12/11/2018 Classic Alpha Since the popularity of mopeds has lasted for several generations, today on the streets of Russian and Ukrainian cities you can still see the old “Riga” and “Verkhovyna”, which were produced back in the days of the Soviet Union - surprisingly, they continue function properly.
However, Alpha and Delta, which had already become famous, surpassed even Verkhovyna and Karpaty. There have been, are and will be debates about them forever. One half of the owners hate this motorcycle, the other considers it one of the most flexible and reliable. Let's try to figure it out.
Types and modifications
There are many different types of Alpha and Delta and they all differ in wheel design, tank, color - in general, all sorts of little things. The only really important feature of this moped is the engine. There are such modifications of motors according to the cylinder volume criterion:
- Volume 49.9 cubic meters - pure moped;
- Volume 72 cubic meters - noticeably different in power from a moped, but still have “moped” dynamics.
- The volume is 110 cubic meters - until recently it was the most powerful Alpha moped and has quite motorcycle performance, capable of competing in dynamics with all scooters and even the Yamaha ybr 125.
- The volume of 125 cubic meters has only become an actively selling product in recent years - a full-fledged motorcycle engine.
- Two-cylinder V-shaped engine Alpha with a volume of 250 cubic meters (2 x 125) - no one has seen it, no one has driven it, but they made a video about it, so everyone believes in it. It was not and is not on sale.
Here is the famous video (500 thousand views - half a million hopes of mopedists) about the two-cylinder Alpha:
Each of the above types of engines (we are not considering the 2-cylinder one, since it does not exist for sale) exists in the following two modifications based on the type of gearbox:
- semi-automatic - there is no clutch, it is automatic: these engines were considered progressive by the Chinese at one time, so they were installed on sort of sports alphas from the G-max company.
- Mechanics are the most popular and convenient type of gearbox.
G-max racer is not the most successful invention.
The Delta moped is the same as the Alpha. All characteristics are similar. Anyone who seeks deep difference is doomed to failure, since there are no differences. The only differences are external. The Delta is more rare, more rustic, it has a square, somewhat dated headlight, and a rectangular speedometer, the tank is located as part of the frame, which allows you to use the free space for the pannier.
Alpha/Delta engine
The Alpha moped, unlike the Delta, is equipped with a large motorcycle tank, a tachometer, and round (occasionally a pair of round) motorcycle headlights. In other words, the Alpha is a little more motorcycle-like in appearance, because the Delta (even with a 125 cc engine) is a doomed moped.
The Alpha 110 moped is the most popular model; all motorcycle stores in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan are filled with spare parts for this particular motorcycle. Its engine costs 10,000 rubles. And this is the price of a new one! With very careful maintenance, it can travel 35 thousand kilometers without failures. Now tell me, is there a more profitable motor on the planet? 3.5 kilometers of engine life costs exactly 1 ruble! Is the motor broken? Throw it away, buy a new one and you have a new alpha again. Yes, this is exactly why everyone loves this moped. There are about 2 dozen factories producing Alpha engines. Zongshen is considered the best.
There are myths, and sellers are very fond of misleading them, that there is a Japanese engine for Alpha. It is not true. The last Japanese engine for this technique was created in the late 80s and was no longer produced.
What to look for when choosing?
Knowing the correct criteria for choosing a moped and scooter, you can buy a vehicle that will last for many years:
- The width of the scooter wheels should not be less than 3.5-4 cm, and the diameter should not be less than 12-13 cm. For a moped, the optimal figure would be 17 inches.
- For getting around the city, the best option would be a vehicle with a six-liter engine and an average consumption of 1.5-2 liters per 100 km.
- To travel outside the city, you will need a scooter with a nine-liter engine and an air-cooling system for the engine.
- A telescopic shock absorber will simplify the operation of the vehicle, and disc brakes will increase reliability. Ideally, the shock absorption system should be on both the front and rear wheels.
- A dismountable muffler on mopeds and scooters will greatly simplify cleaning.
- For a teenager, a scooter with a power of 3 hp is suitable. It is capable of accelerating to 45-50 km/h and weighs no more than 90 kg.
Vehicles must be purchased only from trusted sellers who provide a warranty and service repair service. You also need to take into account:
- Purpose of purchase (trips in the city or in rural areas on a dirt road);
- data of the future rider (gender, age, driving experience);
- cost boundaries;
- possibility of freight transportation.
Knowing this, you can determine in advance all the necessary technical requirements for the future scooter or moped.
Characteristics
The Alpha 110 motorcycle can be used both for riding on city streets and for long trips in the countryside.
Alpha. 2018 model
The latest Alpha model, which left the factory in 2022, received a number of updates:
- a quieter muffler, although many “alfists” for some reason, on the contrary, try to give the muffler more roaring sound;
- higher quality, grippy rubber;
- the updated speedometer-tachometer panel is a real gift for mopedists, since the design of the double aluminum can is already pretty boring;
- more contrasting colors of the motorcycle;
- Availability of new generation safety bars.
Officially, Alpha 110 belongs to scooters. But despite this, its appearance is more suitable for a motorcycle. Among the distinctive design features of the Alpha 110 moped are:
- Large wheels;
- Large front fork;
- Rear view mirrors;
- Lots of components that were made from high quality metal.
Disputes about the quality of the metal from which these motorcycles are assembled continue forever. However, if you regularly service the moped, then the metal is really quite reliable.
