The Cheset motorcycle is the cherished dream of a Soviet biker

How the CZ 350 came to be

The CZ arms factory in Czechoslovakia enjoyed good popularity. The weapons made by specialists from this plant served for a long time and faithfully. In 1929, new machines designed for the production of cars and motorcycles appeared in production. The first motorcycle of this plant was created based on the German model DKW NZ 350.

In 1930, the plant officially released the first motorcycle called the CZ 350. It was designed for riding on rocks and difficult terrain. The technical characteristics of the Chezet 350 motorcycle greatly pleased the drivers. In subsequent years, new modern models were released. Based on the Cheset 350 principle, motorbikes and sports motorcycles were also created.

During World War II, motorcycle production stopped and the arms factory began working again to produce weapons. Motorcycles produced before the war delivered weapons, food and medicine to the battlefield. Statistics show that during this time, despite all the shots and attempts by the Nazis to blow up vehicles, out of 500,000 motorcycles, only 200 were completely damaged. Thanks to high-quality materials and the hard work of specialists, motorcycles of this model still work to this day.

After the end of the war, the production of motor vehicles resumed in 1945. The plant decided to improve the quality of the motorcycle by first increasing the engine capacity - 250 cm 3, and then 344 cm 3, and changing its design by adding an additional cylinder. Thus, the vehicle received a two-cylinder two-stroke engine with a volume of 344 cm 3.

First motorcycle

The very first Cheset motorcycle that was produced at the plant was the CZ 175, which was born in 1935. It was a simple classic motorcycle that immediately attracted a lot of attention. As a result, its improved model was produced for the next two years, which was then replaced by a new one. However, it was the 175 that was remembered as the first and very interesting motorcycle; it was used throughout the Czech Republic and was also supplied abroad.

Needless to say, after production ended in 1937, this model was revived and updated in 1957 to be produced in several different trim levels over the next 12 years, and then periodically add new types until almost the end of production. This is not at all like the Chezet 350 motorcycle, which was produced only for two years. This model turned out to be very popular.

Features and design

One of the most important characteristics of Cheset 350 is strength. Previously, the plant produced only weapons, for the production of which only durable and high-quality materials were always used. This is what the first motorcycle from the CZ factory turned out to be.

Features of the motorcycle:

1. Engine. The Chezet 350 engine is single-cylinder, 344 cm3 in size.
2. The vehicle is equipped with a three-speed gearbox.
3. After the war, motorcycles were produced with telescopic front forks.
4. The assembled crankshaft is made according to the pressed type principle.
5. A crank chamber is installed on the front of the vehicle.
6. Strong and powerful wheels make it easy to drive on any road surface. Easy and quick to remove.
7. The steering wheel is fixed in the middle part of the telescopic fork. Rotates 45 degrees in both directions. The steering wheel can be fixed in different positions using a special valve.
8. The gearbox is located at the bottom of the telescopic fork.
9. There are automatic and manual speed control.
10. The brake, engine, and mud guard are attached to the moving part of the telescopic fork.
11. Transport is stable and easy to control thanks to new German technologies.

Specifications

In terms of technical characteristics, the Cheset 350 is ahead of many motorcycle models of those years. Durability, stability and speed are the basic requirements for motorcycles, and the CZ 350 fully met them.

More details about the characteristics of the CZ 350:

• total weight (with liquid) – 171 kg;
• number of seats – driver and one passenger;
• amount of cargo contained – 160 kg;
• engine – 344 cm 3, two-stroke;
• engine power - 23 horsepower (5250 rpm);
• cooling type – air;
• speed – 130 km/h;
• consumption – 5 l per 100 km;
• fuel tank volume – 13 l;
• transport length – 201 cm;
• width – 70 cm;
• height – 101 cm;
• type of brake system – drum;
• transmission – 4-speed.

Description of the classic motorcycle Chezet 350

The first motorcycles appeared in 1930. It was developed by specialists from the city of Czechoslovakia.

This motorcycle was first released from the CZ factory, at that time weapons were manufactured there.

In 1932, the first motorbike was created, which was equipped with a 76 cm3 engine.

In 1933, a cross-country model was released. A 100 cm3 engine was used. After this model, a motorcycle was developed, which was equipped with a 3-speed gearbox and an engine (175 cm3).

In 1936 with 250 cm3. From this model, 2 models were created: - 2 - x cylinder unit with 500 cm3; — 1 — cylinder with 350 cm3.

After the war ended, the production of Cezet motorcycles was resumed. They were produced with a telescopic front fork.

Later a version with rear spark plug suspension was used. In 1950 The production of motorcycles from this company was established.

They were equipped with 2-stroke engines with 123 and 148 cm3. From 1962 to 1965 Java and Chiset were sold on the USSR market. They were very popular at that time.

In 1990, the plant was bought by the Italians. Road motorcycles of 2 types began to be produced: - 2-stroke with 124 cm3 with a Cagiva engine; — 4-stroke with 200 cm3 with CZ engine.

Ceska Zbrojovka plant after the war

After the end of the Second World War, the company again began producing civilian products, resuming production of the improved Chezeta-175 with a front telescopic fork, and subsequently with a spark plug rear suspension. By the mid-fifties, the CZ company became part of the Java concern and began producing motorcycles developed at the Java association and equipped with 123 and 148 cc engines. And yet the story of “Cheset” did not end there, and factory engineers continue to develop their own motorcycles. At the same time, the main bet was made on the sports industry. However, due to a number of circumstances related to the reorganization of the enterprise, the production of sports models had to be postponed for some time.

