It is no coincidence that the Soviet road motorcycle Voskhod-ZM is still remembered and appreciated by domestic motorcyclists. Soviet teenagers witnessed his high popularity. The light weight of the motorcycle allows it to withstand a load of 160 kg. Despite its decent quality and reliable safety system, it was discontinued in 1993.
Specifications
The bike was completely in keeping with its time. It was repairable, moderately reliable and affordable, which predetermined its popularity. Many hundreds of thousands of copies were produced, so there is a chance of finding one in good condition even now. The characteristics of the model were not enough stars from the sky even then, during the years of release, but now retro technology is still valued for completely different reasons.
Engine
motor has always been considered capricious , but at the same time tenacious, and it really has a good resource. The two-stroke engine of a motorcycle is a single-cylinder air-cooled power unit , with roots going back to the 60s of the 20th century. Volume - just under 200 cubic meters ( 173 to be precise), power - 15 horsepower . Good traction is available from low revs, although power peaks at 5500 rpm and the bike begins to vibrate mercilessly. Alas, this is a design feature of an archaic motor. The maximum speed it is capable of is 110 km/h .
Transmission
4-speed transmission for its time with a classic scheme (1-N-2-3-4), almost unchanged, migrated to the Voskhod 3M from its predecessors. But the gearbox is very demanding on proper settings; you need to carefully observe the tightening torques of the bolts and set all the gaps. Otherwise, there is a chance of encountering a common problem with this gearbox, when 2nd and 4th gears begin to engage very slowly. In the future, this can easily lead to transmission failure.
Chassis and brakes
Compared to the 2M model, this model has more advanced suspension, the rear shock absorbers have been modified, improved, and also have preload adjustments. At the front, as before, there is a regular telescopic fork, the stays of which are covered with rubber corrugations. It’s difficult to call the suspension soft or energy-intensive, but it also has an undeniable advantage - it is simply indestructible, and even in the event of an oil leak, you can drive for more than one week. But we can’t say anything good about the brakes; the drum brakes on both wheels cope with their task, at best, to a C grade. As, indeed, on any other Soviet motorcycles.
Electronics
It was on the third generation of Voskhods that designers switched from a 6-volt on-board network to a 12-volt one. More precisely, on the Voskhod 3 model a 7-volt generator was installed, but in 3M all the electronics were already 12-volt. But still, this motorcycle has a minimum of electronic components - a generator, a dashboard and lighting optics .
Weight and dimensions
The weight of the motorcycle decreased by 3 kg compared to the previous model, amounting to 122 kilograms of dry weight . This provided Voskhod 3M with good power supply and dynamics compared to its heavier competitors. Its other modifications differed slightly in weight, but how much each of them weighs is now difficult to say, years ago. But the dimensions were unchanged - exactly 2 meters in length and 85 cm in width at the extreme points.
Controllability
Due to the archaic design, the maneuverability of the motorcycle leaves much to be desired , and the braking distance on dry asphalt at a speed of 60 km/h is, according to official data, 20 meters . But for its time, the technical characteristics of this model were quite good, and Voskhod 3M was not inferior to other Soviet bikes that were produced at the same time and sold at a similar price.
Fuel consumption
On average, gasoline consumption is 4.5-5 liters per 100 km , noticeably less than some other models of those years. The engine was originally designed for AI-76, so it is not recommended to fill it with high-octane gasoline. The gas tank volume is the same for all modifications - 14 liters, which is enough to travel up to 300 km without refueling.
Remember your roots
Stolen trophy
At first, the plant did not produce its own, original products, but riveted a copy of the captured German motorcycle DKW-RT125.
DKW-RT125
They called it K-125 and produced five thousand copies per year. The model took root in the Soviet market
Prototype
In 1954, the plant created its own design bureau, the goal of which was to put into production products invented by the genius of the union mind. The result of long work was the Kovrovets K-125 motorcycle, which was released in 1957. It was simple in its core, hence it was reliable.
Which motorcycle is best for you?
JavaSunrise
And I was pleasantly pleased with its affordable price. It was popular among rural residents and city lovers of nature walks. Considered the prototype of the Voskhod series motorcycles
Motorcycle price
Now it is impossible to become the owner of a new Voskhod - its last modification, “Tourist”, was discontinued in 2008. Used copies cost from 10 thousand rubles for the cheapest options, and a bike in collectible condition can cost 100-150 thousand rubles or more . But it’s worth considering that many sellers offer motorcycles that have stood motionless for a decade or two in a garage, often without documents. In theory, they can be restored by the traffic police, but to do this you will have to go through nine circles of bureaucratic hell.
Appearance
The design of the motorcycle cannot be called attractive, since during its creation the emphasis was placed more on the internal content. The shape of the fuel tank, slightly pushed forward, can be called rectangular. The fuel tank is located next to the driver's seat. Its upright position allows the driver to remain upright and makes movement comfortable.
The possibility of direct landing is an indicator of classic style. The classic design also implies other design features, for example, the presence of a low steering wheel. You can hold onto it with straight arms without bending your elbows. This not only allows you to better control the movement, but relieves your hands from numbness. Thanks to the comfortable position of the footrests, the legs are bent straight, which makes the ride more comfortable.