You should understand! Our people, unlike foreign drivers, have this trait - the more expensive the equipment, the more careful they are with it. Due to the fact that Alfa is a budget motorcycle, it is driven through pits, puddles, and sand. If this motorcycle received even half the attention that Japanese bikes receive, it would last for many seasons and even for long trips.
Also among the distinctive features of this scooter are its rather large dimensions and representative appearance. You can also remember the pleasant bonuses - elegant stands designed to place your feet, and a muffler made in the shape of a saxophone. By the way, the muffler produces a rather pleasant melodic sound.
Among the interesting features are special light bulbs located on the instrument panel - their task is to inform the driver that the low or high beam is on, as well as the direction indicator that is currently functioning.
In order to provide the driver with a safe ride that is not devoid of comfort, the moped has a convenient space for panniers and side bars made from high-quality metal pipes - thanks to them, the side bars do not deform even in the event of an accident or fall.
How to prepare your battery for winter
If you want to start a scooter without problems after winter, then in addition to the above recommendations, you simply need to address the issue of preparing the battery for winter .
First check the density of the battery electrolyte, and fully charge the battery with a suitable charger. If the density of the electrolyte is less than normal, the battery case may crack and the liquid may leak out.
Where to store the battery in winter
Regardless of whether your battery is gel or lead, 6 Volts or 12 V, storing the battery in a cold garage in the winter is a very bad idea. The battery should only be stored in a warm room in winter. We found out whether it is necessary to remove the battery for the winter.
But besides removing the battery from the scooter, it also needs to be recharged at least once a month. To do this, you must first completely discharge the battery (this can be achieved by connecting a light bulb to the terminals) and then charge it with a current equal to 10% of the nominal one. For example, with a nominal capacity of 15 Ah, you need to charge the battery in winter with a current of 1.5 A for 10-12 hours.
Technical characteristics of the Alpha 110cc moped
The advantages of the Alpha 110 moped also include excellent technical characteristics. One could even say that it is thanks to them that the Alpha 110 is one of the most prominent representatives of Chinese motorcycle technology.
Among the distinctive features of the technical part of this moped are:
- Alloy wheels and tachometer included;
- Transmission operating in four stages;
- Performance of 8500 revolutions per minute;
- Rear-mounted and front-mounted (drum) brakes;
- Seven horsepower;
- Front-mounted hydraulic shock absorbers;
- Load weight limit of 120 kg;
- Rear-mounted spring shock absorbers;
- The weight of the motorcycle is 81 kg.
Engine
The Alpha 110 moped has a four-stroke engine. The volume of such a motor is 110 cubic centimeters, and it is cooled by air. By the way, this engine has one interesting distinctive feature - despite not having the largest volume, it is capable of developing a high level of performance.
In addition, the electric starter is launched using this motor. Moreover, in the event of a breakdown of the electric starter, the driver can always switch to the kickstarter.
Fuel tank
It is worth recognizing that the volume of the fuel tank of the Alpha 110 moped is not very large - the maximum amount of fuel it can hold is four liters.
You should know! These are the passport data, but for unknown reasons the tank holds 6.5 liters. Apparently, this restriction is intended to prevent the driver from overfilling fuel when cornering while leaning.
At the same time, due to the fact that the maximum gasoline consumption per 100 kilometers is two liters, the fuel tank can be characterized as an economical solution by the manufacturer. This fuel tank can only be filled with gasoline of the AI-92 or AI-95 series.
Tests were carried out and 98 and even 76 gasoline were filled. From the AI-76, the carburetor began to malfunction, the float chamber became clogged and the motorcycle stalled. The equipment ran well on the AI-98, but the cylinder overheated too much.
Advantages of the model
First of all, it is worth noting that some characteristics of the Alpha 110 moped exceed the distinctive features of two-seater mopeds. For example, this motorcycle is equipped with a comfortable seat for a passenger and a capacious trunk. The seat itself is quite comfortable, and, moreover, even two adult men can fit on it. There have been cases when this moped carried three people. This is unsafe and should never be done, but the fact remains.
The Alpha moped climbs any hill without any problems
Also among the advantages of the moped is that you can make steep climbs on it without much difficulty - this is possible thanks to the four-speed gearbox. An experienced driver is quite capable of achieving maximum performance from a moped engine.
It is also worth noting the electric starter, which in case of unexpected unpleasant situations on the road allows you to start the moped - it is quite high quality.
The main advantages of a moped also include an increased level of comfort while moving. Thanks to this, the driver is able to make even particularly long trips. If we talk about the driver's seat itself, its seating position is quite high and comfortable, and the footrests are located exactly where needed. The steering wheel has a delicate smooth bend.
It is worth talking separately about the dashboard - it is quite informative, and due to the large size of the speedometer and tachometer, a quick reading of their indicators is possible even during bad weather conditions.
How to preserve a motorcycle for the winter.
The end of the season is approaching, and although you can still ride for pleasure, soon you will have to put your horses in stalls for a long winter. There are many rumors and legends associated with preserving a motorcycle for the winter; topics about winter storage of a motorcycle are raised every year in various forums, and every year on these forums diametrically opposed advice is given on preserving a motorcycle for the winter. Let's look into this issue, because we will be wintering soon!
First of all, it must be said that the advice on winter motorcycle storage, which is given by more experienced motorcyclists on various forums, is never without its share of logic. You just need to understand that everyone's motorcycle is different, and the tips that are suitable for preserving one motorcycle may not be entirely suitable for another. In short, we learn materiel!
