Moped Alpha 72 cube: high technical characteristics and mega-opportunities

Engine Alpha 72 cc

Let's start, first of all, with the heart of any technology, its engine. The engine on the Alpha 72cc is four-stroke, which is already an advantage, and its cooling occurs by getting air onto the surface or, in other words, by air. As for the engine capacity that the Alpha moped can “boast” of, it is, as the name suggests, 72 cubic meters. cm. Despite such a small volume, this model develops enormous speed and incredible power . In a process involving repairs aimed at modernizing the power unit, it is possible to significantly add power.

If we convert the standard power that the Alpha moped can pull into hp, it will be 5 horses. And its maximum speed does not exceed 7.5-8 thousand rpm.

This engine starts with an electric starter, but there is another option. Manufacturers made sure that the user was able to start the Alpha 72 cc even if the starter was damaged. For this purpose, there is a kick starter, which makes it possible to start it manually.

The transmission of the Alfa 72 cc is 4-speed and manual. She sets it in motion without much difficulty.

Let's start repairing the Chinese miracle of technology

The Alpha 72cc moped is one of the most famous representatives among Chinese motorcycles.
This moped is perfect for use both in rural areas and on city roads. A durable iron frame, complete absence of plastic parts, large diameter wheels - simply created for domestic roads, the quality of which is far from European level. If you ride often, the rather high seating position of the ALPHA moped makes it possible to overcome low obstacles. A big advantage when choosing a moped is its low price, which makes the purchase quite affordable. This would be a good choice for a beginner.

There are models with a side trailer. Practical to use in rural areas. A reliable assistant in the household.

Economical, with an engine capacity of 72 cubic meters and air cooling, the Alpha moped is unpretentious. This is an extremely simple transport and servicing it couldn’t be easier! You simply cannot find a simpler engine, and spare parts cheaper than Alfa’s can only be found in a dream.

Anyone can carry out tuning or repairs on an Alpha moped with their own hands.

Before you start disassembling the motor, you should fix it on the center stand and completely remove all the plastic. All power systems should be turned off - tank, carburetor and fuel filter; The oil should also be drained.

The engine should be removed along with the transmission, and the Alpha moped should be repaired on a flat surface.

You can remove the alpha engine according to the following diagram:

remove the muffler and exhaust pipe;
remove the camshaft gear cover;
unscrew all 4 bolts from the cylinder cover;
remove the top cover and cylinder head;
We study the degree of wear of the valves, check how dirty the insides of the system parts are.

Is this your first time repairing an Alpha moped yourself? No problem! A moped is not a hadron collider; nothing has changed in 50 years of moped construction. For convenience, draw a diagram of the location of the parts so that later you can complete the assembly without any problems.

A smartphone can help, take photos of each step so that later you can reassemble in the reverse order without confusion.

If it is necessary to replace the valves, or if there are gaps in the fit, then they need to be removed:

Place the head on a level place. To prevent the valve from being damaged during dismantling, it is better to place a layer of thick rubber or a rag under it;
we select the socket head, place it on the valve plate and hit it hard with a hammer;
release the crackers, remove the top plate and valve washer;
remove the valve and guide bushing. To complete the repair of the Alfa moped engine, after replacing the parts, we begin assembling the engine in the reverse order, putting everything in its place, observing the marks. Don't forget to add fresh oil.

The gearbox of an Alpha moped often fails and requires constant attention. The author of this article got the sprockets stuck in the box while driving in 4th gear 10 years ago. When trying to force a gear change, for some reason the gearbox automatically selected first gear and the moped was driven at a speed of under 100 km/h. I just braked without throwing the author of this article over the steering wheel. Yes, there are difficulties with gearboxes. Repairing it at home is not particularly difficult for a beginner.

Features of the Alpha moped

Alpha 72 cube has its own characteristics. In particular, they have the following properties.

It is not the cardan that goes to the wheel, but the chain. Repairs a priori become easier;
Moped length 1.8 m;
Width – 50 cm;
Alpha's weight is 81 kg. It is considered small for mopeds and again, this characteristic is indispensable in a process such as repair;
The front wheel is 17 inches and the rear wheel is the same. On the other hand, the volume of the rear wheel is larger;
The brakes are operated manually. The lever is located like bicycle structures on the handlebar. The brakes are drum type, which again makes repairs easier.

