Technical characteristics of the motorcycle Minsk MMVZ 3.1131

Many motorcyclists prefer bikes with a volume of 300 cc or more. cm, and anything less is considered almost a moped.

But are motorcycles with small volume really that bad?

The first plus that comes to mind is a fairly reasonable price, accessible to almost anyone.

Next comes the weight, I think you can lift 100-130 kg yourself, but now try to do the same with a powerful and heavy motorcycle, so at 300 kilograms, it’s quite difficult.

Another positive side is the relatively low fuel consumption. So, low power is not always bad.

One of the best motorcycles with a displacement of less than 300, or rather a volume of 125 cc. cm is "Minsk".

In this article we will look at the Minsk 125 series model range.

Briefly about the manufacturer

This motorcycle is produced by MMVZ (Minsk Motorcycle and Bicycle Plant), later it became known as “Motovelo”.

The first motorcycle that this plant produced (in 1951) was the “Moscow” M1A (it was copied from the German DKW RT 125).

It was he who became the progenitor of the classic bikes that Motovelo later produced.

In 2007 it became a private enterprise, and in 2010 it was renamed M1NSK. The company still produces reliable motorcycles of high quality.

Today it produces not only motorcycles, but ATVs, mopeds, also bicycles, exercise bikes, wheelchairs and much more.

Reviews from owners of Minsk 125

I still remember my Minsk with warmth in my soul, I had my first motorcycle. The year of manufacture is unknown, the condition was ruined, I didn’t drive more than 90, it broke down three times a week, but what impressions!!! Instead of an air filter, there was an oily rag stuck into the carburetor, but it still drove)) I don’t even know how, the rubber was also twenty years old, and nothing)) This is where my love for motorcycles began. Victor, Krasnoznamensk, Minsk 125.

I still own three Minsks, one is in close to collectible condition, the other two act as donors of spare parts. Sometimes I go out for a ride on a “ceremonial” motorcycle in the summer, people break their necks on the street, especially the older generation. Several years of work and under 150 thousand of money were invested into the bike, it looks as if it had just come from the factory. The only non-original parts are Japanese carb and progressive springs in the fork, the rest of the components are original. I’m not going to sell it, it’s a toy for the soul, I also have a BMW RT1150 in the garage for trips. Alexander, Moscow, Minsk 125.

In my time, those who did not have money for the Urals, like me, traveled to Minsk. Of course, it lagged behind the Irbit monster, but its reliability was higher, it broke down much less often, and was easier to repair. It was a really good motorcycle for its time... I gave mine to good hands for restoration ten years ago. Vitaly, Miass, Minsk 125.

Similar models

• Sunrise. Over the years it was produced in 8 different versions, but all of them were equipped with almost identical 175 cc 2-stroke engines.
• Owl . It is a modernized Voskhod 3M.
• Kovrovets . A series of motorcycles produced from the second half of the 40s to the mid-60s.

Total

An entire era has passed with the Minsk 125 motorcycle. Despite the fact that the Belarusian brand was later revived, modern Minskis have nothing in common with their famous ancestor. But in the countries of the former Soviet Union, thousands of old motorcycles produced back in Soviet times are still collecting dust in garages and sheds. And if you suddenly have a desire to join, so to speak, the classics of the motorcycle world, then there is every chance for this, and even a modest budget will not be a hindrance.

Series lineup

At the moment, the plant produces 5 Minsk models with a volume of 125 cubic meters.
cm, let's look at each one separately. The C4 125 is perfect for beginners; it is easy to use, relatively lightweight and attractive in appearance.

Easily withstands temperatures ranging from -15 to +40°C. The wind shield performs its functions perfectly and protects against fine dirt, dust and leaves.

The elevated seating position makes the ride more comfortable; another plus is the drum brakes, which will last quite a long time. A distinctive feature of this model is the presence of a helmet rack at the rear.

