For some, a motorcycle is an extension of their own ego, for others - their own body parts. Owning a two-wheeled vehicle is a kind of realization of the dream of learning to fly. But sooner or later, most of them rot in the landfill or survive the last days at the showdown. And only a few models go down in history and become true sources of inspiration. I propose to the readers of the TOP-10 bikes, which, in one way or another, influenced the course of events in the history of two-wheeled transport.

BROUGH SUPERIOR SS80

Start of production: 1924

Country: UK

“The fastest, highest quality and obscenely expensive motorcycle of its time. For such a balance of qualities, the Briton takes the last line of our celebrity parade. ”

Legendary motorcycle brand Brough Superior was founded by a young entrepreneur George Brough (George brough) in 1919. She was distinguished by speed performance and luxury, while from other manufacturers one could not expect either one or the other. For its chic finish, build quality and high price BroughSuperior called " Rolls-Royce " among motorcycles. It was worth £ 170 when most people earn £ 3 a week. By comparison, a decent house at the time was priced at £ 130-180. With a 2-cylinder 1000 cm / 3 engine, it produced 25 hp. At one time, this bike was incredibly fast and with some skill it could be accelerated over 160 km / h.

George could not help but use the enormous potential of his cars without taking part in the races. Therefore, he exhibited them in almost all the most possible and impossible competitions. As a result, motorcycles BroughSuperior collected a whole collection of various victories and records for racing tracks... The company lasted until the outbreak of World War II in 1939.

Over the years, about 3 thousand motorcycles were produced Brough Superior... Today they are among the most sought after by collectors. At one of the British auctions motorcycle BroughSuperior 1929 release was sold for a record $ 454 thousand.

JAWA 250/350

Start of production: 1970

Country: Czechoslovakia

“Affordable, simple and insanely popular. Designed for countries where there are no roads. Deserved place in the TOP. "

In the 70s and 80s motorcycle Jawa personified the dream of a Soviet person about steepness and masculinity. But his path to fame was thorny and long. The history of the company goes back to 1929. The first model was quite complex, expensive and was not in demand. Everything changed when the plant mastered the production of a simple two-stroke single-cylinder engine with a volume of 175 cm / 3. Sales went up and the bike became more popular day by day. And in 1946 a new model "Me you 250 "made a sensation with its softness, winning the gold medal at the exhibition in Paris.

Motorcycles "Java" performed successfully in sports, in particular in motocross and six-day enduro competitions. In the 60s and 70s Java with four-stroke engines were some of the best speedway motorcycles in the world. Models 250 and 350 were the last to be sold in the former USSR.

The total number of copies sold already in the 80s exceeded 3 million units. But the title of "people's" belongs to him not only for the impressive circulation. Same "Java"often became the hero of Soviet films. A real Czechoslovak macho!"

HONDACB750

Start of production: 1969

Country: Japan

“Set new quality standards and rocked the market. An indecently reliable and boring bike, so only 8th in the ranking. "

The same year that the first man set foot on the moon, the world's first superbike appears Honda CB750. Like the famous astronaut Armstrong, "Honda"also ahead of time and swept all competitors out of its way. The main advantage was the simplicity and reliability of the design, which allows you to spend minimal money on maintenance. For the first time there was a motorcycle so viable and reliable, which could travel 150 tons. km without problems. This completely changed the idea The use of serial disc brakes was a revolutionary decision and wiped the nose of British competitors, because before that only aircraft had disc brakes, and a four-cylinder in-line engine was installed mainly on cars. And here is some kind of Honda ...

It was a breakthrough. The motor was perfectly balanced. Previously, in higher gears, you had to put up with vibration and oil leakage, but now everything has changed! Today, the number of produced copies of one of the most significant motorcycles of the 1970s has long exceeded hundreds of thousands. But later, spoiled bikers are the main advantage. "HondaCB 750" turned into her own disadvantage.

Smooth operation annoyed sophisticated motorcyclists and they increasingly began to stare at competitors. They began to miss the English, Italian and American emotions. It was too precise, correct, but, alas, a boring motorcycle.

MOTO GUZZI V8

Start of production: 1955

Country: Italy

“Its technology was ahead of its time, becoming the antonym of reliability. For the "raw" filling - 7th line. "

In 1955, technology emerged in Italy that shocked motorsport. It was the same as reaching the stars with your hand. The Italians managed to spread only 500 cubes of volume into 8 cylinders and, moreover, to fit all this into undercarriage motorcycle, which was a kind of combination of genius and madness. The size of the engine parts turned out to be so small that their safety margin was at the limit. Disassembled, the motor resembled a wristwatch. Each cylinder had its own carburetor. All this was synchronized and worked, which to this day surprises everyone who understands the internal combustion engine.

But, alas, the result turned out to be naturally unstable. Motorcycles either showed the best lap times or dropped out of the race for technical reasons. As a result, the project turned out to be too expensive and after 3 years it was closed. Moto Guzzi V8 remained the most exotic racing motorcycle in history, too ahead of its time.

Its water-cooled V-8 engine with DOHC valve timing has become, on the one hand, a true masterpiece of engineering, and on the other, a victim of imperfect technologies of the time. MotoGuzzi V8 was worth one million lire, which is equivalent to about $ 55 thousand today.

MTTY2 K

Start of production: 2000

Country: USA

“If you ride a motorcycle and are still alive, then it was notY2 K... A dangerous and useless bike. 6th place for courage. "

American motorcycle company Marine Turbine Technologies entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the most powerful and expensive production motorcycle in the world. Unofficially, it is recognized as the most dangerous and controversial of the existing ones. Its meaning is to ride to the fullest. Y2 K equipped with a helicopter gas turbine engine of the company Rolls-Roycewhich runs on diesel, kerosene, gasoline, aviation fuel and even alcohol, i.e. on practically everything that burns. The same ICE lifts a helicopter into the air BELL with six paratroopers on board and a full set of weapons, which weighs approximately 2 tons of 300 kg, versus 230 kg of the bike.

