Kickstarter - is it needed in a modern motorcycle?

Design

The moped looks like a small enduro, which it is. Long-travel suspensions, a raised tail, a raised muffler, a minimum of plastic - when you look at the photo, it immediately becomes clear that it was created for rough terrain. Of course, the Mokik ZiD 50 Pilot cannot be called a full-fledged two-wheeled SUV, but it copes well with country roads and dirt roads.

Buy Zid 50 Pilot

buy a new ZID 50 Pilot directly from the Degtyarev plant for 42 thousand rubles. Prices for used mopeds start from 5 thousand rubles, it all depends on the condition of the motorcycle. In a good situation, after spending several months searching for a decent option on sites like auto.ru and other similar ones, such a moped in very good condition (used) can be bought within 10-15 thousand rubles. It all depends on your desire and ability to bargain.

As for purchasing spare parts for the ZID 50, you definitely won’t have any problems with this. You can buy them at almost any motorcycle store.

By buying a Zid 50 Pilot, you are buying an easy-to-use, simple-design moped that will bring you a lot of joy and positive emotions. For owners of country houses or simply “dacha residents,” this is an ideal option for going to the nearest store to buy groceries. Moreover, it does not need to be registered with the traffic police, and you can ride it without a license.

Technical characteristics of ZiD Pilot 50

ZiD Pilot is inferior to all modern analogues, but when it first went on sale, it was head and shoulders above the usual “Karpaty” and “Riga”. But its technical characteristics were good for its time, which was the reason for the high popularity of the model.

Engine

A conventional 2-stroke air-cooled engine with 2 valves and one spark plug , capable of accelerating a ZiD Pilot moped to 60 kilometers per hour . The manufacturer declared a maximum speed of 50 km/h , but this was done so that, according to the documents, the bike meets the requirements for mopeds. Engine power is 2.7 horsepower , torque is about 2 Nm .

Transmission

The archaic 3-speed gearbox works very smoothly. Unlike Chinese pit bikes, the gears are changed like on a motorcycle - the first one is down, the rest are up. The third can be safely engaged already at 30 km/h.

Chassis and brakes

It's hard to come up with something simpler. ZiD Pilot 50 has a steel frame , mechanical drum brakes on both wheels and a standard suspension, with a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock absorber at the rear. The suspensions do not have high energy intensity, but since the moped is designed for one person, they are enough.

Electronics

There is practically no
electronic filling in the Pilot . It doesn't even have a battery! So the light optics are powered directly from the generator . There is no electric starter either - please be content with the kickstarter. Everything is simple, even primitive, and therefore very reliable.

Weight and dimensions

The dry weight of the moped is only 87 kg , and the loaded weight is about 100 kg . Any motorcyclist, even an inexperienced one, can handle the ZiD 50 Pilot. And thanks to its modest dimensions, the mokik can easily make its way between cars in traffic jams if its owner gets carried into the city. But it is better to avoid traveling on busy roads, since the bike clearly does not have enough power for them.

Controllability

Thanks to its modest weight and compact dimensions, the ZiD 50 01 moped is not just easy to control, but very easy. You just need to get used to the ease with which it tilts and the steering wheel, which is not very convenient for long-armed drivers.

Fuel consumption

A 2t engine, by definition, is not economical, and the mokik from the factory named after. Degtyareva, without hesitation, consumes up to 2.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km . The ZiD Lifan version with a 4t engine has lower fuel consumption, and the Chinese replaced the archaic K 39 carburetor with their own, more modern one.

Kickstarter - is it needed in a modern motorcycle?

In today's modern times, there is such a choice of motorcycle models that you can find almost any configuration, and if your requests are too original, then any custom studio will find a way to satisfy your requests. Installing a kickstarter on a motorcycle that doesn't have one is quite common.

Kickstarter, as the main method of starting an engine, is not used everywhere, although in the past, of course, it was a mandatory attribute.

Anyone who is interested in martial arts and suddenly dancing knows that the element “kick” has the meaning of “kicking”. Make a kick - a movement similar to that of kicking a ball or an opponent. This is where the phrases about “crucify the motorcycle”, “started with half a kick” and “if you kick it, it won’t fly” are born - also here. In other words, a kickstarter is a way to start an engine by pushing a person's foot forward onto a lever, which transmits the force further down the chain, helping to crank the engine.

Old-timers will probably smile, remembering the ancient Soviet motorcycle industry. From personal experience, I want to say that Kickstarter for a beginner is something from the category of “success or a broken leg.” Because nothing kills like a kickstarter. The fact is that the internal structure, although elementary, has consequences of improper handling.

