Motorcycles for the citizens of the USSR played a very important role. Often, they were the only way to gain freedom of movement. They went to work, on vacation to the sea, met children from the hospital and drove girls in the villages.

Modern bikers have switched to foreign-made sports bikes or choppers and are completely unaware of the history of domestic motor vehicles. We decided that it was time to stop for a couple of minutes and recall the 10 most popular, most beloved and most popular motorcycles from the distant USSR.

1. L-300 "Red October". The very first.

The very first serial Soviet motorcycle was the L-300 "Red October".
the first motorcycle of the USSR
At the beginning of 1930, Leningrad designers prepared its drawings, inspired by the most reliable bike of that time - the German DKW Luxus 300. And in the fall of the same year, the first batch of L-300 was ready.
The motorcycle was produced until 1938, and then no less legendary IZH-8 was created on its basis. This "descendant" of the L-300 even got on the silver coins ... of New Zealand.
By the way, the name IZH-7 was borne by the same L-300, which, in parallel with the Leningrad enterprise "Krasny Oktyabr", were produced in Izhevsk.

2.M-72. The most fighting

The M-72 was not the first army motorcycle in the USSR. In 1934, the assembly of the first Soviet heavy model PMZ-A-750 began, and in 1939 - the "backup" of the British BSA and, as it is believed, the best pre-war motorcycle in the Union TiZ-AM-600.

However, it was the M-72, the design of which was "spied" from the German BMW R71 (the Wehrmacht was equipped with it), which came out in the tragic 1941 year, and were produced throughout the war. And then they also seriously served the people for civilian purposes - the last copies left the assembly line as early as 1960.
From 1941 to 1945, the M-72 carried fighters armed with anti-tank missile systems, machine guns or light mortars. From the first post-war years - and long after that - these motorcycles became the main police transport. And since 1954, ordinary Soviet citizens could buy them for their own needs.
"Descendants" M-72 at the beginning of "zero" ordered the Republican Guard of Saddam Hussein. But she did not have time to use it - and combat motorcycles "went to the people." At the request of customers, Iraqi auto repair shops put additional "active and passive protection" on the Urals - armor and a machine gun.

3. "Minsk M1A". First Belarusian

To this day, the most “popular” motorcycle in Belarus is the “Minskachi”. They run along the roads of the entire former Soviet Union, and not only. But most of them, of course, are at home.

The half-century anniversary of the motorcycles "Minsk" has skipped a long time ago (the first models already deserve the name "vintage"), and very soon, on July 12, they will celebrate their 61st birthday.
The first Belarusian "bike" was Minsk M1A, which had many "relatives" not only in the USSR, but also abroad. The "ancestor" of the motorcycle was developed in 1939 by the Germans. The DKW RT125 turned out to be so successful that under various names the analogs of this motorcycle were produced in 7 countries of the world, including the USA, England and Japan.
By the way, one of the old "Minskers" in harsh conditions was tested by one of the hosts of the famous British show Top Gear Richard Hammond. He drove almost all of Vietnam from south to north on it. The summary of the charismatic “auto-maniac”: “This is the AK-47 among motorcycles - reliable, simple, easy to repair. It is specially made for those countries where there are no roads. "

4. IZH Planet Sport. The fastest and most technologically advanced.

In 1973, the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant surprised the whole country by showing the first Soviet motorcycle with a sports bias, Planet Sport. Unlike all the earlier motorcycles, which were modeled after German models, Planet Sport clearly tried to be similar to Japanese motorcycles of the 60s and 70s.

Thanks to its high quality workmanship, IZH Planet Sport was actively sold in export markets, for example, in the UK, the Netherlands and Finland. Soviet bikers accelerated them to 140 km / h, which was an incredible speed in those days.

5. Sunrise. The most rustic.

Motorcycles "Voskhod" began to be produced in the city of Kovrov, Vladimir region, in 1957. These were very unpretentious single-cylinder motorcycles (173.7 cm3 engine). The Dyagterev plant constantly improved this model, launching on the market after Voskhod its modernized versions Voskhod-2, Voskhod-3, Voskhod-3M. The last Voskhod motorcycle was the 3M-01 model with a 15 hp engine.

