culture.

"Sunrise"

Voskhod has become a cult motorcycle among young people and adolescents. He conquered with unpretentiousness, low fuel consumption, lightness and remanufacturing. The motorcycle did not have much reliability, but with its help they learned to repair the internal combustion engine.

Production of "Voskhod" was launched after the war at the plant. Dyagterev. The prototype was the German DKW RT-125 motorcycle. In 1946 the plant produced 286 K-125 motorcycles.

Since 1957, the plant began to produce a completely new motorcycle "K-175" with a 175 cc engine. This motorcycle was named "Voskhod" and gave birth to a whole family. The most popular models were "Voskhod-2", "Voskhod - 2M." The last model of the "Voskhod", created in the USSR, was called the M3-01. In addition, the plant produced limited editions of motorcycles for motocross, and in the 80s created several interesting developments of sports bikes.

"Minsk"

The history of the creation of "Minsk" also goes back to the DKW RT-125. The first M1A motorcycles were produced in Moscow, and in 1951 production was transferred to a bicycle factory in Minsk.

In 1956 the plant produced new model M1M with a pendulum suspension, spring shock absorbers, a short-link fork and a 5 hp engine that developed a speed of 75 km / h.

In 1961, the new M-103 appeared with hydraulic shock absorbers and a telescopic fork. The production was focused on the countryside, which explains the popularity of motorcycles.

Further modernization led to more power and speed. For example, the MMVZ-3.111 model, released in 1973, could accelerate to 90 km / h and had a power of 9.5 hp. And MMVZ-3.112 had 12 hp.

The IZH motorcycle in popularity in the USSR could compete with the most famous imported vehicles.

The first motorcycle models are associated with the name of the designer Peter Mozharov, but real popularity came to IZH after the war, when the documentation for the German DKW NC-350 motorcycle fell into the hands of the designers.

After a thorough modernization, the motorcycle was named IZH-49. Legendary model was equipped with a telescopic fork and hydraulic shock absorbers. In conditions bad roads the motorcycle gained popularity.

The next model - IZH-56 was no less popular, but real recognition came with the appearance of IZH-Jupiter, IZH-Planeta and IZH-Planeta-sport, which were intended for tourist and sports trips. IZH-PS received a separate engine lubrication system and could accelerate to 100 km / h in 11 seconds.

In the 70s, the plant produced up to 350,000 motorcycles per year.

"Java"

"Java" has become a truly iconic motorcycle for the youth of the USSR. It is with him and with IZH that the movement of rockers is associated. The single-cylinder model of the motorcycle has received the respectful nickname "The Old Lady". Young people were attracted by the motorcycle's reliability, versatility and speed. The motorcycle could ride on highways and forest roads with equal ease.

The Czechoslovak company Jawa was founded in 1929. After the war, production resumed. The plant won a tender for the supply of motorcycles to the USSR and began supplying 100 thousand motorcycles per year to the country. In 1964, the millionth "Java" was released, in 1976 - the two millionth, and in the 80s the number reached three million copies.

The most fashionable model in the USSR was the Java-368, which was launched in 1984. The Java had a 343 cc two-stroke two-cylinder engine. and a power of 26 hp, the maximum speed of the motorcycle was 120 km / h.

"Java" was appreciated by athletes. Sports models Motorcycles were used in motocross, in enduro races, until now the Russian ice speedway team performs on Java motorcycles.

After the collapse of the USSR, the plant was on the verge of collapse, but managed to withstand.

"Pannonia"

The Pannonia motorcycle has become another iconic motorcycle among urban youth and motorcycle tourists.

Production of Pannonia began at the Chappel plant in Budapest in 1954. "Pannonia" became the first new motorcycle of the plant. The motorcycle was equipped with a single-cylinder 250 cc two-stroke engine, a four-speed gearbox. The novelty was the closed chain drive and the duplex frame.

From 1954 to 1975, 286,959 motorcycles were delivered to the USSR.

The most popular model is the Pannonia 250 TLF. Weighing 146 kg, the motorcycle produced 18 hp, was not picky about fuel, had an 18 liter tank and a reliable electrician. In addition, the plant produced a model with a 350 cc engine and a sidecar.

The beauty and perfection of motorcycle lines still make connoisseurs of rarities look for surviving motorcycles.

In 1968, the plant released a new motorcycle model, copied from the Yamaha YDS-2, but the USSR decided that the motorcycle was too complicated and stopped exporting, after which the plant closed.

"Chezet"

The history of the legendary Cezet goes back to pre-war times, when the Czechoslovak arms factory Ceska Zbrojovka (CZ) decided to start producing motorcycles. In 1936, the plant produced prototypes of "Cheseta", on the basis of which motorcycles with engines of 250 and 350 cc were later developed.

In 1960, CZ launched the Cheset motorcycles into series production. In the USSR, CZ enjoyed unprecedented success. Along with Java, this motorcycle was a hit with rockers, and the black Cheset became the dream of an entire generation.

The famous crossover Cezet was born in 1962. The motorcycle was powered by a 250cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine. Ceseta's finest hour lasted until the end of the 60s. Racers from the USSR, Belgium and the GDR took part in it and won championships.

Ural

The history of Ural motorcycles from the late 30s to 1964 was the history of a military motorcycle. Even after the motorcycle began to be sold to the townsfolk, the owner of the "Ural" was obliged to register for military service, and the State Traffic Inspectorate forbade to operate the motorcycle without a sidecar. Because of this, "Ural" did not gain fame among young people. He found his niche as a heavy utility motorcycle. It was used for walks under the moon, and for transporting goods, and for trips to the taiga, and even for motorcycle tourism.

