The products of the Belarusian enterprise “Motovelo”, located in Minsk, are famous far beyond the country’s borders. Motorcycles and scooters, snowmobiles and ATVs - all these machines in a full range are produced today in workshops equipped with modern equipment. Spare parts for the Minsk motorcycle and for all other cars that are assembled at the plant are made here in a separate production facility.
Success
The Minsk motorcycle, whose technical characteristics already met the best standards, began its triumphal march back in 1951, and since then more than six and a half million copies have been sold worldwide. The reliable two-wheeled car was bought in 45 countries, on all continents. The M1A motorcycle became the founder of a whole series of models for various purposes, ranging from a simple road version to a powerful enduro class unit.
The Minsk motorcycle, whose technical characteristics, parameters and relatively low cost suited foreign buyers, began to be exported in large quantities to Vietnam and other countries in the South Asian region. The vast market demanded an increase in supplies, and MMVZ constantly increased production. Vietnamese fans of the Minsk motorcycle organized a fan club in 1988, which meets regularly, annually celebrates its anniversary and attracts new members to its ranks.
In the early 1990s, the Minsk motorcycle, the technical characteristics of which had reached perfection by that time, began to be produced in the amount of 220 thousand units annually, and in 1999 the car received the prestigious “Arch of Europe” prize as evidence of international recognition. Then the titled model was modernized several times, which made it even more in demand.
Power point
The two-stroke engine of the Minsk motorcycle of the MMVZ-3.112 brand was unpretentious in maintenance and quite reliable.
- type - gasoline;
- number of cylinders - 1;
- piston stroke - 58 mm;
- cylinder diameter - 52 mm;
- working volume - 123.6 cubic cm;
- compression degree - 10.5;
- power supply: K-62S carburetor;
- cooling - air;
- fuel - A76 gasoline, mixed with oil in a ratio of 25: 1;
- maximum power - 12 hp. at 6900 rpm.
News from
The first brainchild of the IZH plant is already 85 years old. Mass production began in 1946. Today, road motorcycles "Junker" are produced.
Road motorcycles "Junker".
Equipped with a two-cylinder, two-cylinder, 350cc engine. see, they can reach speeds of up to 115 km. hour. The teardrop-shaped tank, high-mounted handlebars and forward-facing footpegs embody the American style of the motorcycle.
Motorcycle "Junker"
The company continues to produce the legendary IZH Planet - 5.
IZh Planeta-5
Izh "Jupiter" has not been forgotten either
IZH "Jupiter"
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For Russian teenagers, “Cornets” are coming off the assembly line.
"Cornet"
In addition, the plant produces:
- Freight "IZH 6.92003";
- All-terrain vehicles "SAMSON";
- "PS-650 ROTAX";
- IZ "Planet - 7";
- ZH Springbok;
- IZ Saigak.
The last four brands of motorcycles are not mass-produced; their production is somewhat limited.
There is no hiding the fact that the brand has lost some of its popularity recently. However, fans of the legendary brand in 2018 will be able to appreciate the power and appearance of new Russian motorcycles.
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New product of the domestic motorcycle industry
Motorcycle "Minsk" in sports
In 1956 of the last century, the first cross-country model “M-201K” and mountain enduro “M-201M” were created. Both cars competed successfully and showed good results.
In 1961, the ShK-125 appeared - a version for road racing with a 23 hp super engine, which allowed it to reach speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour. However, the car was let down by the chassis; the insufficiently strong rear suspension caused the motorcycle to retire from the race.
And only ten years later MMVZ again returned to the topic of racing models. In 1970, the M-211 was created - a powerful sports motorcycle for circuit competitions. The developed fairing that was on the 211th version can today be seen on Japanese Honda and Yamaha sportbikes.
In 1977, the super motorcycle “3.216” appeared, which won one prize after another. And later in 1986, the exclusive MMVZ-2.227 was created - the future record holder.
Small and smart
Compared to modern bikes with 500 cc engines. see and more, a device with a 125 cc engine. see doesn't look too impressive. Many people perceive it as a large moped. After all, the maximum speed does not even reach one hundred kilometers per hour. And yet the Minsk 125 motorcycle is popular. There are several reasons for this:
- For novice two-wheeled enthusiasts, the lightweight and easy-to-use machine allows them to master the basics of control before moving on to more powerful bikes.
- A reliable and easy-to-maintain model becomes a solution to the transport problem in rural areas where qualified technical service is not available.
- The engine, which is undemanding in terms of gasoline quality and provides low fuel consumption, is reliable and has a good service life.
Thanks to these qualities, the model may not have become a sales leader, but remains in demand.