Now try calculating your power-to-weight ratio. Impressive? Power 320hp is achieved at 52 thousand rpm, and the maximum speed can overcome the 400 km / h mark. Everything is fine, but at this speed it is impossible to turn. The American accelerates to 350 km / h in 14 seconds. Probably the most racing motorcyclewhich is not intended for racing.

Its price is $ 185 thousand, and the exhaust temperature is under a thousand degrees. So be careful when approaching Y2 K behind at a traffic light. Most experts are inclined to believe that this "technological masturbation"... But how many emotions!

PIAGGIO VESPA

Start of production: 1947

Country: Italy

"The founder of the scooter family." Legend. Therefore, it honestly closes our top 5. "

If each city on the planet is given its own sound, then Rome will have the sound of a buzzing bee, the sound Vespa. Piaggo Vespa is the founder of the European scooter design school and the first successful scooter in the world. Without it, the two-wheeled world would be different. In 1947, the car was designed from scratch without looking at traditional motorcycles. It was based on other, aviation, principles. Namely: the combination of functions and the rejection of all unnecessary. Despite its advanced age, the scooter is still produced in the “retro” style and looks timeless. After the war, it was a fashionable modern accessory, which was used not only for work, but also just for pleasure.

Today it is perceived as an equally fashionable toy with a beautiful history. "Vespa"was so popular that he became a household name. Nobody said: "I'm on a scooter." Instead, they expressed: "I'm on Vespa." Today it is a philosophy of mobility. It can be safely considered king of city roads.

For all the time, more than 10 million of these over-popular scooters have been produced. In addition, production licenses " Vespa"bought many British, German, American, Spanish and French factories. In the USSR, in 1957, a motor scooter was produced "Vyatka VP-150" - exact copy "Vespa"... No license was purchased.

BRITTEN V1000

Start of production: 1991

Country: New Zealand.

“Assembled in a garage, while being more technologically advanced than factory competitors. Alas, the production hasn't been continued, so it doesn't make it to our podium. ”

Created not in Japan, not in Europe, not in the United States, but in a garage at home in New Zealand in 1991. Then, in fact, on the knee, a group of enthusiasts led by designer John Britten developed and built a motorcycle from scratch, which was ahead of the entire motorcycle industry for many years in terms of its technical characteristics and design solutions. Let's just say that the very appearance of a completely homemade motorcycle in the early 90s is an event unique in its property. The power of the V-twin of its own design was about 170 hp, but the success in numerous races was hidden not in the engine, but in the revolutionary design of the entire motorcycle. When creating this bike, John tried to minimize the total number of parts, so he completely abandoned the frame. Swingarm, suspension, motorcycle front fork and more attachments attached directly to the engine with carbon brackets. Most of the parts were made of carbon fiber, so the bike did not weigh more than 145kg.

Thus, on the racetrack, this motorcycle forced the most venerable competitors from among the leaders of the motorsport industry to swallow the dust. It was lighter and with 170 hp. more powerful. In the very first race Britten V1000 drove much faster than the factory Ducati... The motorcycle also had an on-board computer that logged 6 engine parameters - a unique option for that time. Existence Britten V1000 - a kind of romantic story that even one person is able to resist huge factories with their limitless resources and capabilities.

However, this story has a tragic end. In 1995, the engineering genius John Britten died of brain cancer and took away the production secrets with him. There are only 10 copies in the world Britten V1000.

DUCATI 916

Start of production: 1994

Country: Italy

“Unparalleled motorsport success and unique design. Civilian versions. But competitors learned their lesson, vowed revenge and pulled themselves up. 3rd place. "

In 1994 the company Ducati produces a motorcycle that boggles the imagination of both racers and people far from motorcycling. The highest achievement of the design thought of its time. They talked about him and dreamed about him. A motorcycle that combines the best design with phenomenal performance and great sound. It has everything! He became a racing icon after winning the world championships three times in a row. SUPERBIKE... In appearance revolutionary ideas were observed. The exhaust pipe was placed under the seat, which not only emphasized the uniqueness of the style, but also improved aerodynamics. But the main thing is the internal combustion engine. At that time, all Japanese competitors worked on 4 cylinders, and Ducati returned everything to square one. The twin V2 engine was developed for the specific task of smooth acceleration in corners.

This motorcycle has won a record number of titles at the world championships. No one has lingered on a pedestal for so long. There was also an improved, stylized version of it. Ducati 916 Senna.

In the showrooms of dealerships civilian versions Ducati 916 dispersed like hot cakes. But the key to this success was victories on race tracks around the world. Ducati 916 and its derivatives - 996 and 998 - won six racing titles World superbike.

HARLEY DAVIDSONKNUCKLEHEAD

Start of production: 1936

A country: USA

“Without him, we would never have seen bearded men on huge motorcycles. Living legend and worthy vice-championourreview. "

Parent of motorcycles with a long frame and a front fork, which first appeared in the United States. It is on the basis of stock Harley Davidson in the 50s, legendary choppers began to be made. But not only for the unique style "Harley"became world famous. Knucklehead was the fastest motorcycle of its time in America. Don't be it, company image Harley Davidson"would be different. He was faster than any car, so he was loved exclusively by the" bad guys ", which made this motorcycle SEX-symbol of the 30s. A symbol of freedom.

By driving a motorcycle like this today, you are driving a story that becomes part of you. The bikers gave him a nickname Knucklehead(translated into Russian - "knuckle") because its valve covers are like fists with two knuckles sticking out.

Motorcycles of this model are still popular and in demand, despite their age. Today they are bought because of the "daredevil" image.

HONDA GOLDWING

Start of release: 1975

A country: Japan

The safest, most functional and comfortable modern motorcycle. A legend worthy of victory inourTOP 10."