More detailed technical characteristics of C4 125:

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Total information

The two-seater M106 “Minsk” is a motorcycle whose characteristics at one time were considered quite progressive. It has won recognition among motorcyclists for its reliability and good qualities. Throughout the entire production period, the M106 was improved, the design was improved along with technical innovations. The shape of the gas tank was changed, its contours became more modern, and the capacity increased from 10 to 12 liters. By the end of the second year of production, the Minsk, a motorcycle whose characteristics were oriented towards further development, received a standard trunk. The presence of the latter was dictated by the need to accommodate small things, without which no journey can be completed. This innovation quickly caught on, and since then, motorcycle racks in various versions have become an integral part of every two-wheeled car. Since the trunk area protruded far beyond the motorcycle, the muffler had to be lengthened.

Description of model C 125

The 125 is an easy-to-ride, universal motorcycle. It drives calmly on broken roads and is quite easy to maintain. Fuel consumption off-road is 3.5 - 4.0 liters, and on the highway 2.5 - 3.0 liters, quite economical.

High-quality tires deserve attention, thanks to which good grip is achieved; the wind deflector and drum brakes are the same as in the previous model.

Despite the maximum speed of 90 km/h, it is better to drive somewhere around 60-75 km/h, because at speeds above this a small but noticeable vibration appears.

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.

Modern, simple and convenient D4 125

The D4 125 is a simple, comfortable and modern motorcycle.
A single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a power of 10.5/8000 (hp/rpm) will easily accelerate the bike to 100 km/h. The basic kit includes both an electric starter and a kick starter. Quite economical fuel consumption, about 2.6 liters.

The gearbox is easy to use, everything works easily and smoothly.

There are passenger footrests, although they are welded on, so even if you drive alone, you can’t get rid of them.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

• Modest mass . The weight of the Minsk 125 motorcycle allows even short and not very physically strong bikers to move the bike with ease.
• Dynamics . Of course, it’s not worth comparing the Minsk 125 with modern motorcycles; after all, they are separated by entire decades. However, it accelerates quite briskly, and the maximum speed in Minsk reaches 95 km/h.
• Simplicity of design . Repairing this bike is not easy, but very simple.
• Availability of spare parts . Even today, there are usually no problems finding them.

Flaws

• 2-stroke engine . When you fill the tank with gasoline at a gas station, you need to add engine oil. In addition, the resource of 2-stroke engines is short.
• Minsk 125 technical characteristics do not really correspond to modern standards. Bikers accustomed to other motorcycles will probably find it boring, unless they are fans of retro technology.

Unpretentious M 125

The M 125 is an unpretentious lightweight motorcycle with a good single-cylinder two-stroke engine, comfortable steering wheel and drum brakes, good for country riding.

However, if you want, the manufacturer can change the drum brakes to disc brakes, which are more suitable for use in the city.

It handles well, has low fuel consumption, and is easy to repair and use. It’s not a bad model, although it does have its drawbacks; despite the good suspension, you feel a strong vibration while driving, which then causes your back and leg muscles to ache.

Technical characteristics Minsk 125

They are completely consistent with their era. Now this bike seems like a relic, but in those days it was very, very good! The Minsk 125 motorcycle weighs only 120 kg , and it has everything necessary for a comfortable ride even with a passenger, and any beginner can handle it. 6.9-horsepower 2-stroke engine Minsk 125 (12 hp, air cooling) . The transmission has 4 gears , which is one more than some other Soviet motorcycles, for example, the Moskva and many Kovrovtsevs.

The frame, of course, is steel . Moreover, the quality of the alloy is surprisingly good, even now many ancient Minsk 125 bikes have not rusted at all, if, of course, they were stored in suitable conditions. The gas tank holds 11 liters of fuel - quite a decent figure, considering the modest gasoline consumption, within 3 liters per 100 km . You just need to remember that pure gasoline cannot be poured into the Minsk 125 motorcycle; it must first be mixed with motor oil .

Drum brakes are responsible for braking, extremely archaic, but surprisingly tenacious if you pay attention to the condition of the brake system and change the pads in time, which, fortunately, can be obtained without any problems even now. And for shock absorption there is a regular telescopic fork and a pair of shock absorbers at the rear. Stiffness used to be often adjusted by installing spacers in the fork or replacing the oil with a harder one, since, according to reviews from Minsk 125 owners, with factory settings the suspensions are excessively soft. However, this feature is characteristic of many motorcycles of the USSR era.

