Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant: products, photos, contacts

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Motorcycle's birthday is August 29th. On this day in 1885, the ingenious German and engineer by profession, Gottlieb Daimer, tested a gasoline engine of his own invention. The design on which the prototype motor was installed was two-wheeled and moved briskly. This is how the motorcycle was invented.

In Russia, the era of motorcycles began later. Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant was a leader in its industry. Legendary motorcycle models can still be found in every city and village in the country today. Large model range, the ability to repair literally "on the knee" in any garage, high performance, low cost - fans of IZH motorcycles can nostalgically list the advantages and find new reasons to revive production.

First tryouts

Attempts to create their own motorcycle in Russia began even before the revolution, in 1913-14. It was planned to assemble light models from Swiss parts at the Dux plant (Moscow). Plans were destroyed by the First World War, andafter the revolution of 1917. The next attempt, more successful, was made in 1924 by the design bureau under the control of P. N. Lvov. Engineers were able to design and produce a light motorcycle model in 1925, they called it the Soyuz.

It had a progressive, at that time, design, the main advantages were a 500cc engine and a spring suspension on the rear wheel. Mass production did not follow, the prototype passed some tests and this was the end of the matter, since the profile of the Dux plant was changed. It was possible to design and launch the production of motorcycles of domestic brands in 1928. Izhstalzavod became the base for the installation of capacities. The first motorcycle was developed in a specially created motorcycle building bureau, the chief engineer and head of which was the legendary designer Pyotr Mozharov.

Start in the top five

P. Mozharov was in love with motorcycles and traveled around his native Izhevsk on a German motorcycle model. With his filing, a workshop was opened at Izhstalzavod, and in just one year 5 test IZH motorcycles were created. All of them passed the tests and were preparing for the run of All-Union significance. The very first Soviet motorcycle IZH-1 saw the world on September 17 in 1929, weighed 300 kilograms. Model range and characteristics of the first motorcycles:

• IZH-1 and IZH-2. They were created to pass on the difficult roads of the countryside. Equipped with an in-line engine with two cylinders, a steel frame of increased reliability, a manual transmissionspeeds, an external single-beam frame was created from pressed parts, bright light and some other innovations were a big plus. Model IZH-2 is a modernized IZH-1. But in the end, the first motorcycle had another advantage, important for a country where personal transport was problematic. Four passengers could ride on IZH-1, two on a motorcycle and two in a wheelchair.
• IZH-3. The main advantage of this model was the Wanderer brand engine, in which the crankshaft is located transversely. The rear wheel drive (chain) was placed in a sealed casing filled with oil.
• IZH-4. It was equipped with a two-stroke engine with one cylinder of the "Stock" brand, the rear wheel was driven by a shaft. This model was the lightest in the top five.
• IZH-5, or "Composition". The design used Neander brand motorcycle units, the front fork was additionally developed, the prototype frame was changed.

Tests on the track

The presentation of motorcycles took place at the All-Union motorcycle race in 1929. The competition was held for the second time in its history. Motorcycles IZH successfully overcame the track of 3300 kilometers, and were also able to travel from Izhevsk to Moscow. According to the results of the competition, the IZH-4 model was recommended for mass production. But, Izhstalzavod, due to the workload, could not start serial production. Mozharov, together with a group of designers, moved to Leningrad, where work began on the construction of a light motorcycle of the L-300 brand.

Pre-war serial production

Until the 1930s, there was no mass production of motorcycles in the USSR, but the question of establishing an enterprise was considered. For the serial production of motorcycles, not just assembly shops were required, but a factory where all parts and tools are made, where there are personnel capable of coping with tasks at all levels. The decision was made in favor of Izhevsk, where the Berezin gun factory was located, and then it became the base for the new enterprise. Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant was originally called Experimental Motorcycle Plant.

Originally planned for the release of "NATI - A-750" (heavy modification). Its characteristics included a V-shaped engine with two cylinders, an engine capacity of 747 cubic meters, and an estimated power of 15 hp. The first four samples of this model were made for May Day 1933. In parallel with the heavy motorcycle model, several light samples of IZH-7 were made. As a result, a motorcycle of a light model was admitted to serial production, but with significant changes that were required in the struggle for "reducing labor intensity". The final version of the IZH-7 model lost the trunk, shields, the throttle was replaced with a rotary cuff, and other simplifications were made.

In 1933, the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant produced 111 cars. The pace of production increased, at the same time the work of the design bureau was going on, where new models were developed and existing ones were modernized. In 1938, the production of the IZH-8 motorcycle with a 300 cubic meters engine began. Equipment powerincreased to 8 horsepower.

In 1940, the Izhevsk motorcycle plant began producing the IZH-9 model. The working power of the machine was already 9 horsepower. In parallel, work began on the introduction of the IZH-12 model, which was based on the L-8 model developed at the Leningrad Design Bureau. It was planned to start mass production in 1941, but the war broke out.

Post-war breakthrough

During the period of hostilities, the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant was focused on the production of machine guns and small arms. The revival of motorcycle construction began almost immediately after the Victory, in 1946. According to the law on reparations, drawings and equipment from German factories were delivered from Germany to Izhevsk, which gave a powerful impetus to development. A new design bureau was created at the enterprise, and preparations began for the production of a new model of the IZH-350 motorcycle, the design was based on the German model DKW-350.