In 1962, the Cheset cross-country motorcycle, equipped with a 250 cc engine, rolled off the assembly line, which immediately showed itself not only in Czechoslovakia, but also in international competitions. Famous racers of that time competed on the Chesets, from a variety of countries - Igor Grigoriev and Viktor Arbekov from the USSR, Joël Robber from Belgium, Paul Friedrichs from the GDR.

Modern edition

The modern production of CheZet motorcycles is very diverse. You can purchase a sports or classic type of motorcycle.

These models are produced for driving: amateur and professional.

These motorcycles are made using motors that have increased power and torque. Light weight. You can create fast dynamics during acceleration.

The classic version of CheZet motorcycles is considered to be a model with an engine capacity of 350 cm3. In terms of technical characteristics, these motorcycles are similar to Java motorcycles.

Therefore, many parts of these two brands of motorcycles are interchangeable. In 1973, these 2 companies merged to jointly release.

The most popular and best-selling model of the CheZet motorcycle is the CZ (CheZet) 350 12v.

This model belongs to the tourist class. 23 hp motor. With. A 4-speed gearbox is used. The engine speed is squeezed to the maximum - 5000 rpm.

The equipped motorcycle weighs 155 kg. The gas tank is designed for 13 liters.

In order to participate in off-road racing, another type of CheZet was developed: the 550.

This model is used for off-road driving and can accelerate quickly.

Purchased by racers who have been participating in such races for a long time.

Beginners who have recently mastered the CheZet touring model are not able to operate such a model.

This motorcycle has 40 hp. It uses a 6-speed gearbox to control the engine's maximum speed.

It can accelerate quickly and does not require special skills to handle. Consumes up to 6 liters of gasoline per 100 km of driving.

The Yamaha JOG RR sports scooter often becomes a winner in races; it will appeal to those who want to get the most out of their equipment.

Kawasaki Versys 650 technical characteristics of a Japanese bike, enduro class.

Motorcycle CZ 350 (Chezet 350) – detailed review

This review will focus on a motorcycle that was very popular during the Soviet Union, as well as beyond its borders. The CZ 350 motorcycle (Chezet 350) is a cult bike, which is characterized as reliable transport. The world recognized the Czechoslovakian manufacturer as a reliable supplier of motorcycles, after famous victories in such disciplines as Enduro and Motocross. But, Chezet 350 was rightfully considered a touring motorcycle. It was this unit that made it possible for tourists of that time to discover new horizons.

Motorcycle "Chezet" in the USSR

In the 70s, CZ again launched the production of road motorcycles, focusing its efforts on the production of motorcycles with engines of 250 and 350 cm3, some of which were supplied to our country.

In the former USSR, the most popular were CZ motorcycles with two-stroke single-cylinder engines with a displacement of 123 and 172 cm3, as well as two-cylinder units with a volume of 250 and 350 cm3. True, the latest models were supplied mainly to the numerous DOSAAF motorcycle clubs that existed in almost any, even the smallest town. Just like the Java, the Cheset motorcycle became a symbol of prestige and a standard of reliability for Soviet motorcycle enthusiasts.

Cheset 350: technical characteristics

The main power plant is a two-stroke engine with 2 cylinders. The cylinder arrangement is in-line. The working volume is 343 cc. At the same time, the motor is capable of producing 22 hp. The Port control function was used as a distribution system. The engine receives the necessary cooling due to the oncoming air flow.

The transmission consists of 4 gears. The main transmission is a metal chain. Drum brakes are installed at the front and rear of the motorcycle. Front and rear wheel sizes respectively: 3.25-18 and 3.50-18. The fuel tank is designed for 18 liters of fuel. The motorcycle is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 125 km/h.

Main differences from previous models

• Spacious fuel tank.
• Upgraded telescopic forks at the front (with black boots).
• Installed safety bars.
• Improved seat.
• Large headlight.

Models type 472.3 and 472.4 were equipped with small-volume gas tanks, which caused a lot of outrage among buyers. These tanks were suitable for sports motorcycles, but not for touring ones. From an ergonomic point of view, the shape of the tank was also unsuitable. The rear part of the tank was wide and caused inconvenience to the owner of the equipment in operation. The upgraded gas tank is designed for 18 liters of gasoline. Its shape has been changed, making travel more comfortable. Regardless of the driver’s configuration, sitting on the motorcycle does not cause discomfort.

Don’t forget about the telescopic fork at the front, which has undergone some changes. The lower pipes are made of light alloy, which in turn only had a positive effect on the price of the fork. Regardless of the operating conditions of the motorcycle, the fork works well both on small uneven surfaces and deep holes, bumps and potholes. In addition, travel has become safer. The fact is that it is very difficult to bring the fork to the bottom, dead-end position. Well, let us remind you about the new rubber covers on the fork, which prevent dust from getting into the middle of the fork. Due to this, the fork will serve for many years.

Most popular motorcycle

And, of course, one cannot fail to note the motorcycle of this company, which gained the greatest popularity, became the face of the plant and sold incredibly well, and also evoked only positive emotions among drivers. This is the Chezet 500 Tourist, which was produced from 1936 to 1941. If you look at the years of production, you can understand that these motorcycles were also produced for the needs of the army, but one interesting point can be noted. Several samples of an improved version were produced, which was intended exclusively for the papal guard.

This model was equipped with a 494 cubic centimeter gasoline engine with two cylinders and air cooling. Simply put, it was a classic touring road bike that was extremely comfortable and could travel great distances. It was equipped with a spacious fuel tank and could carry impressive loads. It is also worth noting that it came with a sidecar when required, so it was ideal for its time for both personal use and military purposes.

Only about six hundred of these motorcycles were produced, so the likelihood that you can now find a working version is extremely low - especially considering the use of these motorcycles in combat in World War II. But if you succeed, then you are truly lucky.