Over the six years of production, the Izh-56 road motorcycle has become one of the most popular and indispensable two-wheeled vehicles designed for movement both on dirt roads and on city streets. Excellent cross-country ability and good load capacity made it an excellent assistant and vehicle for movement in difficult weather conditions.
Story
Sales of the Izh-56 started in 1956: the new motorcycle model stood out favorably against the rest of the manufacturer’s two-wheeled products not only in technical characteristics, but also in appearance. The design of the motorcycle attracted attention with a tubular stamped frame and deep wheel guards that protect the driver from dirt and dust while driving. The saddle's comfortable-fitting finish was made of sponge rubber.
The production of Izh-56 motorcycles continued until 1962. Afterwards, a successor was released - Izh "Planet", created on the basis of the 56th model. Despite the fact that more than 40 years have passed since the end of mass production of the Izh-56 bike, interest in it does not fade: many restorers take on the task of restoring the model, since it is part of the history of the domestic motorcycle industry.
approximate price
If you want to buy an Izh Planet-5, you will have to pay at least 6,000 rubles . The approximate cost of a motorcycle in different conditions is:
- From 6,000 rubles for equipment in faulty condition, with defects or in unsaleable condition (for example, with rust).
- From 15,000 rubles for a motorcycle produced in 1987-1995 with mileage and original engine.
- From 20,000 rubles for Izh “Planet-5” produced in 1987-1995 with mileage, a rebuilt engine and other improved spare parts.
- From 30,000 rubles for a working motorcycle, manufactured after 1995, with minor external defects and an original engine and other spare parts.
- From 50,000 rubles for a serviceable vehicle manufactured after 1995, fully equipped, without any defects and with an updated engine.
- From 70,000 rubles for a fully tuned motorcycle manufactured after 2000.
It is worth considering that the demand for such equipment in modern conditions is not very high, so there is always the possibility of bargaining, after which the seller will reduce the price.
Motorcycle versions
Over the entire production period of the road bike, over a million copies of the motorcycle were produced. The engineers of the domestic concern were able to achieve the maximum level of safety and quality, for which they were awarded medals.
Due to the great popularity of the model, it was decided to release several different modifications, some of which served as the basis for the production of other two-wheeled vehicles that are still in production today. The Izhevsk company produced two versions of the Izh-56: with a separate and double saddle.
The motorcycle was equipped with tool boxes. Closed covers protected the air purifier and carburetor. Thanks to the covers and tool boxes, the motorcycle has a striking design that attracts attention. The chain running from the transmission to the rear wheel is also protected by a sealed casing.
The performance of the previous model on which the Izh-56 was created - the Izh-49 motorcycle - was 20% lower. The 56th model road bike was equipped with a 13 horsepower engine, which was responsible for the increase in performance.
Over the entire production period, 677,428 copies of the motorcycle were produced, of which 130 thousand had a side trailer.
Engine
IZH-56 was equipped with a single-cylinder engine with two-channel return scavenging and air cooling. The working mixture of this unit was prepared in the carburetor, and its ignition occurred due to an electric spark in the cylinder. The volume of this engine was 346 cc, and the maximum power reached 13 hp. In combination with a 4-speed gearbox, the Soviet model could reach speeds of 100 km/h.
The design of the power unit of the IZH-56 was distinguished by the following features:
- assembled and pressed crankshaft;
- block crankcase;
- aluminum cylinder;
- crank chamber located in the front part;
- the gearbox was located at the rear.
The lever for manual gear shifting on the motorcycle was located on the right side of the engine.
IZh Planeta-5
Technical characteristics of Izh-56
Motorcycles of this model belong to the road category and have increased cross-country ability, which allows you to ride both on dirt roads and on city streets. High load capacity and the ability to ride on any road surface make the bike an ideal vehicle for travel in all weather conditions.
The engine cooling system is air type, equipped with recurrent loop blowing. Fuel and air are mixed in the carburetor, ignition is carried out by supplying a spark in its cylinders.
The Izh-56 design features aluminum cylinders and a pressed mounting crankshaft, which previous models did not have. The motorcycle transmission is located at the rear, driven by a chain type.
Technical characteristics of the Izh-56 motorcycle:
- Dimensions - 2115 x 780 x 1025 millimeters.
- Curb weight - 160 kilograms.
- Engine power - 13 horsepower.
- Volume - 350 cubic centimeters.
- Four-speed transmission.
- The volume of the fuel tank is 14 liters.
- The maximum developed speed is 100 km/h.
- Fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is 4.5 liters.
About the motorcycle
The Planet-5 model has been produced in Izhevsk since 1987. This high-quality vehicle was deservedly loved by Soviet and Russian motorcyclists for its unpretentiousness, good speed qualities ( up to 80-100 km/h ) and practicality.