At the dawn of the 70s, the motorcycle world became interested in “big tourism”. In 1975, the dealer network received a motorcycle that hit most of them on the spot. It was a Japanese cruiser HondaGold Wing GL1000 ... By 1982, he acquired the features of a modern, familiar "tourist". And by 2008 luxury Honda Gold Wing 1800 already flaunting luxurious seats, an audio system, powerful engine, integrated satellite navigation and cruise control. The perfect long-range bike! At the same time, its price on the US market started at $ 20 thousand, which is by no means a lot for a luxury motorcycle.

With its expressive appearance, unique 6-cylinder boxer engine and modern technologies creating comfort and safety, Gold Wing still holds the title of the world's most advanced and versatile touring motorcycle. But most importantly, the company Honda began to complete the "Golden Wing" first in the world air cushion safety for serial motorcycles, which is installed between the handlebars and has a volume of 150 liters.

For their specifications, comfort, safety and relatively affordable price HondaGold Wingbecomes the winner of our “hot” ten.

... and for a snack a report about our own motorcycle M1NSK -

The production of motorcycles in the USSR was established on a grand scale. Irbit, Izhevsk, Kovrov and Minsk became the main centers of bridge building, and the motorcycles themselves, including the imported "Java" and "Chezetas", became an integral part of the culture.

"Sunrise"

Voskhod has become a cult motorcycle among young people and teenagers. He conquered with unpretentiousness, low fuel consumption, lightness and remanufacturing. The motorcycle did not have much reliability, but with its help they learned to repair the internal combustion engine.

Production of "Voskhod" was deployed after the war at the plant. Diagterev. The prototype was the German DKW RT-125 motorcycle. In 1946 the plant produced 286 K-125 motorcycles.

Since 1957, the plant began to produce a completely new motorcycle "K-175" with a 175 cc engine. This motorcycle was named "Voskhod" and gave birth to a whole family. The most popular models were "Voskhod-2", "Voskhod - 2M." The last model of "Voskhod", created in the USSR, was called M3-01. In addition, the plant produced limited editions of motorcycles for motocross, and in the 80s created several interesting developments of sports bikes.

"Minsk"

The history of the creation of "Minsk" also goes back to the DKW RT-125. The first M1A motorcycles were produced in Moscow, and in 1951 production was transferred to a bicycle factory in Minsk.

In 1956, the plant released a new M1M model with a pendulum suspension, spring shock absorbers, a short-link fork and a 5 hp engine that developed a speed of 75 km / h.

In 1961, the new M-103 appeared with hydraulic shock absorbers and a telescopic fork. Manufacturing was oriented towards the countryside, which explained the popularity of motorcycles.

Further upgrades resulted in more power and speed. For example, the MMVZ-3.111 model, released in 1973, could accelerate to 90 km / h and had a power of 9.5 hp. And MMVZ-3.112 had 12 hp.

The IZH motorcycle in popularity in the USSR could compete with the most famous imported vehicles.

The first motorcycle models are associated with the name of the designer Peter Mozharov, but real popularity came to IZH after the war, when the documentation for the German DKW NC-350 motorcycle fell into the hands of the designers.

After a thorough modernization, the motorcycle was named IZH-49. The legendary model was equipped with a telescopic fork and hydraulic shock absorbers. The motorcycle became popular in bad roads.

Next model - IZH-56 was no less popular, but real recognition came with the appearance of IZH-Jupiter, IZH-Planeta and IZH-Planeta-sport, which were intended for tourist and sports trips. IZH-PS received a separate engine lubrication system and could accelerate to 100 km / h in 11 seconds.

In the 70s, the plant produced up to 350,000 motorcycles per year.

"Java"

"Java" has become a truly iconic motorcycle for the youth of the USSR. It is with him and with IZH that the movement of rockers is associated. The single-cylinder motorcycle model has received the respectful nickname "The Old Lady". Young people were attracted by the motorcycle's reliability, versatility and speed. The motorcycle could ride on highways and forest roads with equal ease.

The Czechoslovak company Jawa was founded in 1929. After the war, production resumed. The plant won a tender for the supply of motorcycles to the USSR and began to supply 100 thousand motorcycles per year to the country. In 1964, the millionth "Java" was released, in 1976 - the two millionth, and in the 80s the number reached three million copies.

The most fashionable model in the USSR was the Java-368, which was launched in 1984. The Java had a 343 cc two-stroke two-cylinder engine. and a power of 26 hp, the maximum speed of the motorcycle was 120 km / h.

Java was appreciated by athletes. Sports motorcycle models were used in motocross, in enduro races, until now the Russian ice speedway team performs on Java motorcycles.

After the collapse of the USSR, the plant was on the verge of collapse, but managed to withstand.

"Pannonia"

The Pannonia motorcycle has become another iconic motorcycle among urban youth and motorcycle tourists.

Production of Pannonia began in 1954 at the Chappel plant in Budapest. Pannonia became the first new motorcycle of the plant. The motorcycle was equipped with a single-cylinder 250 cc two-stroke engine, a four-speed gearbox. New features include a closed chain drive and a duplex frame.

From 1954 to 1975, 286,959 motorcycles were delivered to the USSR.

The most popular model is the Pannonia 250 TLF. Weighing 146 kg, the motorcycle produced 18 hp, was not picky about fuel, had a tank of 18 liters and a reliable electrician. In addition, the plant produced a model with a 350 cc engine and a sidecar.

The beauty and perfection of the motorcycle lines still make connoisseurs of rarities look for the surviving bikes.

In 1968 the plant released a new motorcycle model, copied from the Yamaha YDS-2, but the USSR decided that the motorcycle was too complicated and stopped exporting, after which the plant closed.

"Chezet"

The history of the legendary Cezet goes back to pre-war times, when the Czechoslovak arms factory Ceska Zbrojovka (CZ) decided to start producing motorcycles. In 1936, the plant produced prototypes of "Cheseta", on the basis of which motorcycles with 250 and 350 cc engines arose later.

