In 1971, simultaneously with the Jupiter-3 model, the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant launched the slightly cheaper Izh Planeta-3 motorcycle into series. Unified in most parts, it was distinguished by an engine that had only one cylinder.
This design of the power unit, which had a return-loop purge circuit, was tested on the previous Planet-2 model. The designers tried to simplify the maintenance and repair of equipment by making the engine crankshaft dismountable and providing for the possibility of repairing the gearbox without dismantling the unit.
Specifications
The Izh Planet 3 motorcycle is a typical product of its time, inexpensive, widespread and accessible . The relatively low reliability was compensated by its low cost, and many motorcycle tourists conquered the vast expanses of the Soviet Union on this bike.
Engine
The single-cylinder engine with a volume of 347 cc is capable of accelerating the bike without a sidecar to 110 kilometers per hour . With a side trailer, the maximum speed is limited to 80 km/h . There is no fuel pump, so the engine enters the combustion chambers by gravity.
Transmission
In Izh Planet 3, Soviet designers introduced a 4-speed gearbox, previously used on previous models of the line, but in a modified form. The scheme is standard - 1-N-2-3-4 .
Chassis and brakes
The engine and the transmission interlocked with it are installed in an extremely simple tubular steel frame The wheels are spoked, chambered. Suspension without adjustments - telescopic fork at the front and spring-oil shock absorbers at the rear. The brakes are archaic, drum design . From a technical point of view, everything is very simple, and therefore repairable.
Electronics
The on-board system is designed for 6 volts ; the transition to 12V was made later, in the Izh p4 model. The bike has a minimum of electronics - a switch, a generator, a battery (capacity up to 18 Ah), a kickstarter. An electric starter is not provided by the design. Moreover, it was the Izh P3 that became one of the first Soviet motorcycles equipped with turn signals.
Weight and dimensions
According to the Soviet classification, Izh p3 belonged to medium-sized motorcycles. Weight without a side trailer is about 165 kg , with a stroller this parameter increases significantly. Such weight and size characteristics are characteristic of all motor vehicles produced in the USSR of that era.
Controllability
The simplest tubular frame and primitive suspension do not contribute to good handling. And on a bike with a sidecar, it’s better to forget about sharp maneuvers altogether, so as not to tip over in a turn.
Fuel consumption
The stated figure is no more than 5 liters when driving on the highway at any speed. In practice, it ranges from 4 to 6 liters , and often depends on the technical condition of a particular instance. But an 18-liter is enough in any case.
The difference between Jupiter IZH-4 and its predecessor, IZH Yu3
Actually, the “fourth” is considered the most successful and reliable among the Jupiter generation.
It differs from its predecessor, IZH Jupiter-3, in having a more powerful power unit (the power of IZH Jupiter-4 is 28 horsepower, while Jupiter-3 produces only 25). Engineers managed to increase engine power due to a new cylinder design. In the new cylinders, the designers provided wider purge windows. Due to this, the maximum crankshaft speed has increased (7800 rpm). But, unfortunately, in the pursuit of money, the plant overlooked the issue of quality and reliability of the design. Years later, IZH Jupiter-4 showed its weaknesses. Namely, the design of the cylinders did not provide for higher strength and reliability. The engine life has been significantly reduced due to the increase in purge windows.
In addition to modernizing the cylinder-piston group, Izhmash specialists provided modern 12-volt electrical equipment for the new Jupiter model. This modernization gave the IZH Yu-4 a brighter light and a more powerful ignition spark compared to the 6-volt previous models.
Repair and tuning
Repairing a motorcycle is not difficult, but before you jump into tuning, you should think hard. Perhaps it's worth restoring an old bike instead of trying to bring it up to modern standards?
Repair
Izh motorcycles have always been famous for their maintainability. The p3 model is no exception to the rule - everything can be repaired in it, and no special tools are required for this.
Spare parts
Thirty-five years after the model was discontinued, there are still no problems with spare parts. Many parts fit from other Izh motorcycles, and the P3 itself has produced more than a million copies, so there are plenty of donors.
Tuning
Many owners reduce tuning Izh p3 to replacing some components with more modern and reliable ones. The donor is often Izh p5, due to the compatibility of the parts and their availability for sale. The standard carburetor, which requires frequent adjustments, is also sometimes replaced with some inexpensive modern analogue.