The motorcycle was equipped with a fairly powerful engine, which coped well both with riding on a flat road and with steep ascents and descents. If a vehicle breaks down, it is easy to repair it yourself using inexpensive domestic spare parts. If you plan to use the Izh Planet-5 for trips to the country, you can attach a spacious trailer to it.
The model was discontinued in 2008 due to the fact that it had lost its relevance and was no longer in great demand on the market.
Maintainability
Spare parts for the Izh-56 are widely available: they can be purchased both in online stores and in markets. The motorcycle has excellent maintainability, so you can replace parts yourself. Since the design of the 56th model is practically no different from other versions of Izh motorcycles, their parts are interchangeable, which greatly facilitates repair work and simplifies the search for spare parts.
A distinctive feature of the Izh-56 design is its increased rigidity: previous motorcycle models were equipped with plastic elements that were easily broken. The cornering stability of the road bike has been increased thanks to the introduction of a tubular frame.
Ignition of the motorcycle is quite easy, but problems can still arise with it. Because of this, after purchasing an Izh-56, the key and ignition coil are replaced with new or similar parts from motorcycles of other models.
An innovation in the design is a lightweight centrifugal filter with a spiral air flow. Despite the fact that it is not protected from dirt and dust, its reliability is much higher than that of its mesh counterpart.
Design features
IZH-56 was produced as a replacement for IZH-49. The latter was interesting because its design used parts borrowed from German motorcycles. When designing the IZH-56, the designers abandoned this. Moreover, they essentially created a completely new motorcycle that was in no way similar to its predecessor.
IZH-56 had a tubular frame. Its appearance was partly due to the fact that Soviet industry had not yet recovered from the consequences of the war by the mid-50s. At the same time, the developers equipped the motorcycle with deep wheel brushes that protected the driver from dirt, which was important for that time.
IZH-56 was supplied to the Soviet market in two modifications: with one extended seat and two separate saddles. Compared to its predecessor, this motorcycle had a finished appearance. The fact is that the designers equipped the IZH-56 with casings that protected the air cleaner and carburetor. Moreover, the new product received front and rear wheels that could be swapped.
IZH-56
Another feature that distinguished the IZH-56 was that it received a rear pendulum suspension. This decision also turned out to be essentially revolutionary for the Soviet industry of that time.
Features of versions with different fits
The Izh-56 motorcycle was offered in two modifications: with a separate and dual saddle. The version with one seat gained great popularity, as it began to be widely used in the future on all Izh models.
The modification with a separate seat looks much more interesting even in the photo. The Izh-56 received a driver's seat borrowed from the previous model, which is nothing special. The passenger seat is slightly different and looks like a small cushion, representing the rear half of the main seat. The seating position on the 56th model is slightly lower than on the Izh-49, but it is more comfortable, which ensures better controllability of the motorcycle when moving with a passenger.
Types of motorcycle
There are several models of Izh Planet-5.
- Basic - Izh 7.107.
- Luxury - Izh 7.107L. Has a trunk, knee guards and fairing.
- Izh "Planet-5K" - Izh 7.108. Equipped with a removable cargo cradle-trailer, complete with a cover awning.
- Izh "Planet-5K" in the "Tourist" configuration - Izh 7.108T. More passable and powerful, it is possible to attach a cargo or passenger cradle.
In most cases, the first variant of a motorcycle is found on the market.
Summary
Izh-56 is a medium-displacement road motorcycle designed for traveling alone or with a passenger in the back seat. Unlike the 49th model, it has better cross-country ability and can drive not only on city streets, but also on dirt roads.
The Izh-56 has a simple design without any complex components, which led to mass serial production of the model. The motorcycle was created by engineers of a domestic automaker with the aim of increasing safety and developing repairable road bikes.
Working copies of the Izh-56 motorcycle are quite rare today, but despite this, the model does not belong to the category of museum equipment: if desired, the bike can be restored, which is what many motorcycle enthusiasts resort to. The repairability of the motorcycle allows you to quickly return it to working condition, and the reliability of the design preserves the service life of the components and main elements of the Izh-56. The affordable cost of both spare parts and the motorcycle itself makes it one of the most popular among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Modifications and other features
The Izhevsk plant, in addition to the standard IZH-56, has produced several special modifications during the existence of this model:
- IZH-57K with an 18-horsepower engine for cross-country racing;
- IZH-57M with the same engine for multi-day competitions;
- IZH-54A with a 20-horsepower engine, 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels for road racing;
- IZH-60M with a 19-horsepower engine for multi-day racing;
- IZH-60MS with a 6-speed gearbox for multi-day racing.
IZH-56 featured a simple electrical circuit. Electrical equipment on the motorcycle included a relay-regulator, a generator, a battery and headlights.
IZh Planeta-5
IZH-56 is a popular motorcycle among restorers today. This model periodically appears on the secondary market, where it can be purchased at a price of approximately 15 to 45 thousand rubles, depending on condition. But some restorers manage to completely restore IZH-56. A running motorcycle is sold on the secondary market for about 150 thousand rubles.