In 1960, CZ launched Cheset motorcycles into series production. In the USSR, CZ was waiting for an unprecedented success. Along with the Java, this motorcycle was a hit with rockers, and the black Cheset became the dream of an entire generation.

The famous crossover Cezet was born in 1962. The motorcycle was powered by a 250cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine. Ceseta's finest hour lasted until the end of the 60s. Racers from the USSR, Belgium and the GDR took part in it and won championships.

Ural

The history of Ural motorcycles from the late 1930s to 1964 was the history of a military motorcycle. Even after the motorcycle began to be sold to ordinary people, the owner of the "Ural" was obliged to register for military service, and the State Traffic Inspectorate forbade to operate the motorcycle without a sidecar. Because of this, "Ural" has not won fame among young people. He found his niche as a heavy utility motorcycle. It was used for walking under the moon, and for transporting goods, and for trips to the taiga, and even for motorcycle tourism.

The IMZ motorcycle was equipped with a 650 cc four-stroke engine and was considered reliable among Soviet motorcycles. Engine power, depending on the model, ranged from 31 to 36 hp. The maximum speed when used with a sidecar is 105 km / h.

In 1985, the two-millionth motorcycle model "M-67" rolled off the assembly line of the plant.

In the 90s, the plant managed to survive. Most of the motorcycles are now exported.

Most Popular Motorcycle Models Made in Great Britain in the 50s of the Last Century

PartVI

ACE motorcycles of the fifties

In the 1950s, British industry produced an average of 135,000 two-wheeled vehicles. More than 20 brands of domestic motorcycle companies, some of which were part of the conglomerate. One such group was Associated Motor Cycles (AMC), based in London. Another important player was the large BSA Group in the West Midlands.

Production in 1959 reached an all-time high of 234,300 vehicles. In the same year, the total number of motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, sidecars and motorcars on the roads of Great Britain approached 1,750,000. Government elections in the 59th year contributed to the adoption of laws to reduce taxes, which in turn led to lower prices for rental and purchase of vehicles. And above all, it was an exceptionally long and dry summer.

The advent of affordable vehicles has spurred consumer demand to a large extent. During 1959 BritishMotorCorporation (BMC) launched four-wheel novelties on the marketMorrisMini- MinorandAustinSeven... Affordable, roomy enough for its size, and still very fashionable by the standards of its time, MINI from the very beginning began to take away potential customers from two-wheeled vehicles. At this point, the prerequisites were laid for a decline in demand for motorcycles in the future.

AJS, Matchless "Ajay"and "Matchbox"

The two brands formed the Associated Motor Cycles (AMC) holding, formed in 1937. Unified models, differing in color and emblems, were produced under the two brands AJS and Matchless. Sales were negatively impacted by AMC's refusal to provide the press with motorcycles for road tests.

Following the example of the Triumph, starting in 1949, models with two-cylinder engines remained in the production line. Single-cylinder machines were intended for export deliveries. The 500cc AJS Model 20 Spring Twin and Matchless G9 Super Clubman models were equipped with a swing-arm rear suspension and padded seats for comfortable travel. The main difference between the engines and the rest of the British twins was the presence of an additional bearing in the middle crankshaft... The middle bearing created another support that prevented the shaft from bending at high rpm.

Between 1956 and 1958, the large 600 cc twin AJS Model 30 and Matchless G11 were produced. There were several light sport versions of the CS (Competition Spring frame) motorcycle and its road version of the CSR, but these were mostly exported. This is the first time that a G11 CS road bike with a two-cylinder engine has passed an unusual test. Experts from the Motor Cycle magazine drove it along the sports track at a speed of 160 km / h for one hour. In 1958, the manufacturer announced the permissibility of operating motorcycles with 650cc Model 31 and G12 engines at a speed of 160 km / h. Practice has shown that crankshafts of engines with increased displacement do not withstand long-term operation. Motors with a massive generator rotor at the end of the shaft are especially prone to breakdowns.

In the late 40s and early 50s, the single-cylinder 350-cc Matchless G3L, supplied in large numbers from 1941 to 1942 in the army, received the general name ACE (ace). The G3L preceded the later AJS and Matchless cars with 350 and 500 cubic centimeters engines, which were very pleasant and fast enough to drive, but it was unrealistic to perform a "ton" on them.

AMC contributed to the production of a large number of "quarters" in 1958. During this period, the singles AJS Model 14 and Matchless G2 were released. The mass of one car was 148 kg. and she was capable of accelerating to 110 km / h!

Ariel

The most famous product of the Birmingham plant, which has been part of the BSA Group since 1944, is the liter 4G Square Four. The name comes from the unusual square arrangement of two rows of cylinders. Over the years, the parallel twin twin was the only 4-cylinder motorcycle made in the UK. The smooth shapes of the silhouette of the device served as an outward expression of the smooth and calm character of the motorcycle. It was not for nothing that he enjoyed constant popularity among wheelchair users. The throttle response is one of the amazing engine abilities. Without a sidecar, a motorcycle in the highest fourth gear could easily accelerate from a speed of 16 km / h.

Like everyone else in the UK, Ariel had an initial volume of 200 cubic centimeters. Heavy "six hundred" were intended for use with a side carriage. The gap was filled with 350 and 500 cubic centimeters. The latter were the most popular among the "cafe raisers".

The most unusual British motorcycle Ariel Leader 250cc appeared in 1958. Steel fairing with fuel tank inside it completely covered the driver's legs and the engine body. A decent sized windshield towered above the top of the fairing. Tires with "whitewalls" were installed on the motorcycle, as on the fashionable cars of the 50s.

At that time, the new concept went to meet the idea of \u200b\u200bcreating a motorcycle for every day, which was at odds with the approach to developing motorcycles for pleasure. Young riders needed semi-finished products to build their own ideal car, while most ordinary consumers wanted inexpensive and reliable motorcycles... Many city racers looked at scooters and bonded motorcycles with disdain, calling the drivers of such vehicles "scooters" and "mama's boys."