The prototype of the German industry was adapted to the Soviet requirements and the capabilities of related industries. The assembly of IZH motorcycles began at the arms factory. From that moment on, the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant became the leader in the production of motorcycles in the Soviet Union.

Affordable and high quality

Until the end of the 60s, production volumes increased, the main emphasis was placed on the design and production of sports models of equipment, the tone was set by the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant. Products leaving the assembly line weredemanded both in the domestic market and abroad. In 1946, the first post-war motorcycle model was modernized at the enterprise. The modernized sample lost the outdated parallelogram fork, instead of it a telescopic fork was designed. Engine power has increased to 14 horsepower, the suspension has undergone significant changes. Its new construction gave it a softer ride and cushioned ride.

During the period of the fifties, four new models of motorcycles entered mass production. The first in the series was the IZH-49 motorcycle. The model was equipped with a single-cylinder engine with a cooling system and double purge, an upgraded rear wheel suspension, and a telescopic fork. The gear box had three positions. The motorcycle was ideal for conquering off-road in the countryside. IZH-50, 54 and 55 were also produced. Motorcycle power increased to 18-19 horsepower.

Flourishing period of stagnation

Since 1966, the motorcycle plant in Izhevsk began to produce new models of road motorcycles. In addition to new characteristics, the vehicles have new names that have now become legendary: IZH Planeta and IZH Jupiter. The IZH Planet motorcycle was produced on the basis of the IZH-56 model. For the new family of motorcycles, the gas tank was modernized, the design of the saddle, shields (front, rear), muffler was changed.

"IZH-Jupiter" was also created on the basis of the motorcycle IZH-56. For the new series, a fundamentally new engine was designed with two cylinders, two-stroke with a two-jet purge systemair cooling. The working mixture of the engine was prepared in the carburetor, ignited by an electric spark in the cylinder. A large number of innovations were also made.

From 1971 to 1975, motorcycles of road models IZH Planeta-3, IZH Jupiter-3, IZH Planet Sport, IZH Jupiter-3K left the assembly line of the enterprise. By this time, the production equipment was at a high level and the company's capabilities increased significantly. In the design bureau, work on new models, the improvement of traditional "izhi" took place at a rapid pace, the experience and capabilities of a large plant affected. Some models of motorcycles were awarded the Quality Mark, which made the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant proud. Spare parts for all models of equipment could be purchased everywhere throughout the country.

The motorcycle "IZH Jupiter" had five models with different sets of qualities, the motorcycle "IZH Jupiter - 5" received the largest number of modifications, there were 22 names. The IZH Planet model had five variants, the most popular model was the IZH Planet Sport motorcycle.

Before 2000s

By the beginning of the 80s, a new highly automated production complex was put into operation at the enterprise. Its estimated production capacity was 450,000 motorcycles per year. During 1981-82. the plant produced motor vehicles of the models "IZH Jupiter - 4" and "IZH Planet -4". In 1985, the IZH Jupiter - 5 model was launched into production, and in 1987 the IZH Planet - 5 motorcycle was released. For this model wasa redesign of the appearance and an engine with a capacity of 22 liters was developed. With. Soon, the modern look was already on all produced IZH motorcycles.

Until the beginning of the 90s, the design bureau designed new models of motorcycles, the development was based on the Japanese XT-550 engine. The equipment was named "Orion", "Marathon", "Sprinter", the models were distinguished by advanced technical characteristics, stylish design and promised great prospects for the implementation of projects.

From 1992 to 1996, the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant makes a unique development - the cargo module IZH 9.604 GR and the side trailer IZH 9.204. Additional modules were designed in such a way as to be installed on any model of Jupiter and Planet motorcycles. To install the cargo module, it was necessary to remove the rear wheel of the motorcycle and attach an additional compartment, thus, a three-wheeled cargo motorcycle was obtained.

For three years (1995-1998) the factory developed new motors and a self-priming centrifugal pump. In 1997, a motorcycle was developed for transporting fire fighting equipment IZH 6.92001, as well as a cargo model IZH 6.920 GR. By 2000, the company announced the development of a new motorcycle design in the chopper style (Izh 6.113-05), the working name is Junker.

Change

During its existence, the Izhevsk Motor Plant, in addition to the production of motorcycles, was engaged in the production of military products and until 1988 the enterprise had a stampsecrecy. Hunting rifles produced at the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant have been known since 1948, their mass production was established after the end of the war. Perestroika had a strong impact on the production profile; since 1992, the company was renamed Aksion Joint-Stock Company.

The IZHMOTO motorcycle plant went bankrupt in 2008 and was officially mothballed for an indefinite period. Recently, publications began to appear in the media about the interest of Chinese entrepreneurs to revive the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant. Photos of developments that did not receive mass production, historical models of the first cars still make a huge impression today.

Hope

Today, the workshops where motorcycles used to be produced are empty. According to people who managed to inspect the production base, only a fenced-off area remained from the enterprise, where the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant once was. Contacts are as follows: Udmurt Republic, Izhevsk, st. Telegina, building 30.

According to official information, LLC Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant (Izhevsk) is engaged in the production of motorcycles, mopeds, motorcycle sidecars and bicycles. In 2014, publications appeared about the possible reincarnation of IZH motorcycles. China became interested in the project, there were suggestions that the Chinese side would place its own production of motorcycles in Udmurtia and the possibility of producing a motorcycle of the IZH-7 series was discussed, but it is not known how things are today.