Because of their reliability, the Voskhod motorcycles have become true toilers in thousands of Soviet villages. Even now, one can easily find a Voskhod motorcycle there in good condition.

6.M-62. The choice of the police.

The Soviet militia, fair and incorruptible, in the 50s-60s mainly moved on motorcycles with a sidecar. The M-62, produced by the Irbit Motorcycle Plant, was the most popular choice of servants of the law. Its four-stroke engine produced 28 hp.

An interesting fact is that ordinary citizens of the USSR were not allowed to operate the Urals without a wheelchair at that time. Still, these bikes were pretty heavy to handle. But the police used motorcycles without wheelchairs, which looked very cool in the eyes of Soviet boys. How can you not want to become a policeman!

7. Tula-200. For hunters and fishermen.

The Soviet motorcycle industry did not produce ATVs (some small-scale models, however, were still produced, read below), but a very unusual motorcycle Tula-200 with wide off-road wheels was produced for the needs of hunters and fishermen. The mass distribution of such motorcycles fell on 1986-1988.

The engine was taken from the Tulitsa scooter, increasing its power to 13 hp. This made it possible to accelerate at 200ke to 90 km / h. 10-12 thousand of these bikes were produced per year, the last of which left the assembly line of the plant in 1996. By the way, even a trike was produced on the basis of Tula-200!

8. IZH-49. The most tenacious.

Reliable, tenacious, beautiful. The sound of its engine to the ear of a Soviet person was akin to the sound of a Harley-Davidson engine to Americans. Their release began in 1951. Basically, it was an improved design of the German motorcycle DKW NZ 350. IZH-49 won great love of the population and were used in all corners of the vast Soviet Union.

On its basis, they produced versions with a sidecar, as well as sports motorcycles for cross and road races. Now IZH-49 are collectible items. Prices for them start at 100 thousand rubles.

9. М-1А "Moscow". First post-war.

After the war, the Moscow Bicycle Plant mastered the production of a copy of the German DKW RT125 motorcycle with a 125 cc engine. M-1A "Moscow" became the first post-war motorcycle of the USSR. It was a simple and lightweight motorcycle that did not require much metal and rubber to produce.

Such motorcycles were used in huge numbers to train motorcyclists in DOSAAF schools. Perhaps your grandfather studied just like this. In 1951, production was transferred to Minsk to a bicycle factory built there. An almost identical model was produced in Kovrov under the designation K-125.

10. Jawa 360. The most beautiful.

In the 70s, every third motorcyclist rode Java. In total, more than 1 million Jawa motorcycles of various models were delivered to the USSR, but the 360 \u200b\u200bwas the most beautiful of all. Now cherry motorcycles with chrome gas tanks are called "Old Woman". Especially valuable are specimens with a side carriage made of fiberglass. They produced versions with a 1-cylinder engine (250/260) or with a 2-cylinder (350/360).

By the way, Java has often appeared in various films. For example, it is on Jawa 360 that Gesha Kozodoev is taking Semyon Semyonovich Gorbunkov on a fishing trip to White Rock in the film The Diamond Arm.
11. IZH Planet. The founder of the series.

In 1962, the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant launched the production of a fundamentally new model for itself Izh Planet. It was the first generation of these motorcycles that set the vector for the development of the whole family, which was produced until 2008 (IZH Planet 7).

12. Jawa 350/638. Motorcycle of the roaring 90s.

The last of the "Java", sold in the USSR, 638, also became a "people's" motorcycle. Having managed to come out just before perestroika, in 1984, this model often appeared in the harsh films of the late 1980s and early 1990s. So "Java 350 638" can be seen in the drama "Accident - the daughter of a cop" and the action movie "Rats, or the Night Mafia". The motorcycle is even dedicated to the song "Java" by the popular group "Gas Sector" in those years.

13. Vyatka VP-150. Italian elegance.

The last one in our review is not a motorcycle at all, but a scooter. Vyatka VP-150, the prototype of which was the Italian Vespa scooter, is rightfully considered the most elegant two-wheeled vehicle in the USSR.