The "Leader" did not have dizzying acceleration, but it steered well, kept the road well, however, it braked poorly and emitted a lot of smoke from its two-stroke engine.

BSA

Founded in the 19th century as a weapons manufacturing company, the company has grown to become one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers. During the Second World War, the BSA plant produced hundreds of thousands of weapons and motorcycles. In 1948 BSA produced 50,000 motorcycles, many of which were exported.

In 1946, the new A7 Star Twin 500cc was born with a parallel twin, similar in design to the pre-war Triumph 5T Speed \u200b\u200bTwin, 1938. From 1951 to 1961, a sports version of the A7SS Shooting Star motorcycle was produced, capable of accelerating over 145 km / h.

BSA has developed a range of 650cc parallel-cylinder motorcycles especially for export deliveries. The A10 Golden Flash hit the market in 1951, a reliable and versatile sidecar motorcycle. In the mid-50s, he got a rear pendulum suspension. Especially for speed lovers, the Road Rocket (maximum speed 170 km / h) went into series in 1955. Production of this model ended with the introduction of the Super Rocket in 1958. The last model was produced from 1958 to 1961.

The "cafe" elite included BSA Gold Star. Upper-shaft, airy singles made of light-alloy materials with a volume of 350 and 500 cubes were produced in small quantities especially for connoisseurs of weekend rides. The emerging demand for the Clubmans TT and Thruxton Nine Hour street racers pushed BSA to push ahead with the development and production of the Clubmans Goldie in 1956. This uncompromising "street hooligan" accelerated in second gear to 140 km / h. As expensive as anything new, with a difficult engine start, noisy as Jericho Trumpets, Goldie was the perfect vehicle for a ton until the DBD34 500 appeared. The maximum speed in the DB32 350cc version is close to 160 km / h.

The manufacturer did not forget about ordinary citizens moving at a low speed. Motorcycles for beginners and rides with a passenger with an engine capacity of 250, 320 and 500 cubic centimeters appeared on the conveyor. Thousands of drivers have learned about the Bantam, a 125cc replica of the German DKW RT125. This two-stroke was produced in several versions with a volume of 150 and 175 cubic centimeters. Big bike devotees despised the small, smoky and smelly Beesa Bantam, but that didn't stop it from finding home in half a million homes in the UK and abroad.

Douglas "Duggie"

In the fifties, the Bristol brand specialized in the production of two-cylinder, opposed 350-cc cars. The Douglas Plus 90, built from 1950 to 1954, lived up to its "fast" name. A torsion bar suspension was installed on the Douglas Plus. In 1955, it was replaced by the unusual-looking tourist Dragonfly, capable of accelerating to 113 km / h. But after three years of unsuccessful sales, the plant switched to licensed production of the Italian Vespa.

Norton

The popularity of the "Nortons" is associated with the sporting success that they managed to achieve in the period from the early 30s to the mid 50s. The brand was founded in 1902 by enthusiast James Norton, who by 1912 ran out of money to develop the company. The collapse was avoided thanks to the automaker RT Shelley.

The most popular motorcycles at the Birmingham plant in the middle of the last century were the Dominator parallel twin roadsters, popularly known as the Dommies. The firstborn in 1949 was the Model 7 500cc with a top speed of 160 km / h. The Dominator 88 followed him from the factory stocks in 1952. A feature of the sports "Eighty-eighth" was a lightweight frame, the model was offered for sports teams. The Featherbed frame was mainly exported. Good handling and stable directional stability of the model had a positive effect on the overall brand reputation. Introduced in 1956, the Dominator 99 with a 600 cubic centimeters engine raised the top speed bar to 160 km / h.

A rare pre-war sports Norton International with overhead, single-cylinder power plants with a volume of 350 and 500 cubic meters, received new life... Especially for Inter, they developed their own version of the Featherbed frame, which was used for the last five years of production until 1958. With the mufflers removed, "International" squeezed out "a ton", but heavy loads led to oil leakage from the engine.

Conglomerate AMC acquired Norton in 1952. The model range now includes the single-cylinder Model 50 350cc and the touring ES2 500cc. Together with them, in 1958, entry-level two-cylinder motorcycles were born with a 250 cc engine. But Jubilee, with its top 113 km / h, has never been in the same league as the Dominators.

Panther

P&M, headquartered in Yorkshire, is known for its 600cc and 650cc single-cylinder Panthers. "Partners" with strollers were especially popular among traders. Starting the low-speed engine was not easy. Therefore, there was even a common joke about it: "It's easier to start a telegraph pole!" Less famous models are considered "Panthers" with two-stroke single-cylinder engines of 200 and 250 cubes.

RoyalEnfield

Despite their advanced technology, Anfield has never been as popular as AMC, BSA, Norton and Triumph. The motorcycles were assembled in Redditch, Worcestershire, and the name was taken from the old Royal Small Arms Factory in Anfield, Worcestershire. The company, whose slogan is Made like a Gun goes like a bullet (Assembled like a weapon, rides like a bullet), constantly conducted resource tests of its equipment during long international travels. The main models were the single-cylinder Bullet 350 and 500 cubic centimeters, intended for tourism. The company's engineers paid special attention to the development of two-cylinder motorcycles, traditional for the British. In 1948, a rear pendulum suspension appeared on the "five hundred".

By the mid-fifties, large two-cylinder Meteor 700cc motorcycles (maximum speed 153 km / h) were released, and then Super Meteor with a maximum speed of 180 km / h. Between 1958 and 1962, the Constellation 700cc twin-carburetor was produced. The two-cylinder engines were assembled in an underground factory previously used as a secret military facility in Bradford-upon-Avon, Wiltshire.

In Madras, India (now Chennai), a plant was built for the production of a 350-cc "Bullet" and a 175-cc two-stroke under license. The Indian facility is currently producing older, four-stroke Bullet models. The surviving plant is part of the large industrial group Eicher.