Shock absorbers

Among the features of the Alfa, shock absorbers can also be highlighted. They are hydraulic. This makes it possible to quickly maneuver in difficult conditions without fear of consequences. The excellent shock absorbers that this model has, as well as a strong frame, the correct wheel diameter and much more - this is the ability to pass through holes and potholes, for example, on rural country roads. Repairs, even after going through the worst off-road conditions, will only be required for decorative inserts.

Interestingly, the Alpha moped provides another unique opportunity. It is appreciated by many handymen. The “homemade” craftsmen manage to install even shock absorbers from Russian Minsk or Voskhod motorcycles on this moped when repairs are being carried out. It is clear that this way you can save a lot on spare parts, and in some cases, increase the cross-country ability of the Alpha moped.

Fuel tank

The Alfa's fuel tank is not so large, but this can be easily explained. The fact is that these 4 liters are enough for 200 km and therefore there was no need to equip a light moped with a large tank.

As for the contents of the tank, you can fill it with regular Russian 95 gasoline.

The carrying capacity of this Alpha model is also admirable. This moped can easily pull 120 kg. In other words, if two adult men sit on a moped, it will go without any problems. According to some rural residents who own a moped of this model, it copes well even with slush and dirty roads.

In a word, the cross-country ability of the Alpha 72 cc is at the highest level. This moped is ideal for trips to the country or to the lake.

Design

It is an example to follow and the design of this brainchild of the Chinese motorcycle industry. You admire a moped as if it were a real motorcycle. In addition, the Alpha 72 muffler is of particular beauty, made in a special shape and emitting pleasant sporty notes. The feet of the owner of the Alpha 72 cube will stand on shiny stands. In a word, a real classic of the genre, only instead of a real bike - a moped.

The instrument panel is also good looking. It includes a speedometer and various warning lights. They are very useful when driving, as they notify the driver about which light is currently on - high or low, which turn signal is activated, and so on.

The rear view mirrors are a special design feature. They are beautiful and highlight the beauty of our moped.

Behind the driver’s back, as expected, there is space for a trunk. Incredibly comfortable backrest for the passenger, stylish and practical.

Safety

As for safety while driving, there are some advantages here too. Side arches that do not deform when the moped falls in an accident (they practically do not require repairs). They are all metal, made from durable pipes.

Do-it-yourself repair of Alpha moped engines

When the moped does not start, the muffler fires and black smoke comes out of it, this means that you have a problem with the carburetor. To fix these problems, you need to clean the carburetor and air filter, also make carburetor adjustments and tighten the bolts thoroughly.

If your moped takes a long time to accelerate, and the engine does not have enough standard power, the problem is broken valves. The old valves need to be replaced with new ones and the moped will work again.

If the Alpha moped cannot accelerate to the required speed, although it has high speeds, and the engine roars like crazy and shifts gears intermittently, the problem is clutch wear. To repair the clutch you need to do the following: you must remove the engine and the plastic cover from it, then unscrew the clamping bolt and the adjustment mechanism, then tighten the clamping bolt tightly, and start the moped. After all this, you need to drive a little at first speed, about a couple of meters. Also, another cause of engine-related problems is wear of the drive sprockets , in which case you will have to replace them with new ones.

Engine overheating . This problem can be solved very simply - add oil. If suddenly oil leaks from somewhere, you should definitely contact a professional.

Alpha moped engine repair

Let's take it slowly, in order:

first remove the cylinder, then the rotor and clutch block;
carefully remove the retaining ring (you need a screwdriver and a thin knife or blade) and the drive gear;
To remove the speed unit, unscrew the fastener - the bolt on the back side.
remove the gear shift fork;
remove the crankshaft and drum.

When the repair of the Alpha moped box is completed, assemble the gearbox using the reverse algorithm.