The IMZ motorcycle was equipped with a 650 cc four-stroke engine and was considered reliable among Soviet motorcycles. Engine power, depending on the model, ranged from 31 to 36 hp. The maximum speed when used with a sidecar is 105 km / h.

In 1985, the two-millionth motorcycle model "M-67" rolled off the assembly line of the plant.

In the 90s, the plant managed to survive. Now most of motorcycles are exported.

Many industries in the USSR were of impressive scope and quality. This also applies to motor-building, because Soviet bikes are still being customized and exported for good amounts. Motorcycles of the USSR are both a special spirit of the roads of a huge country, and originality, and often - the only possible means of transportation.
The first Soviet motorcycles were created on the basis of German military equipment for purely utilitarian purposes. With the development of motor-building, more and more models of Soviet motorcycles appeared, which sometimes had excellent design and deserved the ardent love of the owners. A large part of the older generation of today's bikers began their acquaintance with the world of steel horses from the old Dnieper, Voskhod or Minsk and has many fond memories of Soviet motorcycles. Let us also remember the two-wheeled legends of a bygone era.

Izh - a song in the hearts of bikers

Vitality, unpretentiousness, popularity - all these qualities were possessed by the equipment of the Izhevsk Design Bureau. 11 million Soviet motorcycles of this brand were produced during the existence of the design bureau - from 1946 to 2008.
One of the most recognizable motorcycles of the USSR IZH is model 49. After the release in 1951, the song of its engine became familiar to any experienced biker. The car with a single-cylinder engine and a four-speed gearbox was both modified with side carriages and produced in modifications for motorsport. Now these cars are sold to owners of private collections.

Soviet motorcycle Izh 1

In 1973, the fleet of Soviet motorcycles was replenished with such a chic unit as IZH Planeta Sport. Caressing eye today, at one time, he made a real sensation. Many noted the design features of Japanese bikes in it. The Soviet motorcycle IZH Planet Sport was not only the first in this country to have a sporty character. After all, this is also the first Soviet motorcycle with separate fuel filling and engine oil... 140 km / h top speed, 32 horses and 11 from acceleration to hundreds - all this made it a popular export model in other countries.

Dnipro - unlimited cross-country ability and tuning

The brainchild of the Kiev Motorcycle Plant, motorcycles of the USSR Dnieper belong to the heavy class. The Dnepr-11 unit proved to be the best Soviet motorcycle of this brand. A two-cylinder four-stroke engine, four gears, including reverse, rated 105 km / h and actual 140 maximum speeds, a sidecar equipped with a brake, and brilliant off-road qualities, before which the disadvantage of significant gluttony fades.

Another advantage that distinguishes the Soviet motorcycle Dnepr is the ease of tuning. It is because of her that you can still find Dnieper units on the roads of Russia, or even find them at a famous motorcycle festival. Definitely worth taking a look at the modernization of these USSR motorcycles - the photos sometimes boggle your imagination!

Ural - for the police and not only

Another obvious off-road vehicle is the Soviet Ural motorcycle. Irbitsky MZ produced this heavy truck from 61 to 65 years. These Soviet motorcycles were used by the militia of the USSR as the main technique. Also, the Ural motorcycle in the USSR was popular among summer residents, mushroom pickers, and village residents. 28 horses, a modernized gearbox, shock absorbers with increased travel and a comfortable stroller are not all of its advantages. The unit was able to accelerate without problems to a hundred and a quarter of a ton of cargo - an uncommon indicator for that time.

Now the Soviet Ural motorcycles are successful as an export product and are assembled piece by piece for good money for American (mostly) customers.

Minsk - the reliability of the Kalashnikov assault rifle

Motorcycles Minsk in the USSR were a popular transport among Belarusians, but they traveled in other republics in considerable numbers. 6,500,000 units have been sold all over the world in more than half a century of the plant's existence. Richard Hammond once left traces of bike treads on the roads of all Vietnam and later called the Soviet motorcycle Minsk “AK-47 in the world of bikes”. Indeed, simplicity, reliability, ease of use and repair, coupled with affordability, make these Soviet motorcycles universal units.

Sunrise - simplicity and affordability

In Kovrov at the MZ im. Degtyarev produced, perhaps, the most popular motorcycles of the USSR - Voskhod. Since 1957, many modifications of an unpretentious machine have been produced with an engine power of up to 15 horses. The Soviet motorcycle Voskhod could be found in almost every village; for many, it became the first steel horse in their life.

Java motorcycles popular in the USSR were one of the best options that a biker of those times could get. Most of all, Java 360 captivates the eye - a cherry-colored unit with an abundance of chrome on the gas tank and other details, equipped with a sidecar. These Soviet motorcycles in the photo delight with the exterior, and in life they also give out extraordinary 26 horses and 120 km / h.
In fact, the Soviet motorcycle Java is only like that in spirit and the country of greatest sales - it was produced in Czechoslovakia and was sold not only in the country of the Soviets. He is familiar to all lovers of Russian cinema of the 80s and 90s, where these motorcycles of the Soviet Union are often present.

Times have changed irreversibly, old motorcycles of the USSR were replaced by monsters of foreign production and went to small villages and garages of connoisseurs. However, many models of motorcycles of the USSR are familiar to everyone who grew up in the CIS and evoke nostalgia and fond memories.

BONUS!

11. Riga-13. The first moped of Soviet boys.