Sunbeam ‘Beam’

Produced under the BSA brand. They reached their apogee in the 20s of the last century. The majestic Sunbeam S7 and the Sunbeam S8 that followed it were two-cylinder touring "five hundred" with puffy tires. The motorcycles were not commercially successful, production of the C8 ceased in 1958.

Triumph ‘ Trumpet’

The BSA Group holding acquired Triumph in 1951. However, the "Triumf" cars produced at the Meridenes plant, located near Coventry, retained their individuality. Most of them used a two-cylinder parallel twin, designed by Edward Turner and first installed in 1938 on the Speed \u200b\u200bTwin. Under Turner's guidance, the company focused on manufacturing products for the American market. The challenge of capturing America's rich market required the development of powerful, stylish, yet inexpensive motorcycles. The first models sold were popular for their speed. However, the machines that appeared in the 40s and 50s did not fully satisfy the requirements of consumers. Triumph did not have racing teams that were so necessary for testing new technical solutions.

The sports version of the Tiger 100 with a 500 cc engine, called the Speed \u200b\u200bTwin, was reissued after the war. Its declared top speed was 160 km / h. In 1951, a model with a lightweight aluminum alloy engine entered the market. A special motorcycle tuning kit is available for sale at dealerships, designed for American fans to ride on weekends "with a breeze."

American companies sold motorcycles with an engine capacity of 1,200 cubic centimeters, the British "five hundred" looked small against their background. Especially for the Americans, Turner developed a 650cc motorcycle called the Thunderbird. New model developed a maximum speed of 160 km / h. Sales jumped up. Overseas racers began to take Triumph seriously.

The handling of the motorcycle improved with the introduction of the pendulum suspension in 1954. The next model was named Tiger 110 650cc. Motor Cycling magazine reported reaching the 190 km / h mark, however, with specially installed sports camshafts... Fans of speed have appreciated the powerful picks and the loud sound of the agile Top Ten.

In 1956, a landmark event for the Triumph took place on the Bonneville Salt Lake, Utah, a sports projectile with a 650 cc engine from Thunderbird was able to reach a speed of 345 km / h. Triumph products received wide publicity. In the 59th there was a confusion in the names, "T110" began to be called Bonneville with the "T120" index, indicating the maximum speed. The Triumph Bonnie went down in history as the most famous "road igniter".

Produced from 1957 to 1966, the Triumph Twenty One 350cc became a milestone in motorcycle production - for the first time the gearbox was in the same block with the engine. However, the popularity of the model was negatively affected by the form of metal protection from dirt, called "bath" or "skirt". An unsportsmanlike looking motorcycle could accelerate to 120 km / h. The Tiger 100A 600cc was produced from 1959 to 1961.

Velocette "Velo"

A progressive and successful racing manufacturer in the 1930s, Veloce Ltd. was located in Birmingham. After the war, Velossete developed a “motorcycle for everyone”. The smooth and almost silent LE twin with guards and footrests, with a difficult engine start, has gained popularity among city police and in low-speed countries.

The black-painted post-war Velocettes were considered sedate bikes, with the exception of the Viper 350cc and Venom 500cc, both introduced in the mid-1950s.

Vincent ‘Vin orVinny’

The motorcycles, assembled in small batches at Vincent HRD's Stevenage plant, had a strong charisma. The company began its work under the leadership of Philip Vincent, who began his career under the direction of Austrian engineer Phil Irving, who designed products for exploration riders. Too expensive for the average user, Vincent stood out from the crowd. The post-war line of motorcycles with V-shaped, liter engines began with the Rapide Series B. The main features of these machines were cast aluminum engines and a gearbox interlocked with the engine in a common housing. The factory engineers did not use a conventional tubular frame, the cornerstone of the whole structure was power point, which acted as a support for the entire chassis. The cantilever rear suspension was the forerunner of the monoshock system that became widespread in the 70s. But the Girdraulic front fork looked archaic next to the emerging front telescopes.

Except for some export machines the corporate color was considered black. Produced from 1948 to 1955, the Black Shadow was painted completely black, including the engine. The cruising speed of the Shadow was 145-160 km / h, the maximum speed was 201 km / h! Nothing but a few racing cars of that time could not be compared with Black Shadow.

"Vincents" differed in their driving qualities. The downsized motorcycles were obedient and economical machines, but their disadvantage was the passenger seat, mercilessly tormenting the rear fulcrum of the passenger on the bumps.

Born in 55, the Black Prince had a fixed seat and moldings all over the body, a windshield, and weather protection for the legs. With a somber look, he was selected as a police officer vehicle, and also took part in the filming of the movie based on the novel by George Orwell in 1984. "Cafe racers" did not appreciate this model at its true worth, recognition came to it after 10 years.

Vincent went bankrupt in 1955, but Black Shadow never lost its sacred status. The whimsical design of the large V-twin has been called "engineered for engineers." The company produced one-cylinder "five hundred" cars that developed 145 km / h, and this was during the period of the craze for parallel two-cylinder motorcycles.

In the 50s, two-stroke 250 cc British two-wheeled cars became widespread. This class includes those built by Francis-Barnett or James, plus Cotton, DMW, Dot, Excelsior, Norman and Sun. Italian cars were imported in small quantities, but due to the high cost they did not receive wide distribution.

Highway of youth

On December 5, 1958, British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan drove 13.5 km. on a section of the UK's first Preston Bypass Freeway, marking its opening to traffic. Later, this road became part of the M6.

Construction of high-speed Highways were slated to begin in the 1930s, when Germany began building highways, Italy was building highways, and highways were being built in the United States.

The first planned 108 km section of the M1, which became part of the London-Yorkshire motorway, passing between Berrigrove (Jackson 5) near Busy Bee Cafe, located near Watford in Northamptonshire, opened in 1959.