Forester M 125X

The M 125X, also called the “Forester,” was originally created for off-road driving.
The engine has good traction at low speeds, which makes driving on rough roads easier. The maximum speed is 90 km/h.

There are three trunks, one metal in the back and two additional ones on the sides, a beautiful headlight, which is protected by a metal frame, and safety arches are also pleasing.

Despite all the good things, many owners complain about poor-quality factory assembly, due to which they have to repair the motorcycle almost a week after purchase.

Transmission

The transmission in the M106 "Minsk" (motorcycle), the characteristics of which were continuously improved, consisted of a clutch, a 4-speed gearbox and a chain connection between the drive and driven sprocket. The main gear was protected by a metal casing, and the chain by two sealed rubber covers. Gear shifting is foot-operated using a lever combined with a kickstarter. The Minsk motorcycle engine was mounted on a welded tubular frame with mounting brackets. The position of the motor was not adjustable in any way.

Availability of spare parts and cost of the motorcycle

Another plus of these motorcycles is that they are easy to repair.

After all, spare parts for any Minsk model are quite easy to find.

You can buy them in auto stores, find them on the Internet, where there is a huge selection, or, in the end, you can order new spare parts from the manufacturer.

Approximate price of the bike

As mentioned earlier, motorcycles produced with a displacement of 125 cc. cm, they cost quite little for a bike.

The following prices are posted on the official website of the factory dealer:

These motorcycles can also be bought in used condition, then their price will be in the range of 15,000 rubles. up to 30,000 rubles, it all depends on the condition and mileage.

Verdict

The motorcycle is not distinguished by any special indicators of power, reliability, or individuality. At the same time, do not forget that the motorcycle has an affordable price. It is a technique suitable for trips to the country, to the forest, or leisurely driving in the city. Great as a first motorcycle.

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Photo gallery

Well, in conclusion of everything written above, we offer you a selection of photos of these Belarusian beauties. They will be a great purchase for a novice biker and will not put a big dent in your pocket.

Will we love “octams”? We choose motorcycles up to 125 cm³

Subcategory of rights A1, which includes motorcycles with a displacement of up to 125 cm³ and a power of up to 11 kW (14.9 hp), is a resolved issue for Russia. So, we have reached the level of civilized countries, but should we be happy or sad about this? Previously, the “one hundred and twenty-five” niche was not particularly popular in our country and there was little technology. What awaits the market in 2012?

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All motorcycles imported into Russia can be roughly divided into two categories: . However, this division is very arbitrary: even well-known models are “yellowish,” if not entirely made in China, Taiwan, or even Turkey, Indonesia and Vietnam. It is significant that famous brands usually have one or two “125” class models in their lineup. After all, this equipment is, as a rule, a training desk, which cannot be bypassed by law. And there will always be a demand for it, until the craving for motorcycling fades or the last drop of gasoline is burned. Only companies with image bikes (such as Harley, Victory or Ducati) do not condescend to unpretentious “sufferers”. But there are progress here too, an example of this is KTM (we’ll talk about it separately).

IT'S NOW CHEAPER

The “under 50” group (we are talking about thousands of rubles) is opened by two twins: Lifan LF125–5 and Patron Simpler 125, clones of the Honda CG125 model of 1976. Their appearance is archaic. A very common engine in China with a characteristic lower camshaft (OHV design) is installed in an open steel frame. This shaft has only one cam, which, through two pairs of rocker arms and a rod, controls two valves in the head. The engine turned out to be compact, lightweight, reliable, there are no problems with spare parts or repairs. And the devices themselves are extremely simple: drum brakes, primitive spring suspensions, passenger footrests are attached to a pendulum made of a thin round pipe, which does not pretend to be rigid. Fans of the style of the late 1970s, and indeed old hardware in general, will appreciate the shape of the tank, stylish markings, 18-inch spoked wheels, fenders and seat base made of natural steel. There is a lot of chrome, a strong trunk, a tachometer and an electric starter. On the training “figure”, the motorcycles are simply super: light as a bicycle, the angle of rotation allows you to pass the figures with a margin, and neutral is easily caught. Brakes on the training ground are not particularly needed, it is even valuable when they are weak, so as not to accidentally block the wheel and trip. But on the road you feel uncomfortable with these, especially in the city.