Recently, on the repair forum, Alf found an article from the manufacturer with recommendations. The article began with the words “Repair of an Alpha moped for many begins almost immediately after purchase.” Alas, this is the bitter truth. If you are choosing between a used Alfa with a mileage of 10 thousand and a new Alfa three times more expensive, then it is better to buy a used one, since many problems will begin in the new one, in time you will not “win” even one season.

And the problem is not that the alpha moped is a bad transport, but that it is cheap, which means many of the components in it are assembled from slightly more fragile materials. This means that it needs to be closely monitored, serviced on time, and the driving style should be calm.

There are three types of simple upgrades that can be made on the first day of purchase:

Replace the seat with a more comfortable one.
Install a 110 or 125 cylinder instead of the standard 49 or 72.
Replace sprockets from 14 to 16 to increase speed or, conversely, from 14 to 13 to increase traction. The standard 14 teeth are no good at all.

Increase in cylinder volume - replacement from 50 cc. at 125 cc., will add power, which is never enough. To do this, in addition to the cylinder head, you will have to change the pistons and carburetor. You can carry out such maintenance of the Alpha moped yourself. The author of this article saw with his own eyes how a man bought only a 110 cylinder and installed it right next to the store instead of the standard one. Nothing else was changed - neither the carburetor nor the head.

Did the moped go after that? Yes. How long? No. Everything jammed, right down to the connecting rod and crankshaft.

Once you have disassembled the timing belt and CPG, put the parts in separate boxes. Sketch the position of the gears and forks on paper before removal or take a high-quality photograph on your smartphone.

Do not hurry. Think more, do less. Don’t be afraid and don’t be lazy to study the hardware, watch a lot of video tutorials until the structure of the motor is completely clear to you.

Hang panniers, change headlights and mirrors. The Alpha moped is from the series that will respond to any of your concerns with reliability in thousands of your future kilometers. But remember, installing a more powerful light bulb will put a strain on the battery. Install a powerful battery and the generator may not be able to charge it.

I have seen three types of generators on alphas - two-coil, three-coil and 6-coil. At the same time, the motors were completely of the same type and cost the same. The 6-coil battery is capable of charging a full 10 Ah motorcycle battery. The two-coil battery can hardly charge even the standard 3 Ah battery.

If the Alpha moped is not able to reach the required speed, despite the roar of the engine and solid revolutions, it is impossible to stop the spinning wheel, and gear shifting occurs intermittently, then the cause of the malfunction is clutch wear.

To fix the problem you need to:

remove the engine;
remove the plastic cover;
unscrew the tightening screw;
Unscrew the adjustment mechanism and tighten the screw tightly;
start a moped;
turn on first gear and drive a few meters.

Another cause of moped engine malfunction may be wear on the drive sprockets. If they are very worn, they must be replaced with new ones. Their cost is simply ridiculous, do this and you may feel like your moped has found a new life!

You may encounter the problem of engine overheating. The situation can be corrected after adding oil. But if it leaks, this is a bad sign.

I don’t mean one drop a day dripping from under the engine, but actual oil leakage, indicating depressurization of the power unit.

In this case, it is necessary to drain the oil, disassemble the engine completely, find a leak (most often the problem is in the seals) and reassemble it taking into account repairs.

This is what an Alpha engine overheating looks like

It is necessary to disassemble the gearbox in order to replace used parts. As we have already mentioned, the Alpha gearbox is one of the weakest and most vulnerable parts.

Gearbox repair in progress

Motor repair is carried out as follows:

Using a screwdriver or blade, remove the retaining ring and the transmission drive gear;
Carefully unscrew the gear fixing bolt and remove the gear shift mechanism;
remove the gear shift fork and shaft;
remove the crankshaft and drum (including the core);
After replacing the worn part with a new one, reassemble (in reverse order).

To assemble the gas distribution mechanism, pay attention to the following parts:

You should definitely make sure that the chain vibration damper is working correctly (if you blow inside, it should let air through a little);
When the damper contacts the tensioner, friction occurs (the rough surface of the tensioner should be polished).

To prevent the sprocket from jumping off the axle, it should be lubricated with grease. Then the cover is installed, pre-lubricated with sealant. After this procedure, install the starter star and chain guide.