In the post-Soviet space, a moped is one of the most popular types of vehicles - primarily due to the fact that such transport has a low cost, and, moreover, it is economical. 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 to function properly.
But today we will not talk about these old units, but about one of the most prominent representatives of Chinese motorcycle technology - the Alpha 110 moped. This device is an excellent example of how excellent technical characteristics and reasonable cost can be combined in one motorcycle.
The Alpha 110 moped can be used both for riding on city streets and for long trips in the countryside.
How to change gears on a motorcycle correctly
All movements you make with the pedals must be smooth so as not to damage the transmission.
When changing gears, change one speed at a time. It is not advisable to jump.
To understand how to change gears on a motorcycle, you need to carefully study the controls. There are motorcycles with manual transmission and semi-automatic.
Method one
Motorcycles with manual transmission. All actions in this case occur in the following sequence. Pick up speed. Take off the gas. Engage the clutch. Press the gear shift pedal. Release the clutch, then the shift pedal and add gas.
To start the motorcycle, place it in neutral. After this, remove the gas and squeeze the clutch, at the same time turning on first gear. Taking your foot off the gear pedal, apply gas and release the clutch. Now add gas.
To upshift, you need to lift the gas, engage the clutch and press the gearshift pedal. After this, release the clutch, release the shift pedal and add gas.
To downshift, you need to remove the gas and engage the clutch. After this, sharply add gas, and when the speed begins to drop, press the gearshift pedal. Release the clutch and shift pedal and add gas. Once the motorcycle has stopped, be sure to put it in neutral.
Method two
Motorcycles with semi-automatic transmission. On these motorcycles, gear shifting is easier. Take off the gas and change gears. The clutch and gearbox are connected here.
Before starting the engine, place your bike in neutral. In order to engage first gear, you need to remove the gas and press the gear lever down. To increase the gear, you need to remove the gas and lift the gear lever up. To downshift, on the contrary, you need to apply gas and immediately remove your hand from the gas. When the speed starts to drop, change the speed and add gas. Now you know how to change gears on a motorcycle.
Advantages of the model
Some characteristics of this Chinese model are in many ways superior to those of two-seater mopeds. Thus, the Alpha moped is equipped with an ergonomic passenger seat and a spacious trunk. The seat is extremely comfortable and even two adult men can fit on it.
Another advantage of the Chinese model is that it makes even steep climbs relatively easily and confidently. Thanks to the 4-speed gearbox, a skilled driver can get the most out of the powerful engine.
The electric starter, with which you can start the moped in case of force majeure, is of high quality.
Comfortable travel on an Alpha moped
One of the main advantages of the model is the comfort of movement. This allows you to travel even over long distances. The seating position is quite comfortable and high, the footrests are where they should be, and the steering wheel has the correct smooth curve.
The dashboard is very informative. The large size of the tachometer and speedometer allows you to quickly read the indicators in any weather conditions.
Engine Features
The engine of the Chinese Alpha moped has characteristic features, thanks to which fans of motorcycle technology prefer this particular model.
Engine for Alpha moped
Engine capacity - 72 cc. With the right approach, it can be upgraded to 110 cc. Also, if desired, you can increase the speed by 10 kilometers.
The weak point of the engine is the gearbox, which requires close attention and a delicate approach . When repairing the “heart” of a moped, you need to know how to correctly disassemble and reassemble this part of the motorcycle “organism”.
Alpha is equipped with a powerful engine, the circuit of which is complex. If you can’t figure it out on your own, it is recommended to contact an experienced specialist. The price of repairs is quite affordable.
Procedure
There are several effective ways to increase moped performance such as speed and power. The most popular of them should be described:
- Using a screwdriver, unscrew the side and rear plastic from the moped.
Under them you will find a belt responsible for transmitting speed to the rear wheel and both sprockets. Above this belt you will see a small metal washer (speed controller) that limits the belt to a larger radius.
You need to knock this puck down with a hammer, and then try to pick up speed. If your moped has an engine capacity of up to 75 cc. see I was able to accelerate to 70–75 km/h, which means you succeeded.
Unscrew the fastening of the transmission mechanism and remove it from the moped. Then, without sudden movements, try to remove the belt, having previously stocked up on a new larger rear sprocket (the new spare part can increase the torque). Put the belt back on and try to pick up speed.
With proper modification of the scooter, you can increase the maximum speed of the vehicle to 120–140 km/h, however, for this you will need to attach a new washer, which will protect you and will not create difficulties during the technical inspection.
Fastening the washer above the belt in different positions will allow you to adjust the maximum speed of the moped.
The higher the puck is, the higher the scooter's speed will be. Try to empirically find the position of the washer at which the max. the speed would be 95–100 km/h.
After all this is done, when you reconnect the gearing, put the plastic back in place and try to get up to speed, you will find that the top speed will be higher and the acceleration will be smooth and slow.
The only disadvantage of such actions will be a natural decrease in traction, as a result of which you will not be able to normally drive up hills with an inclination angle of 20 degrees or higher.
How to find out the cubic capacity of an alpha moped engine
When they became cops, they had computers implanted in their heads, fortunately there was plenty of space left over from the cops.