It was a quiet and very comfortable scooter that even women could drive with ease. On the basis of Vyatka, they made a whole range of three-wheeled scooters with various bodies, which were actively used in urban cargo transportation.

Mopeds at the Riga plant "Sarkana Zvaigzne" began to produce back in 1958. Many boys dreamed that their parents would give them a moped for their birthday. So they did, so mopeds, and especially Riga-13, became the first means of transport for many.

Riga-13 began to be produced in 1983. Equipped with a 1.3 hp engine, it accelerated to just 40 km / h. For starting and driving uphill, the “biker” was advised to help the engine by rotating the pedals. Riga-13 was produced until 1998, becoming the most massive model of the plant.

15. "Ant". A truck for everyone.

On the basis of the Tula scooters, the Tula Machine-Building Plant produced a huge number of three-wheeled cargo scooters "Ant". This was a breakthrough for the Soviet Union, because the sale of vans and station wagons to citizens of the USSR was prohibited. So these scooters were almost the only way to transport small consignments of goods.

TMZ has produced a huge number of such scooters. They were equipped with side platforms, dump bodies, vans and even tanks. They are still popular now.

Surprisingly, in our country, despite the complete absence of roads in some places, ATVs have never been mass produced. Almost the only more or less serial copy was the ZID-175 4ShP, produced at the Dyagterev Plant.

The design was not very successful: a weak engine, complex transmission elements. This is probably why such ATVs were not widely used.

Many industries in the USSR were of impressive scope and quality. This also applies to motor-building, because Soviet bikes are still customized and exported for good amounts. Motorcycles of the USSR are both a special spirit of the roads of a huge country, and originality, and often - the only possible means of transportation.
The first Soviet motorcycles were created on the basis of German military equipment for purely utilitarian purposes. With the development of motor-building, more and more new models of Soviet motorcycles appeared, which sometimes had excellent design and deserved the warm love of the owners. A considerable part of the older generation of today's bikers began their acquaintance with the world of steel horses from the old Dnieper, Voskhod or Minsk, and has many fond memories associated with motorcycles of the Soviet era. Let us also remember the two-wheeled legends of a bygone era.

Izh - a song in the hearts of bikers

Vitality, unpretentiousness, popularity - all these qualities were possessed by the equipment of the Izhevsk Design Bureau. 11 million Soviet motorcycles of this brand were produced during the existence of the design bureau - from 1946 to 2008.
One of the most recognizable motorcycles of the USSR IZH is model 49. After the release in 1951, the song of its engine became familiar to any experienced biker. The car with a single-cylinder engine and a four-speed gearbox was both modified with side carriages and produced in modifications for motorsport. Now these cars are sold to owners of private collections.

Soviet motorcycle Izh 1

In 1973, the fleet of Soviet motorcycles was replenished with such a chic unit as IZH Planeta Sport. A caressing eye even today, at one time, he made a real sensation. Many noted in it the design features of Japanese bikes. The Soviet motorcycle IZH Planet Sport was not only the first in this country to have a sporty character. After all, this is also the first Soviet motorcycle with separate fuel and engine oil filling. 140 km / h top speed, 32 horses and 11 from acceleration to hundreds - all this made it a popular export model in other countries.

Motorcycle IZH Jupiter 5

Dnieper - unlimited cross-country ability and tuning

The brainchild of the Kiev Motorcycle Plant, the USSR Dnepr motorcycles belong to the heavy class. The Dnepr-11 unit proved to be the best Soviet motorcycle of this brand. Two-cylinder four-stroke engine, four gears, including reverse, rated 105 km / h and actual 140 maximum speed, a sidecar equipped with a brake, and brilliant off-road qualities, before which the disadvantage of significant voracity fades.

Another advantage that distinguishes the Soviet motorcycle Dnepr is the ease of tuning. It is because of her that you can still find Dnieper units on the roads of Russia, or even find them at a famous motorcycle festival. It is definitely worth looking at the modernization of these USSR motorcycles - the photos sometimes boggle the imagination!