Yes, Kickstarter has discounts on motorcycle models, but the database will always include:

• Pedal with lever
• Return spring
• Sector/gears, gears
• Washers

Before giving examples, let's consider the principle of operation of the kickstar. Starting systems can be either outside or inside the gearbox. The return spring is attached at one end to the sector, the toothed part of the gear, and at the other end to the crankcase wall. By the way, there should also be a washer there to reduce friction of the spring on the crankcase. If you've ever disassembled and reassembled trigger mechanisms, then I think you understand how frustrating it is to lose washers, because they are really needed there. When you press the pedal through the lever, the shaft with the sector rotates, and the spring attached to it will twist. The sector will engage with the gears, which will subsequently begin to rotate the engine shaft.

- Well, what's dangerous here? - you ask.

And the fact that the spring is twisted for a reason, it returns both the sector that comes out of the hook in its primary state and the lever with the pedal to the opposite position. If your foot slips, the spring will instantly return the kick to your knee with the pedal, giving you a tasty bruise and sparks from your eyes.

This kicking property is often found on ancient models. It’s not for nothing that we mentioned Soviet technology. At a time when normal children were dragging home puppies, kittens and any living creatures that they managed to catch, I was lucky enough to drag in the brainchild of IZHMASH, who at that time was already twice my age. And I think the parents would agree to 20 Alabaev puppies than to this. So, they tried to fight off their knees and the desire to have a motorcycle using kickstarter. At that time, no one warned that a motorcycle with an early ignition could kick like a maddened mare of the horseman of the apocalypse! It turned out that you also need to be able to start a motorcycle with a kick.

In modern motorcycles, the kickstarter does not work, you just need to use it correctly. We mentioned slipping feet, but beginners still can’t always cope with the mechanics of the action, since the motorcycle needs to be started, and not laid on the asphalt. How many people forget about changing gears? I’m also silent about those who like to twist the trigger all the way, pouring too much mixture or unsuccessful attempts to find the top dead center.

Nowadays, the kickstarter is left as a lifesaver if the battery is faulty or other troubles prevent the engine from starting without the use of brute force. Kickstarters are more than relevant on cross-country motorcycles, enduro and pit bikes, since electric starters are not always convenient for them or carry extra weight. Kickstarter on touring motorcycles as a backup for unforeseen circumstances is really good. For other motorcycles that are used in light city conditions, it is not necessary, but it certainly won’t be superfluous.

Repair and tuning

Even before the plant named after. Degtyarev was bought by the Chinese, this mokik had enough tuning, which enterprising citizens ordered from China. And everything necessary for repairs can be found in Russia, and it is inexpensive.

Repair

The moped has several weak points. Firstly, the front fork often starts to leak . The problem is eliminated by replacing the oil seals and anthers, but when driving over rough terrain, sooner or later it will appear again. Secondly, the original K39 carburetor is not of high quality, and problems often arise with it. Many owners change it to a Chinese equivalent.

Spare parts

Despite the fact that the ZiD 50 moped was discontinued a long time ago, there are practically no problems with finding spare parts. Almost everything you need is easily found in motorcycle shops and markets. The price tag for the parts will make any motorcyclist cry with envy - they are sold almost by weight.

Tuning

Rural bikers have gotten used to adding various optional improvements to the mokik, such as new handlebars or windshields , but the main thing is that it is possible to change the piston, increasing the volume. On Aliexpress, and even in Russia, you can find 70 cc CPGs that fit perfectly on the original engine. As a result, the moped's agility noticeably increases.

Kickstarter for mopeds – why is it needed?

Kickstarter for mopeds. Recommendations for use.

Today, most mopeds are equipped with an electric starter due to its simplicity and practicality in operation. The so-called kickstarter is also an integral attribute of every modern moped or motorcycle! And this is not surprising, since in order to start the scooter engine “from the hole” we do not need electricity at all! Thus, companies producing mopeds equip their products with both an electric starter and a “winding foot”, where the electric starter plays the role of the main starter for the power plant, and the foot starter is a secondary one, thereby ensuring a high level of reliability of the motorcycle as a whole!

For example, if your favorite moped has a foot starter, then an unexpectedly dead battery or a malfunction in the electric ignition system of the moped will not leave you without options - you can easily start the engine using the “winding foot”. In addition, if the moped has a classic gearbox, then it is easy to start it “from a pusher” or using an inclined road surface. Well, if your scooter is equipped with a CVT, then starting the engine using this method is almost impossible! Another advantage of the “winding stem” is the simplicity of its design. In case of breakdowns or malfunctions, the kickstarter is relatively easy to repair or replace with a new one. The cost of a new “winding stem” is significantly less than that of an electric starter.