In accordance with the rules that existed at that time, the maximum permissible speed was 115 km / h, but on new highways the maximum speed was not limited. According to contemporaries, when Transport Minister Ernest Marples saw cars rushing along the M1 at high speed, he exclaimed: “Oh God! What have I done?"

The new M1 highway was ideal not only for motorcyclists who decided to complete the "ton", but also for racing races between sports bikes and cars. Motorcycle factories in the Midlands, such as Triumph and Norton, have decided to use the M1 to demonstrate the speed capabilities of its two-wheeled vehicles and evaluate new tires.

The construction of the road north to Leeds proceeded in stages. In parallel with this, the construction of the southern end of the highway was underway. In May 1967, the M1 was connected to the Great Northern Road in the Mill Hill area, which is about 8 kilometers from ACE CAFE. True, by that time, for several months, national legislation limited the speed of 115 km / h on highways and two-way roads.

Translation by Igor Kuzin

A motorcycle is a very popular and even "romantic" vehicle. Today many powerful bikes are produced with interesting designs. However, they all go to the "classics" of the second half of the XX century. We have collected several such "legends" in our review.

1.1936 Harley-Davidson EL

At the time of its creation in 1936, the Harley-Davidson EL was one of the most powerful motorcycles among the existing ones. Its technical excellence lies in the fact that it is the first motorcycle in the history of the automotive industry to use a V-engine with valves located at the top. Subsequently, the standard set by EL began to be actively used, both in the entire series and by other manufacturers.

2. Triumph T120 Bonneville

Today the Triumph T120 Bonneville is considered one of the "classic" motorcycles. Launched on the market in the early 60s of the last century, this unit remained “relevant” until the more advanced and affordable Japanese motorcycles began to fill the market in the 80s. However, it was decided to revive the Triumph Bonneville line back in the early 00s.

3. Honda CB750

At one time, the Honda CB750 was a real revolution, ending the use of two-cylinder motorcycles. Despite the fact that the "Japanese" was quite exotic in technical terms, it was very easy to manufacture and operate it, which allowed the CB750 to gain a foothold in the market for a long time.

4. Honda CT70

This motorcycle is remembered for its small size. It was so small that children could ride it. Despite its somewhat strange appearance, the Honda CT70 was a very popular vehicle. This motorcycle was on the market until 1994. Over 100 thousand of them were sold for the whole time. At the same time, the first model was rolled off the assembly line back in 1970.

5. Honda GL1000 Gold Wing

Speaking of "classics", one cannot but recall such a motorcycle as the Honda GL1000 Gold Wing. At the time of 1975, he managed to set a qualitatively new standard for power. In technical terms, the motorcycle stood out with a new fluid system cooling. Subsequently, this motorcycle has been upgraded several times.

6. Harley-Davidson Low Rider

Far 1977 and the Harley-Davidson Low Rider. A single large muffler, a sinuous manifold, wrinkled leather design, large-diameter aluminum alloy wheels - this and much more was presented to the family by the Harley-Davidson Low Rider, which today can rightfully be considered one of the most attractive "classic" models in the family.

7. BMW R 80 G / S

Not the sexiest, but at the same time one of the most famous "oldies" - BMW R 80 G / S. The motorcycle is "tourist", and therefore is equally well suited both for off-road driving and for driving along narrow city lanes. It was created in 1981.

8. KAWASAKI ZX900 NINJA

The KAWASAKI ZX900 NINJA motorcycle had a very unusual design for its time. Released in 1984, it was able to become one of the most powerful sport motorcycles... An interesting solution in the first models was the use of a plastic body. In the next three years after its release, it also held the title of the fastest motorcycle in the world.

9. SUZUKI GSX-R 750

The SUZUKI GSX-R 750 racing bike is a true legend. Launched in 1985, it was the first motorcycle for the company to fully comply with the American Motorcycle Association's rules. This, in turn, made it possible to use it in competitions of various levels.

It will be interesting to find out about who can swim.

The biker movement originated in the United States in the 1950s and almost immediately became a “protest” movement, attracting a “select” youth who wanted freedom and new opportunities. In the USSR, after the Great Patriotic War, the "motorization" of the country proceeded at an accelerated pace, but in a more peaceful direction: relatively inexpensive and affordable motorcycles became for all ages and segments of the population an everyday means of transportation, transportation of various goods, including building materials for summer cottages, equipment for travel.

In the mid-60s, several factories produced motorcycles, mopeds and scooters - some "IZHs" up to 350,000 a year - not much inferior in quality to their foreign counterparts. In the 1970s and 1980s, it became easier to buy a car, and adults moved on to them. Motorcycles as a means of transport remained in the countryside, and young people began to be attracted to the cities - just at that time the echoes of the biker movement from the United States reached the USSR.

However, in the Soviet Union, informal associations of young people on motorcycles were called "rockers", not bikers. The term appeared in the early 80s and denoted the Soviet rock music fans who tried to copy the style of the British "cowboy coffee bar" and American bikers. But since many fans of heavy rock in large cities have already ridden motorcycles, the term "rocker" soon spread to young motorcyclists in general, and to members of the first domestic motorcycle clubs in particular.

But for the Soviet "rocker", especially in the provinces, it was not as important as the townsfolk called him. Since adolescence, children have helped their fathers repair their motorcycles, collected spare parts from junkyards and harp equipment themselves, many were engaged in free motocross and karting sections.

Gradually they saved up money and bought their own light, relatively inexpensive motorcycles of domestic production: IZH Planeta, IZH Planeta Sport, Minsk, Voskhod. In the 1970s and 80s, Voskhod cost 450 rubles. are 3-4 average salaries.

The motorcycle was unpretentious, economical, lightweight and maintainable, although not particularly reliable. But on it, many learned to repair the internal combustion engine. "IZH Planeta" already cost 625-750 rubles. (4-5 average salaries), but at the same time the cheapest car - "Zaporozhets" - was sold for 3000-3750 rubles.