Chrome was used to cover the exhaust pipes; they are in a horizontal position. The appearance of painted mudguards adds to the attractiveness of the model.
Repair and tuning
The undoubted advantage of any Soviet motorcycle equipment is its ease of repair and maintenance. But the disadvantages include the fact that you have to poke around in the garage more often than you would like. This is largely due to the advanced age of all surviving motorcycles, and Voskhod 3M was no exception to this rule.
Repair
You can fix anything in it! No, seriously - almost all components are repairable to one degree or another. Many bikers who now ride Hondas and Harley-Davidsons started with Soviet motorcycles , and it was with their help that they acquired the first motorcycle mechanic skills that are necessary for any lover of two wheels. So if you have never even held a wrench in your hands, there is no need to be afraid of repairs with this model - everything is simple in it.
Spare parts
Now spare parts can only be found secondhand or in highly specialized stores , and often used, not new. Due to their lack, some owners are trying to adapt Chinese or Japanese components. In some cases, this can be done, but you will have to try hard and also spend a lot of time selecting suitable hardware.
Tuning
If you want to restore the bike to its original condition, as it deserves, then forget the word “tuning” like a bad dream. But if you use Voskhod 3M for its intended purpose, that is, as a transport, then options are possible. Most often, owners change shock absorbers to more advanced ones (there are plenty of inexpensive Chinese options), or replace the carburetor. This is especially true for copies that were equipped from the factory not with Czechoslovakian carburetors, but with Soviet ones of lower quality. We have a separate article on this topic: How to make tuning Sunrise 3m with your own hands.
Device
The 3M-Voskhod modification was manufactured from 1983 to 1993. Unlike its predecessors, the updated motorcycle has received a lot of advantages. Firstly, the cooling area of the cylinders, which is a lattice structure, was increased. Secondly, a Czechoslovak-made model was used as a carburetor. In addition, the device was equipped with 12-volt electrical equipment and a modernized instrument panel.
Among the features, it should be noted that the wiring and other elements of the electrical circuit are placed under the seat in special plastic vestibules. The speed indicator was combined with control rotary sensors, and a powerful generator made it possible to start the power plant without a battery.
Motorcycle modifications
- Standard Voskhod 3M . It is a modified version of model 3, which, in turn, was developed on the basis of 2M.
- Luxury _ Produced in a limited series, it featured higher quality paintwork and more chrome. Rarely found on sale now.
- Tourist . It had a reinforced steering wheel, saddlebags, trunk, roll bars and a higher maximum speed, up to 145 km/h. All differences are clearly visible in the photo. This model was produced right up to 2008!
Blog named after Freemann → Produbas to the origins of 2014. Day two.
The first day. Beginning. Days three and four. Kirov. Day five. Kotelnich. Day six. Nizhny Novgorod. Day seven and eight. Kovrov is the birthplace of Voskhodov. Days nine and ten. Home. Second day. Morning surprises and dumplings with pistikas.
The second day began with surprises.
In the morning, getting out of the tent, I noticed a small rickety fence behind the trees. As I got closer, I was a little taken aback - the fence was enclosed by a characteristic elongated mound: a grave. There was no cross or monument. Looking around, I didn’t see any other similar objects. I chose a nice place to spend the night, near the grave. Either because of the twilight or because of fatigue, I did not notice her at all. Having quickly had breakfast and packed up the tent, I headed home from this place. After driving literally 2-3 kilometers I jumped out to some village, the name of which I did not remember. I am still tormented by doubts: did I spend the night near Pelmin Bor or near Serebryanka? Veslyana River. On the other side is the village of Davydovo
Advantages and disadvantages
Soviet technology was good, but nothing was perfect. And the Voskhod 3m motorcycle was considered by Soviet bikers to be a rather capricious piece of equipment, which periodically began to take on a life of its own—either it wouldn’t start, or some other misfortune. In fact, caring for your two-wheeled friend and timely maintenance will help you avoid most potential problems.
Advantages
- Modified engine air cooling system, increasing its service life.
- Modern by the standards of that era, 12-volt electrical equipment.
- High-quality carburetors made in Czechoslovakia (not for all years of manufacture).
- Availability of brake pad wear indicator.
- Built-in anti-theft system (mechanical steering wheel lock).
Flaws
- Short service intervals. Your motorcycle needs to be serviced frequently.
- Strong vibrations at high speeds, due to which the image in the rear-view mirrors begins to blur.
- General capriciousness of the Voskhod 3 M engine and gearbox in terms of settings. If you set any gaps incorrectly, problems will not be long in coming.
Comparison with analogues
The main competitors of Voskhod can be considered IZ "Planeta-5", Dnepr and Minsk of the same years of production. In terms of speed and power, of course, the Dnepr also wins, but they are less maneuverable and quite heavy. The Minsk motorcycle is inferior in power to the Voskhod (only 2 hp), but Belarusian motorcycles are famous for their reliability and comfort. Therefore, Voskhod 3m cannot be sharply distinguished from a number of its competitors - for some it may seem like an ideal option, while others will prefer Planet or Minsk.
