IZH Jupiter-4K with a stroller: risen from the dust (24 photos)

What was a motorcycle with a sidecar like in its original form? This is a vehicle that consists of a two-wheeled motorcycle and a tightly attached stroller on one wheel.

Motorcycles with sidecars were previously very popular, because they were used as a cheap replacement for a passenger car. During the Soviet era, the most famous brands of motorcycles were “YAVA”, “IZH”, “URAL”, and “Dnepr” with a Velorex sidecar.

Principle and features of control

The sidecar in motorcycles is used to seat passengers and to place cargo in the trunk, in which a spare wheel can be mounted. Sometimes a stroller may only serve as cargo and not be intended for passengers.

Depending on the traffic rules, the stroller will be placed on a certain side. When driving on the left, the stroller is on the left side; when driving on the right, it is on the right.

This unit has some similarities with a tricycle, but a motorcycle with a sidecar is less symmetrical. The sidecar wheel moves forward and rotates slightly inward compared to the rear wheel of a motorcycle. The motorcycle itself is placed slightly at an angle from the sidecar so that the sidecar does not pull the motorcycle along with it. A special damper is installed on the steering wheel, which prevents vibrations.

Motorcycles with a sidecar can, according to their operation, detach the sidecar if they can move without it. Much depends on the drive of the motorcycle, for example, it can be installed on the rear wheel, or on the wheel of a sidecar, the cross-country ability of the motorcycle depends on this.

The motorcycle sidecar system has a hand brake that acts on the front wheel and a foot brake that acts on the rear wheel and the sidecar wheel. All motorcycles are equipped with a parking brake to keep the vehicle stationary.

The gearbox in such units can be installed for reverse gear; in addition, special headlights, turn signals, brake lights, sometimes “finder lights,” fog lights and other types of optics are installed.

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When you ride such a motorcycle, you do not need to keep your balance; the only thing you need to take into account during acceleration and braking is that the motorcycle can pull the driver to the side. If you turn sharply to the side, the sidecar wheel can come off and overturn the motorcycle with the driver.

It is interesting that in many sports motorcycle disciplines where motorcycles with sidecars are used, not only the driver, but also the passenger participates in the race. The passenger actively prevents the motorcycle from tipping over and, while in the sidecar, controls the turns of the motorcycle. Below is a photo of a motorcycle with a sidecar, which shows how clearly the spare fuel tank is placed; you can safely ride long distances.

Specifications

The detailed characteristics of this motorcycle are summarized in the table:

Motorcycle "Izh"

Izh motorcycles began to be produced in the city of Izhevsk 60 years ago. Over such a long period of time, about 12 million motorcycles of various models were produced. The most famous among them was the Planet motorcycle, as it was one of the first motorcycles that was produced with a sidecar. The Izh motorcycle with a sidecar made it possible to transport children up to 12 years old; they were reliable and safe. Often such transport was used for trips to the village or traveling with the wind, which was impressive at that time. The trailer could be used to transport things, and since a motorcycle is an inexpensive form of transport, it was an excellent replacement for a passenger car and was capable of carrying up to three people.

It’s not for nothing that after such transport, the demand for cars fell sharply. Over the entire period of production of Izh motorcycles, the color scheme changed; there were black, blue, red and light brown shades. Later, cargo side trailers, types of stationary engines were improved and fire safety equipment was installed. However, after the heavy debts of the Izhmoto plant, production was mothballed in 2008 for an unknown period.

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Electrical equipment.

1. Izh planet 4 has battery ignition.

2.The power of the alternator is 100W, 14v, 8A.

3. Rechargeable battery MTS 9, 12 volts, 10 Ah.

4. Relay regulator BPV 14-10.

5.Electronic turn signal interrupter.