"Sunrise"

"IZH Planet Sport"

Were in the Soviet motorcycle fleet and "foreign cars". For example, Czechoslovakian Jawa motorcycles have been supplied to the USSR since the mid-50s, and by the 70s almost every third motorcyclist rode them, and in total there were more than a million JAWs in the USSR, which were valued for reliability, power, versatility and lightness. maintenance and repair.

The most fashionable model in the USSR was the Java-638, which was launched in 1984. She had a two-stroke two-cylinder engine with a volume of 343 "cubes" with a capacity of 26 liters. with., the maximum speed of the motorcycle was 120 km / h.

In addition to the Jawa, the popular Hungarian Pannonia motorcycles were equipped with a single-cylinder 250-cc two-stroke engine, a four-speed gearbox, a closed chain transmission and a duplex frame. From 1954 to 1975, 287,000 motorcycles of this brand were imported to the USSR. The Pannonia 250 TLF became the most successful model: the motorcycle weighed 146 kg, had an 18-liter tank, boasted a reliable electrician, and its engine produced 18 liters. from. power. In addition to this model, the plant produced motorcycles with a 350 cc engine and a sidecar.

Another successful motorcycle of those years was the Czechoslovakian CZ - "Cheset". The dream of an entire generation has been in production since 1962 and has been powered by a 250 cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine.

But the "rocker" movement in the USSR was inextricably linked with the motorcycles "IZH" and the cult Czechoslovakian "Java". Taxi drivers were the first to buy Java in the cities: in the 60-70s they earned 100-120 rubles. per month, depending on the class of the driver, and, in addition, they often traded vodka or counterfeit goods from under the counter, having a considerable additional income. At that time, taxi drivers were in vogue with eight-piece caps and brown leather jackets, which they bought from military pilots. In the evenings after work, they got together with colleagues and drove motorcycles.

At that time, it was not necessary to wear a helmet. But with the increase in the number of motorcycles, the number of accidents with their participation increased, and then the drivers were obliged to ride in helmets. However, at first there were not enough helmets for everyone, and they were poor and iron. Such a "helmet" spoiled the dashing look of a motorcyclist on "Java" - it was then that the division into 1% of hooligans who did not recognize helmets, prohibitions on gathering in crowds and rules began road traffic, and the other 99% are law-abiding motorcyclists. But over time, when more modern plastic helmets began to arrive from the Baltic States, most of the motorcyclists switched to them: they could be painted, hung visors and muzzles, and generally "customized" in every possible way.

Hanging out with friends and chatting with girls "rockers" usually gathered on Friday evenings and weekends at city parks and other public places. In Moscow, the most popular places in the 1980s were Gorky Park, Luzha (Luzhniki stadium), Mkhat (a platform near the theater of the same name), and Solyanka (salt cellars on Lubyanka). The motorcyclists also met at the Kuzna (metro Novokuznetskaya), in the cafe on Malaya Bronnaya, in Mayak and, of course, at the Gora (the observation deck of Vorobyovy Gory opposite the main building of Moscow State University), where they still gather.

After talking on the spot, the "rockers" got on their motorcycles and drove around the city at night. I must say that until the 90s, the traffic police did not stand on ceremony with the "rockers": they drove them out of the hangout places, and organized chases on the roads, they could even use weapons against the most arrogant. But even the cheeky motorcyclists of those years allowed themselves to ride not only without documents (to have “rights” of category “A” until the early 2000s was considered almost bad manners!), But also without observing any traffic rules: in a crowd on the opposite, on underground pedestrian crossings, along sidewalks, etc. There were also many accidents: according to statistics, at the end of the 80s in the USSR 12 thousand accidents involving motorcyclists took place in a month, in which 1600 people died. For the year - 68.5 thousand accidents due to the fault of motorcycle drivers, about 10 thousand people died! Today, despite the increased speed and several orders of magnitude increase in the number of cars and motorcycles, there are much fewer accidents involving motorcyclists: about 10 thousand accidents per year, in which about 1200 people die - the monthly "norm" of the USSR in the 1980s.

"Rockers" of the 80s with passion were engaged, as they say today, "customization" of their motorcycles - who in what way. Ideas were drawn from the occasional European and American motorcycle magazines, and later - from films like "Mad Max". Everything was done with their own hands from improvised materials or from what they could get at the flea market or get it “from over the hill”. They also repaired and tuned motorcycles themselves - in the provinces there were not even tire shops.

Motorcycles were equipped with handlebars with a crossbar or with two, "royal" high handlebars without crossbars (ape-hanger type), semicircular arcs made of water pipes using a pipe bender and galvanized through a "friend's father" at some factory. Czechoslovakian Velorex visors, metal chrome-plated glove compartments from Pannonias, lights that turned on together with the low beam and left an illuminated spot on the road at night - from the Vyatka scooter, the stoparis and the dimensions were altered, replaced with large ones. "Native" throttle levers and brake and clutch levers were immediately removed and replaced with others, for example, from the same "Pannonia". The rear-view mirrors were attached to windshieldand there were also mirrors on the safety arches through which the guys-drivers looked under the girls' skirts when they got into the passenger seat ...

The control buttons were chrome-plated from "Pannonia", they turned on turn signals and beep signals, which were often made in two, different tones, so that each button on a signal - with the help of two buttons, you could play a "Dog Waltz" or simulate a "siren". Silencers were also removed or altered: externally they were left as factory, but the insides were cut off so that the sound became sharper and louder. Multi-colored light bulbs were attached to the wheels, effectively burning in the dark and while driving.

By 1988, the rocker movement in the USSR had become so massive and noisy that films such as "Accident - the daughter of a cop" even began to be made about it, or rather its harmful effect on fragile minds. And in the 90s, rockers were finally replaced by bikers on heavy motorcycles with long forks, the first Russian bike clubs and the first not military trophy, but real "biker" Harleys brought from the USA. But that's a completely different story.