A little further from the border of primitivism is the Patron Aero 125F. It is equipped with the same “tsegesh” four-stroke “air vent”, but with glimpses of modern design. There are cast five-spoke wheels, more advanced suspensions and a sporty-looking muffler a la Akrapovich. The view is no worse than that of its Yamaha classmate (we’ll get to that later), but the price of the Aero is almost half as much.

Not far from this technology are the Minskis, of which there is a whole range on our market. Actually, the “125” cubic capacity has become the crowning glory for Belarusian cars since 1951, when they began producing a copy of the German DKW RT125. The descendant with a two-stroke engine is today called Minsk M125. The motorcycle does not have a separate lubrication system and an electric starter (there is no battery either), with a four-speed gearbox. Spoke 18-inch wheels - with drum brakes (there may be a disc at the front, but you need to look for such equipment), a durable closed-type frame is used, a sealed chain casing, suspension - with “hydraulics”. Minsk M125X with the self-explanatory name “Forester” is equipped with a durable three-sided trunk, headlight protection combined with a small trunk and an “upper” plastic wing.

But the Minsk C4 125 with a 4T engine is priced out of our group, but it is logical to consider it along with the others. After all, in fact, it eliminates all the shortcomings of simple Minsks: it has an electric starter, a front disc drive and a five-speed transmission. True, I had to sacrifice the chain casing. Although Minsk is cast on the cover of the unit, it is produced by the famous Chinese company Zongshen. This is not a clone of a Honda engine, but a Yamaha one, in which the camshaft is located in the head (ONS diagram). This classic-looking device is very good for both beginners and rural residents, many of whom still have Soviet two-stroke bikes from Minsk in service.

PRETEND TO BE A MOPED?

Although devices in the guise of a classic scooter are popular in Europe and are even updated by such giants as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, they are not brought to us - they are not prestigious and expensive. And most importantly, the small demand is fully satisfied by the Chinese motorcycle industry: cheap and cheerful. Although you rarely see the “125” cubic capacity, these are usually engines of 90–110 cm³. Examples on our market are Irbis Irokez 125, Patron Ringer 110. Like all scooters, they are attracted by improved protection from wind and water, plus a semi-automatic transmission. That is, you still need to change gears, but you don’t have to think about the clutch and the possibility of stalling. What is especially valuable is that you can pass the traffic police exam on a scooter. In addition, these devices are extremely light, and large 17-inch wheels and a sufficient turning angle facilitate the passage of the “figurine”. And in city traffic you feel like a fish in water (the author knows this firsthand - he himself has covered 20 thousand km, mostly in the metropolis).

The 125 cc Orion 125/B motorcycle fits very well into a moped. It has small dimensions, thin wheels and an archaic appearance; traffic cops don’t even look in the direction of such “self-running bicycles”. However, the motorcycle features are obvious - the layout (tank between the knees) and the “manual” clutch of the “Kab” engine. A plus in relation to scooters is a fairly capacious tank (8.5 liters compared to 3.5 liters), and that’s probably all. There are no suspensions, the brakes are weak, the electrics are assembled somehow. The only good thing is the price, provided that the buyer’s hands grow from where they need to be...

The Sachs MadAss 125 is a completely different matter - a “Chinese” under a glorious German brand, it is not the first year on our market. The ascetic “naked” appearance and original design justify the name “Raging Ass”. The device, weighing only 95 kg, is designed for two, although without any special amenities. There is no smell of archaic or classic here - MadAss is equipped with “tenacious” disc brakes on both three-spoke wheels and two powerful lens headlights. In addition to its exterior, the motorcycle differs from scooters in its “manual” clutch and 16-inch wheels; in the cooling system there is an oil radiator. In city traffic it is nimble and agile, but for long journeys you will need a really mad ass...