6. Ignition start coil IZhPS assembly No. 39.

Motorcycle "Ural"

The motorcycle began to be produced at the Irbit plant; they belong to Russian heavy transport. The Ural motorcycle sidecar can have front-wheel drive, making the motorcycle suitable for riding both on and off-road. Ural motorcycles have not stopped production; they are still being modernized and new models are being produced. The appearance and technical characteristics are similar to the developments of pre-war Germany. This vehicle is a global brand - only 3 percent of the Ural motorcycle production is sold to Russia and the CIS, and 97 percent is sold to the USA, Australia, Canada and EU countries. It’s not for nothing that this vehicle is used in the defense of Iraq - they use the stroller to mount a machine gun.

The new Ural sidecar motorcycles have a modernized power unit, steering and braking system, improved design and finishing quality, and electronic fuel injection. In addition, a new camshaft, two-piston Brembo brake with floating disc and air filter are installed, resulting in a significant increase in torque. In total, more than 200 motorcycle parts were modernized.

Now, if we compare a passenger car: a motorcycle is 5 kg less, the cruising speed is increased and becomes 110 km per hour, and at the same time it consumes fuel economically. Motorcycles have regained their former trust in us.

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Design

The appearance of the bike was diligently copied from the DKW-350, so the Soviet side, one might say, did not bother with the design at all. These days the bike looks like its modern retro brethren try to look, but for its era its appearance was quite modern. Two separate seats, a massive round headlight, a teardrop-shaped gas tank - everything is in the style of the 50s, which is clearly visible in the photo.

Repair and tuning

When it comes to such ancient motorcycle technology, its simplicity becomes a double-edged sword. On the one hand, even a novice mechanic can figure out such a design, and on the other hand, it uses some specific solutions that may quite surprise a more experienced motorcyclist accustomed to modern motorcycles.

Repair

If you want, you can repair everything on this motorcycle. However, one must keep in mind that all this iron is older than its owner, and it must be treated with care. Unfortunately, the years take their toll, and accidentally tearing off the head of a bolt worn away by years of corrosion is easier than it seems.

Spare parts

Finding original spare parts for IZH 49 is extremely difficult, since they have not been produced since the 60s of the last century. Some things fit from other Izhevsk-made models, and in general you can always find something. However, you will have to look for original components for restoration, and they are expensive. They are not available in stores; it is advisable to look for them on message boards and forums of owners of Soviet motorcycles.

Tuning

An attempt to subject an ancient bike to collective farm tuning instead of restoring it to the original must be equated to vandalism. This rarity is good in its original condition, and any attempts to “improve” it are doomed to failure. But those copies of Izh49 that will never go anywhere again sometimes become donors for other custom cars.

FAQ

• What is the best way to select spare parts? There are no originals. Much is suitable from other Soviet motorcycles. The most popular “related” donor is IZH-56, which in itself is still a rarity, although some nodes can be borrowed even from the first Jupiter and Planet.
• Is it possible to drive it at all? It’s possible, of course, but is it necessary? IZH 49 has long moved into the class of equipment that is usually transported from one exhibition to another in a trailer.
• Is there anything like a service manual for this model? With the tightening torque of bolts, etc.? No, seventy years ago no one had heard of torque wrenches.

Advantages and disadvantages

When pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of a motorcycle, it is necessary to compare it with its “classmates,” which is especially important when reviewing vintage equipment. Therefore, we will compare the Izh-49 with Soviet bikes, more or less contemporary, and not with motor vehicles of the 21st century, otherwise it will be difficult to maintain objectivity.

Advantages

• High reliability . Even now, after so many years, these motorcycles continue to ride! If, of course, you look after them properly.
• Maintainability . If you do not set yourself the goal of achieving 100% authenticity, then bringing the old “49” back to life will not be difficult with the help of other suitable spare parts.
• Availability of a side stroller . Most copies were produced without it, but this does not mean that you cannot find the stroller separately.

Flaws

• Lack of spare parts . It is extremely difficult to find them, and yet the used parts found on sale are usually expensive.
• Age of all surviving specimens. The youngest of them will be sixty-two years old in 2021.
• No turn signals . Of course, you can always show the direction of rotation with a wave of your hand, but the Izh-49 will have to be decorated as a special rare vehicle, otherwise the traffic police officers will have a lot of questions about its design.