Owner reviews
I had such a spendthrift once, then everything was a blast, but then Java broke down for cheap, and I realized that in hell I would definitely get credit for part of the torment. Compared to it (and the comparison is correct, the motorcycles are almost the same age) the Voskhod has zero comfort, it starts when it wants, and shakes at speed like a fitful Chihuahua. There were no serious problems with the engine and gearbox, but little things kept falling off, so now I can assemble and disassemble this motorcycle with my eyes closed. The only advantage it had was that it was cheap, and everything else was a complete disadvantage. Ivan, Tver.
It was a good jalopy for its time, completely indestructible.
I didn’t do anything with him - I ran away from traffic cops through the fields, standing on the steps so as not to fly out of the saddle, and I carried three passengers at once, and I poured gasoline that had been standing in a barrel in the garage for about five years, but he couldn’t give a damn. Iron and reliable, like the Soviet Union! It's a pity, they haven't made motorcycles like this for a long time Igor, Sverdlovsk region.
I started with this bike, back in the 80s, it’s not a bad thing! It looks unprepossessing, but it drives cheerfully, I owned Voskhod 3M and Minsk 125 at the same time, but Minsk was losing on all fronts, lagging behind immediately after the start and picking up speed more slowly. Both brakes are at approximately the same level, consumption is also plus or minus. Sergey, Dedovsk.
Voskhod 3M 1990 → The story of the transformation of one Voskhod 3M
Introduction
And now I’ll try to describe the whole process of painting and restoring my dad’s Voskhonda. Because I had never had to paint anything before; I had absolutely no experience in this area. We learned from our mistakes. What materials to buy, what equipment will you need and what can you do without? Painting sequence, main secrets and features? And how to make a motorcycle out of Voskhod that will evoke a lot of positive emotions in people? I will now try to answer these questions. The only problem with the photos is that almost all of them are on a desktop computer in another city. Well, no problem. Go)
FAQ
- How much would it cost to restore such a bike to original? The motor is on the move, but there is a lot of collective farm in it. If you look hard enough, 100 thousand rubles is quite possible.
- Are parts from the 2M model suitable for it? Since 3 M is a development of the previous model, they have compatibility, but not one hundred percent. There are plenty of differences between them.
- I just can't adjust the carburetor properly. What to do? This is a known issue. If you don’t really value “originality,” simply replace the carburetor with a more modern one, some Japanese or Chinese.
Supply system
To make the bike go faster, you need to adjust the original carburetor for a higher fuel supply or replace it with a more efficient one. To install a new carburetor, you need to perform the following steps:
- we grind aluminum bushings under the flange of the pipe attaching the carburetor to the cylinders;
- cut off the edge of the inlet channel;
- take a flange from an old carburetor;
- We fasten all the elements using cold welding.
The assembled carburetor must line up exactly with the intake port.
Conclusion
Nowadays, the technical characteristics of the Voskhod motorcycle do not allow it to compete on equal terms with modern analogues. But he doesn’t need this - his time has passed, and now he can be proud of belonging to the class of retro technology from the times of the Soviet Union. Who will drive a Voskhod every day now, when the market is full of offers of other models for every taste and budget? But carefully restoring the old man to its original condition and occasionally taking him out for a walk in good weather is a completely different matter.
Specifications
| Maximum engine power: | 15 HP |
| Working volume: | 173 cm3 |
| Motor type (cylinder arrangement, number of strokes): | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke |
| Number of cylinders: | 1 |
| Number of valves: | |
| Intake type (Injector / Carburetor): | |
| Bore and stroke: | |
| Starting system (Electric starter, kick starter): | |
| Maximum speed in km/h: | 110 km/h |
| Cooling system: | Air |
| Transmission (gearbox): | 4-speed |
| Clutch (Dry / Wet): | |
| Drive unit: | Chain |
| Frame: | Steel |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension (front/rear travel): | |
| Brakes (Front/Rear): | |
| Wheels / Tires / Rubber: | |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Dimensions (Length / Width): | |
| Seat height: | |
| Ground clearance: | |
| Curb weight: | |
| Weight: | 122 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 14 l. |
| Battery capacity: | |
| Year of release: | |
| Country of Origin: |
Reed valve
A design feature of a two-stroke engine is that during the working stroke of the piston, part of the working mixture exits through the outlet window. In order for the air-fuel mixture to be completely burned, a reed valve must be installed. Along with fuel economy, it increases traction characteristics at low speeds, which improves acceleration dynamics.
Main advantages of the model
Among the main advantages of such a vehicle are:
- greater durability. Moto Voskhod practically does not break down. The only exceptions are cases of improper operation of the vehicle;
- low fuel consumption even when driving in urban conditions or over rough terrain. At the same time, the bike runs even on inexpensive brands of fuel;
- large volume of fuel tank. A full tank is enough to cover about 500-600 km of road without stopping;
- access to spare parts. Even now, finding suitable components for the Voskhod 2 M bike will not be a problem;
- affordable price. The price of the model is quite low, so almost everyone can afford it;
- excellent braking system, which is a guarantee of safety while riding this iron horse.