The Celestial company with the star brand Sky Team is known for clones of Honda “Cab” “babies” such as Monkey, Dax and Gorilla. They are offered in the form of both “fifty dollars” and almost indistinguishable in appearance, but with the cubic capacity of motorcycles. These are Skymax (ST125–6A) and Gorilla (ST125–8A). Their advantages are high similarity to the original and compactness. However, the appearance of the bestsellers of past years in Europe does not awaken any feelings in the Russian buyer. And the compactness is good for storage and transportation (these models even enter the elevator with a whistle), but on the road there is a big drawback: a person on such a motorcycle is not visible in traffic. Therefore, I will not recommend that adults (and even more so teenagers) ride them around the city - it’s simply dangerous.

New this year is the KYMCO K-Pipe 125. The device has a motorcycle layout, however, like scooters, there is no “manual” clutch. Beginners will like the light weight and inability to stall, as well as the cool appearance. The production of K-Pipe is scheduled to begin in Kuoshung (where KIMCO's head plant is located) in March 2012, and it is expected to go on sale in mid-summer.

TIMELESS CLASSICS

The Taiwanese SYM XS 125 is, in fact, a variation on the theme of Yamaha’s “Yubi-era”, only not what is offered in Russia, but the European one (more on that a little later). The frame is connected through the power unit, but the latter is not a clone of the mentioned Honda CG series, but almost identical to Yamaha. The device is so canonical that there is nothing special to write about: disc-drum brakes, 18-inch wheels, five gears. Convenient for beginners, practical, with an ageless appearance. And at the same time with a completely humane price.

The Yamaha YBR125, perhaps the most popular in Russia among beginners, owes its success primarily to the brand. There is no shame in riding a motorcycle with an emblem in the form of three tuning forks. And few people care (and most don’t even know) that cars from Turkey are imported into Russia, in which the fuel injection declared on European websites is replaced by a carburetor, and the classic round headlight is rectangular with a shield of an incomprehensible shape. The price, compared to the almost identical SIM, seems overpriced. However, this does not detract from its riding qualities, and the motorcycle has deservedly become a training desk in most motorcycle schools.

Although the Chinese motorcycle industry is young, it seems that it is already ripe for the release of stylizations of the classics. Here, for example, is a new product for 2012 on our market - the BM Maxmen 125 model from the Kaliningrad Baltmotors, assembled at the large Chinese company Qingqi. The style of the motorcycle clearly gravitates towards the scramblers of the late 1960s; usually such nostalgic tricks are allowed by the masters of motorcycle construction, and then only in limited editions. And here you have style and an affordable price. And Chinci is not a bad company, it’s not for nothing that Peugeot is “friends” with it. They say that at one time the director there was sentenced to death for poor quality, after which things got better...

HOW BIG

The German-Chinese Sachs Roadster 125 is practically indistinguishable from the “bi-em” described above, and there are suspicions that they are birds of a feather. If there was a “Find Five Differences” competition, I would name the color of the engine, the lack of a lower fairing on the Saxon, the color of the plastic “flashing lights” - and that’s it. No, there’s also the price: the Russian “Chinese” one is significantly lower than the German one.

Small-capacity KYMCO Quannon EU3 - with sportbike features. Its 125 cc air-oil-cooled engine received a fuel injection system, which allowed it to comply with Euro-3 environmental requirements. The rear suspension has a monoshock absorber and 17-inch cast wheels. By the way, the Chinese meticulously tore up this model, and they installed more “cubic” engines of 150 and 200 cm³ (Sagitta Spitzer 150, Patron Sport 200, Stels SB200) into the clones. This partly equalizes the characteristics - where the “Kimkovites”, due to injection, a four-valve head and a more advanced 125 cm³ air-oil engine, “remove” 13 “horses”, the devices from the Middle Kingdom get, at best, the same amount, but with 200 “cubes”. True, the twofold difference in price should not be discounted...