Modifications
The range of road motorcycles "Minsk" includes 17 different versions:
- the pioneer among all is, of course, the M1A-Moscow, manufactured in 1951;
- "M1M" was produced from 1956 to 1961;
- "M-103" was produced from 1962 to 1964;
- “M-104” - the model was in production from 1964 to 1967;
- "M-105" - (1967 - 1971);
- "M-106" was produced from 1971 to 1973;
- "MMVZ-3.111" was produced in the period 1973 - 1976;
- “3.115” - years of production 1976 - 1980;
- "3.112" was produced from 1982 to 1995.
In subsequent years, modifications were produced: “MINSK - D4-125”, “CX-200”, “R-250”, “C4-250”, “C4-200”, “M-125”, “M-125X”, "S4-125", "S-125".
Three enduro class models were also created:
- MINSK X200;
- MINSK ERX-250;
- MINSK TRX-300i.
A separate list includes sports modifications:
- models “M-201K” and “M-201M”, released in 1956 and intended for multi-day competitions;
- "Minsk ShK-125" - road-circuit racing;
- "M-213" (1969) - multi-day competition;
- MINSK RX 450, MINSK RX 250, MMVZ-3.221, 3.225, MMVZ-3.229 - motocross;
- "3.227" was produced between 1987 and 1991 for circuit racing;
- model "MMVZ-3.232", produced in 1993, for trial competitions.
The lineup
At the moment, three main models are produced, as well as a redesigned Minsk motorcycle in the old design. Here is the current model range:
- Model C125;
- Model D4 125;
- Model M125.
Also, as already mentioned, a fairly old model MMVZ-3.1131 is produced, now it is called Leader. This motorcycle managed to retain all the main features of the original model; especially fans of Soviet motorcycles like the design, which, if possible, has not been changed. Also, Minsk tuning is often carried out with this option.
Below we will look at the main technical characteristics of these motorcycles. You can answer in advance the question of how many cubic meters the engines have. All modifications have 125 cubic centimeters. This allows you to achieve an optimal balance of power and efficiency.
Model C125
This option is considered basic, so it makes sense to start a review of the Minsk motorcycle with it. This modification was created for any type of road. Also, the technical characteristics of the Minsk motorcycle of all modifications are based on this bike.
This model can be used even off-road; for this purpose, high-quality tires with a high tread are installed. But such a modification somewhat limits the speed on the highway; vibration is felt when driving over 60 km/h.
A two-stroke engine has one cylinder. This is quite enough for optimal operation. Consumption per 100 km when driving on a highway does not exceed 3 liters; on a country road this figure approaches 4 liters. The engine is started using a kick starter.
This method allowed us to achieve maximum reliability in any conditions. The weight of the motorcycle does not exceed 120 kg. The small size, as well as the presence of a two-stroke engine, leads to the fact that this technique is often used for a moped.
Model D4 125
This modification also has a single-cylinder engine, but here it is four-stroke. In essence, this is a sports motorcycle, the high number of revolutions allows you to maintain high speeds for a long time.
The power allows the motorcycle to accelerate to 100 km/h. The presence of 5 gears in the box makes the bike quite responsive and capable of rapid acceleration. Fuel consumption here does not exceed 2.6 liters per 100 km on the highway. There is an electric starter.
The net weight of the model is 100 kg. Some disadvantages, according to many, are the welded passenger footrests. Even if they are not needed, you will not be able to remove them. But this characteristic does not reduce the popularity of this modification.
Model M125
Of course, a review of the Minsk motorcycle could not do without mentioning the most popular model.
It is Minsk 125 that is the most popular modification. It is very unpretentious, can withstand any road very well, and we can say about this motorcycle that it is indestructible. Also, repairing it in practice turns out to be a fairly simple task. Even compression, which can vary on other engines in the series, does not create problems here. The engine here is single-cylinder, two-stroke. Reviews say that there are no problems with it. It consumes the bare minimum of fuel, about 2.5 liters on the highway.
The basic version is offered with drum brakes, but if desired, you can order a modification with a disc brake. You can also purchase a Minsk motorcycle with a sidecar, this will allow you to transport additional loads on it. The weight of this model is 120 kg.
Price
The Minsk motorcycle, the price of which was always kept at a budget level, was accessible to all segments of the population of the former USSR. In some regions it was used as an incentive prize for particularly distinguished employees, machine operators, farmers, and shock workers of communist labor.
Currently, the Minsk motorcycle, the price of which varies from 65 to 145 thousand rubles, can be purchased at the car market. Before purchasing, it would be a good idea to evaluate the technical condition of the car from an expert point of view for further restoration. If a motorcycle is purchased for the purpose of operation, then it will necessarily require repairs, routine or major. Therefore, the future owner must make sure that the necessary spare parts can be freely purchased at retail.