Ural - for the police and not only

Another obvious off-road vehicle is the Soviet Ural motorcycle. Irbitsky MZ produced this heavy truck from 61 to 65 years. These Soviet motorcycles were used by the militia of the USSR as the main technique. Also, the Ural motorcycle in the USSR was popular among summer residents, mushroom pickers, and village residents. 28 horses, a modernized gearbox, shock absorbers with increased travel and a comfortable stroller are not all of its advantages. The unit was able to accelerate without problems to a hundred and a quarter of a ton of cargo - an outstanding indicator for that time.

New motorcycle Ural

Now the Soviet Ural motorcycles are successful as an export product and are assembled piece by piece for good money for American (mostly) customers.

Minsk - the reliability of the Kalashnikov assault rifle

Motorcycles Minsk in the USSR was a popular transport among Belarusians, but they traveled in considerable numbers in other republics. 6,500,000 units have been sold all over the world in more than half a century of the plant's existence Richard Hammond once left traces of bike treads on the roads of all Vietnam and later called the Soviet motorcycle Minsk "AK-47 in the world of bikes." Indeed, simplicity, reliability, ease of use and repair, coupled with affordability, make these Soviet motorcycles universal units.

Sunrise - simplicity and affordability

Soviet motorcycle Sunrise

In Kovrov at the M. Degtyarev produced, perhaps, the most popular motorcycles of the USSR - Voskhod. Since 1957, many modifications of an unpretentious machine have been produced with an engine power of up to 15 horses. The Soviet motorcycle Voskhod could be found in almost every village; for many, it became the first steel horse in their life.

Java motorcycles popular in the USSR were one of the best options that a biker of those times could get. Most of all, Java 360 captivates the eye - a cherry-colored unit with an abundance of chrome on the gas tank and other details, equipped with a sidecar. These Soviet motorcycles in the photo delight with the exterior, and in life they also give out extraordinary 26 horses and 120 km / h.
In fact, the Soviet motorcycle Java is only like that in spirit and the country of greatest sales - it was produced in Czechoslovakia and was sold not only in the country of the Soviets. It is familiar to all lovers of Russian cinema of the 80s and 90s, where these motorcycles of the Soviet Union are often present.

Soviet motorcycle Java 350

Times have changed irreversibly, old motorcycles of the USSR were replaced by monsters of foreign production and went to small villages and garages of connoisseurs. However, many models of motorcycles of the USSR are familiar to everyone who grew up in the CIS and evoke nostalgia and fond memories.

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 strata 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 - which were 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. This term appeared in the early 80's 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 hard rock in large cities already rode 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 their 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 drive 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 gathered 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 - then the division into 1% of hooligans who did not recognize helmets, prohibitions on crowd gatherings and traffic rules, and the remaining 99% of law-abiding motorcyclists began. 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 the Lubyanka). Also, the motorcyclists met at the Kuzna (metro Novokuznetskaya), in the cafe on Malaya Bronnaya, in the Mayak and, of course, at the Mountain (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". Rear-view mirrors were mounted on the windshield, and 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.

For some, a motorcycle is an extension of their own ego, for others - their own parts of the body. 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 live out their 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 cost £ 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 accelerate to 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 to almost all the most possible and impossible competitions. As a result, motorcycles BroughSuperior collected a whole collection of various victories and records on race 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 the time and swept away all competitors from its path. The main advantage was the simplicity and reliability of the design, which allows you to spend minimal money on maintenance. For the first time, a motorcycle so viable and reliable, which could travel 150t high. km without malfunctions. 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 across 8 cylinders and, moreover, fit all this into the chassis of the 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 rode 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 the power-to-weight ratio. Impressive? Power 320hp is reached 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. This is probably the most racing motorcycle that is not designed 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 that 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. The swingarm, suspension, motorcycle front fork and other attachments were 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 the 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 racetracks 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 sport plush seating, an audio system, a powerful engine, integrated satellite navigation and cruise control. The perfect motorcycle for long range action! 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 state-of-the-art comfort and safety technologies, Gold Wing still holds the title of the world's most advanced and versatile touring motorcycle. But most importantly, the company Honda began to equip the "Golden Wing" with the world's first airbag for production motorcycles, which is installed between the handlebars and has a volume of 150 liters.

For its technical characteristics, 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 -

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 in existence. 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 liquid cooling system. 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 sports bikes. 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.