Well, the fact that the “Quannons” run at 130 km/h (this is stated on the forums) is quite understandable wishful thinking, plus the effect of a tailwind on the descent. Still, with a power of 13 horsepower, you can’t fool physics, and although the bike has a semi-fairing, the landing is still quite vertical. However, the latter is not so bad: it is more convenient to ride a motorcycle in the city and improve basic skills. I wanted to say: learning - no, motorcycles in the “cheaper than ever” or “timeless classic” categories are better suited for learning. Rearward footpegs, a narrow handlebar with the handles pulled back and down, and a small turning angle are not at all what a training motorcycle needs.

The “octagons” of the Czech company Jawa Moto spol stand apart. sro This name still evokes strong nostalgic emotions among compatriots - the plant, which is more than 80 years old, at one time supplied over 2 million motorcycles to the USSR. The family of “125” class machines began to be produced a long time ago - in 1998, using 4T engines from the Taiwanese company CPI. At first these were clones of Honda’s CG series, later - more modern NX OHC circuits with quite high power for an “air blower” (12.8 hp). The frame is closed through the engine crankcase, the rear suspension is with a monoshock absorber, both wheels are equipped with disc brakes. The Dakar model is unique for our market in that it is a dual-purpose motorcycle, which is emphasized by the “chubby” 16-inch rear wheel, high front fender and handlebar guards. Unfortunately, there are no others like it: the good RT125D SUV from Hyosung almost didn’t survive in our market until the introduction of the A1. A more “parquet” modification is the Dandy, with a low front fender and 17-inch wheels with “quiet” tires. The maximum speed of both motorcycles is 110 km/h. Unfortunately, the price of devices from the Czech Republic is also unique, confirming the thesis that everything touched by a European hand becomes noticeably more expensive than products from the Celestial motorcycle industry...

SMALL CUMBER HI-TECH

One of these devices is the light sports bike Aprilia RS4 125. Last year it replaced the famous “two-stroke” RS 125. Naturally, this is a completely different device with completely different technical characteristics. The design and color of the “octagon” are borrowed from the company’s large-capacity sportbikes, which earn victories for the Italian brand on the race tracks. The new four-stroke engine has everything “grown up”: liquid cooling, a head with four valves, electronically controlled injection, a dry sump lubrication system, a six-speed gearbox. The motor meets strict environmental requirements. Matching the engine and chassis is an aluminum die-cast frame, an inverted fork with support pipes with a diameter of 41 mm. The passenger seat can be quickly removed and the motorcycle can be converted into a single seater. By the way, this particular motorcycle breaks all records for the cost of 125 cc machines in our market.

And another European company - KTM (Austrian, but a significant part of the shares belongs to the Indian company Bajaj) last year prepared an “entry class” naked bike 125 Duke. “Osmushka” is clearly aimed at young people, but it looks very mature and of high quality. It is equipped with a liquid-cooled DOHC engine with fuel injection. Its power is just under the “bar” of the limitation - 15 hp. at 9500 rpm. The chassis has not been forgotten either: the frame and pendulum are made of aluminum alloy, and the brakes use radial calipers. The fork is a “shifter” from WP with supporting pipes with a diameter of 43 mm. The rear tire has a class-record width of 150 mm. Along with the motorcycle, you will be able to purchase a lot of tuning components, such as petal brake discs, body kit elements, etc. They say there will also be a “cheating” switch that will allow you to squeeze all the juice out of the engine... as well as from the owner’s wallet. However, if you don't like the latter, take a look at the bikes at the beginning of this review...

Total

If the Minsk 125 Leader had gone on sale earlier, it probably would have achieved greater success, repeating the popularity of the MMVZ-3.1131 model, from which it was practically no different anyway. But times have changed, and the manufacturing company did not have time to react to these changes in time, and offered the public a motorcycle that was too archaic and did not meet the increased demands of customers. This is how the story of the old bikes of the Minsk brand ended, which was later revived and now produces good budget bikes together with the Chinese.