There is room to turn around
The technology turned out to be not only reliable, but also tenacious. It is found quite often on the roads and in the garages of motorcycle tuning and restoration enthusiasts. When you start tidying up a used motorcycle, remember that the wiring diagram for the Izh Jupiter 3 has been changed several times by the manufacturer.
Finding reliable data is hardly possible anymore. If there is no charging or one of the devices does not work, it is unlikely that it will be possible to find the cause using the description of a model from a different year of manufacture.
If you are going to use the equipment constantly, then since standard equipment operates at a voltage of 6 volts, it makes sense to convert Izh Jupiter 3 to 12 volts. To do this you will have to replace with new ones:
- Generator.
- Semiconductor rectifier (SRC).
- Ignition coil.
- Turn relay.
- Light bulbs (all).
- Battery.
At the same time, it makes sense to install BSZ. Electronic ignition will greatly simplify engine starting in any weather and make its operation more stable. Having done this, you will no longer regularly wonder how to set the ignition correctly.
During the remodeling, you can redesign the Izh Jupiter 3 wiring diagram yourself, or use one of the options posted on the Internet. But before you get down to business, keep in mind that it is very difficult to perform high-quality tuning with your own hands.
You will need special tools and a variety of skills. There are many options for upgrading the Izh Jupiter 3, but they are all designed for people who are technically savvy.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Hl3_BhJVnFY
Previous entry Motorcycle tuning Minsk - instructions for modernization Next entry Three-wheeled scooter Ant - review
Motorcycle modifications
- Izh Planet 3 (1971-1977) . The very first version.
- Izh Planet 3-01 (1977-1981) . It features different rear shock absorbers (now it is possible to adjust the pretension). The engine was modified (power increased by 2 hp), a new K62I carburetor was installed. Other changes include new mufflers and a taillight.
- Izh Planet 3-02 (1981-1985) . The gas tank, mud guards, seat and steering controls have been updated. All this was borrowed from Planet-4, which was already being produced in parallel at that time.
Model "IZH Planeta-3-02"
In 1981, with the light hand of Izhmash designers, a modernized motorcycle model rolled off the production lines. This time the innovations affected:
- carburetor: one horsepower was added;
- A new fuel tank was developed and installed on the motorcycle, which was subsequently transferred to the subsequent model of the IZH motorcycle, which was called “Planet-4”.
Over four years, more than 210 thousand motorcycles of this modification were produced.
Advantages and disadvantages
It is unfair to evaluate Izh p3 by modern standards. Its development took place almost half a century ago, and the bike was completely consistent with its time.
Advantages
- Easily removable wheels with tangential spokes. If necessary, they can be easily dismantled and put back.
- Spacious 18-liter gas tank . The range without refueling during quiet driving on the highway reaches 350 km/h.
- Maintainability . There is nothing on this bike that can't be fixed.
- Possibility to install a stroller.
Flaws
- 2-stroke engine . Its lifespan is short, and you need to fill the gas tank with oil at every gas station.
- Mechanical drum brakes . They are ineffective even taking into account the sluggish acceleration dynamics.
- The advanced age of all specimens. Finding Izh Planet 3 in a “living” state is becoming more and more difficult every year.
Notes
- ↑ 123
[www.zr.ru/archive/zr/1986/10/spravochnaia-sluzhba#8 How many and what kind of Izhas?] // “Behind the Wheel”: magazine. - 1986. - No. 10. - P. 8. - B. F. Demchenko, G. S. Mikryukov.
Motorcycles with the Izh brand. - Moscow: DOSAAF USSR, 1982. - 160 p. - V. Vakin
[www.zr.ru/archive/zr/1978/11/sovietskaia-tiekhnika#3 More comfortable, more powerful, safer] // “Behind the Wheel”: magazine. - 1978. - No. 11. - P. 3.
Owner reviews
As a child, I drove a P3 around the village, although at the time I thought it was a P4, I only found out later. There were no documents)) It was the first moto in my life, I rode well, Voskhody and Minsk could not keep up. Dmitry, Zheleznogorsk.
Because of nostalgic memories, in 2021 I bought a third Planet for restoration, for 20k, with documents. In a few years of leisurely work, I did everything, sandblasted the frame, repainted everything, threw out the entire collective farm and replaced everything with the original. Now the only new carburetor is a Japanese one instead of the original one, but there are plans to change it too. For me this is a weekend bike, ride on a warm evening and remember your youth. Gregory, Lyubertsy.