But even such a seemingly ideal spare part still has some shortcomings. The first inconvenience in operating a kickstarter is that when starting, it is imperative to apply maximum physical effort in order to start the scooter’s engine. Also, without some experience in starting a moped engine “from a hole-punch”, it will be difficult for you to cope with the task. Otherwise, you can easily damage the winding stem and cause physical injury. For example, if you start the foot starter incorrectly, it can simply slip off your foot and hit you back very painfully! In order to avoid such troubles, it is imperative to have shoes with non-slip soles.

Also, if it is started incorrectly, the “winding stem” takes on loads that are incompatible with its strength, which inevitably leads to failure of the mechanism. A common mistake most beginner scooter riders make is that they use maximum force when starting, thereby breaking the kickstarter. At a time when you just need to press the pedal very sharply! Thus, the force must be applied not along the entire course of the “winding leg”, but only at its upper point. Only then can the moped be easily started, and the foot start mechanism will serve you for as long as possible.

Possible kickstarter malfunctions.

An ideal malfunction is one that can be prevented and thereby avoid its occurrence. If you follow the conditions and some recommendations for the correct use of the moped's foot starter, you can easily avoid almost all problems associated with failure of the foot starter.

First of all, always make sure that the leg is well tightened. When you press the lever frequently, it tends to become loose, which leads to the splines on the leg breaking off and the starter to fail. Thus, as a result of frequent slipping, it is almost impossible to start the moped engine with a foot, and the mechanism itself will most likely have to be replaced with a new one. Of course, you can try the “collective farm repair” option by welding the starter lever. But if you disassemble the power plant, you will never get to it, no matter how much you want to do it!

Also, under no circumstances should you hit the starter leg “as hard as you can.” Otherwise, you will never avoid serious damage to the variator housing. But even if you press the lever very gently, it is not at all a fact that everything will be fine, since modern Chinese-made mopeds are usually equipped with mechanisms made of terrible metal. Since the variator cover is not such an important element in the design of the scooter, it can be easily welded, but in this situation the possibility of it breaking again cannot be ruled out. Thus, it would be more advisable to replace the variator panel with a new part.

It is imperative to carry out timely maintenance of the winding leg,” that is, periodically lubricate and clean the kickstarter. To do this, you can use purified gasoline without oil impurities, and lithol is perfect for lubrication.

Motorcycle modifications

The very first version was called ZiD 50 01, and it is this that is the classic “Pilot”. modification 50 02 was designed , and the “Active” is exactly the same mokick, but slightly modified in appearance. And later the bike was replaced by a ZiD Lifan, equipped with a Chinese 4-stroke engine and a new transmission.

Model range overview

The lineup consists of the following models:

Zid 50. The Mokik ZiD 50 carburetor creates a power of 2 horsepower. However, there are modifications that depend specifically on the number of revolutions and, accordingly, power.

The moped model range has several options

1. ZiD 50-01 with carburetor Mokik ZiD 50 01.
2. ZiD 50-02 with Mokik ZiD 50 02 carburetor.
3. ZiD 50-02 with an engine power of 2.7 hp.

In general, the models are the same. The mass of each mokik is 112 kg, the load capacity is 100 kg. The speed does not decrease, remaining within 45-50 km/h.

Advantages and disadvantages

When considering them, we must not forget that we are talking about a simple entry-level bike, produced a decade and a half ago, and designed using the technologies of the last century. For its time, this model was quite good.

Advantages

• Light weight . Everyone can cope with mokik.
• Simple design . Disassemble, repair, and put the ZiD moped back together - no problem, even if this is your first bike.
• Reliable engine . The transmission is also not particularly fragile.
• Nice pendants . They confidently handle roads without asphalt.

Flaws

• No passenger footrests . The bike is designed strictly for one person.
• Weak brakes.
• The volume of the ZiD 50 gas tank is only 6 liters.

Owner reviews

Zid 50 is my first bike!! I remember my impressions - it drives powerfully, in the pits you don’t even have to slow down, it brakes confidently! Sometimes I had problems, the carb died after a couple of weeks, otherwise it was fine. I sold it a long time ago, of course, but the pleasant memories remain. Alexander, Pushkino.

I still keep the Lifanov modification in the village; in the summer I ride to the store and on errands. A simple and reliable car, know to change your oil on time and ride as long as you like. Only the candles die often. Dmitry, Tula.

A good moped for its era, but now it cannot stand up to competition; any cheap Chinese scooter will not yield to it. In the current realities, I do not recommend it. Boris, Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

Conclusion

The ZiD 50 Pilot motorcycle is perfect as a first bike on which you can learn the basics of riding. The simple design will help you learn to understand the design of motorcycle equipment, and the solid ground clearance will make it possible to drive where the owners of many large bikes do not dare to venture.

Specifications