The moth is tenacious and will survive a nuclear war if necessary. It can be repaired with a file and a hammer, many spare parts are suitable for u3, u5 and p5. If you need timeless equipment that will always run, and there is no fear of getting your hands dirty, this is an excellent option. Anatoly, Kursk.
Tools
Tools you will need:
- Drill or screwdriver
- Metal drill 4 - 5 mm
- Flat file
- Technical hair dryer
- Mandrels. Plumbing fittings can be used as mandrels
- Powerful flat head screwdriver
- Open-end or socket wrench 14
- Clamp
- Hammer or mallet
- Oil can or syringe
- Sealant
FAQ
- Approximately how many P3 units were produced? Even the exact number is known - 1,095,439 copies of all modifications combined.
- Can you put any gasoline in it? Yes, any, even AI-76, if you find it. But do not forget to mix it with oil in a ratio of 25 to 1.
- Is it worth bothering with restoration? I have one of these in my garage. Depends on your goals and capabilities. You can bring the bike to perfection, but some original spare parts will cost a pretty penny.
Conclusion
The Izh Planet 3 motorcycle is of interest only to collectors. Due to the outdated design and considerable age of all copies, it is possible to use this model as everyday transport, but this will be associated with a number of inconveniences. But bringing the bike to collectible condition and riding it on weekends is a great idea .
Specifications
| Maximum engine power: | 18 hp at 5,000-5,600 rpm HP |
| Working volume: | 346 cm3 |
| Motor type (cylinder arrangement, number of strokes): | |
| Number of valves: | |
| Intake type (Injector / Carburetor): | |
| Bore and stroke: | |
| Starting system (Electric starter, kick starter): | |
| Maximum speed in km/h: | 110 km/h |
| Cooling system: | Air |
| Transmission (gearbox): | Mechanical 4-speed |
| Clutch (Dry / Wet): | |
| Drive unit: | Chain |
| Frame: | Tubular, welded |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension (front/rear travel): | |
| Brakes (Front/Rear): | |
| Wheels / Tires / Rubber: | |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Dimensions (Length / Width): | |
| Seat height: | |
| Ground clearance: | |
| Curb weight: | |
| Wheelbase: | 1400 mm |
| Weight: | 168 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 18 l. |
| Battery capacity: | |
| Year of release: | |
| Country of Origin: |
Familiar problems
Reviews from owners indicate that, regardless of the version and year of manufacture, the Izh Planet-3 motorcycle had the same disadvantages:
- Engine vibration associated with its design features. Almost all single-cylinder engines suffer from this.
- Problematic electrical equipment. Almost identical to the Jupiter of the same years of production, the 6-volt wiring installed on Izh Planet-3 was not of very high quality. An insufficiently powerful generator created problems when driving at night.
Completely eliminating engine vibrations is almost impossible. Even serious engine tuning does not completely solve the problem. You have to put up with this feature of technology. As for electrics, motorcycle lovers who are interested in tuning Izh Planet-3 often ask the same questions:
- How to detect ignition system malfunctions?
- What to do if charging is lost?
- How to replace the relay regulator?
- Does it make sense to install electronic ignition?
- How to replace a failed generator?
- Where can I find the wiring diagram for Izh Planet-3 at 6 volts?
- How to install BSZ?
These questions are countless and it is simply impossible to answer them in one review article. This requires digging deeper. And therefore we will try to answer as briefly as possible.
- Since the wiring diagram on Izh Planet-3 was repeatedly changed even depending on individual series, one cannot count on an exact match of its description. Sad but true.
- Replacing electrical wiring, switching electrical equipment operating from 6 volts to 12 volts and installing contactless ignition are completely justified steps to improve the performance of a motorcycle. After such modernization, ignition installation is simplified, and engine operation becomes more stable. At the same time, you will know exactly how the electrical circuit of your Izh Planet-3 works!
But it’s clearly not worth getting down to business without the necessary skills or suitable tools. As for DIY tuning enthusiasts, for them the Izh Planeta-3 motorcycle is an unplowed field for activity. There is room to expand here. Go for it!
If you found the article useful and interesting, continue to expand your horizons by getting acquainted with the history and structure of popular technology. Find out what might be interesting about tuning Izh Jupiter-5, or what technical characteristics the Ant cargo scooter had. Stay on our website!
Previous entry Motorcycle Izh Planet 7 - technical parameters, review Next entry Motorcycle Tula - technical characteristics, review
