Classic motorcycle technology will always be in fashion and motorcycles from the USSR are still considered leaders in Russia. One of the most memorable vehicles is the Minsk 125.
Until now, satisfied owners of Minsk consider this model the most successful, because it is a universal, powerful and durable technique. In Minsk you could drive on any roads, be it a city highway or a harsh broken road. The seating position of the motorcycle is more than comfortable; even a beginner could easily figure out this model.
Pros:
- relatively powerful engine;
- easy repairs and available parts;
- simple and robust design;
- low fuel consumption.
Minuses:
- the power and simplicity of the motorcycle are not suitable for experienced riders;
- Few copies have survived to this day.
Technical indicators
Judging by the reviews of its owners, the Minsk m 125 has good quality indicators, which should be noted:
| Dimensions (length; width; height) | 210; 77; 123 cm |
| Weight (dry) | 120 kg |
| Speed | 90 km/h maximum |
| Fuel tank volume | 11 l. |
| Engine | 2-stroke 1-cylinder air-cooled |
| Fuel consumption | 3.7 l/100 km |
| Engine capacity | 125 cc cm |
| Start | Kickstarter |
| Engine power | 10.5 l. With. at 5900 rpm |
| Brake system | Drum |
| Suspensions (front; rear) | Telescopic fork; pendulum with 2 shock absorbers |
Thanks to its standard dimensions and low weight, the motorcycle is very simple and easy to operate even for people of short stature. The impressive volume of the fuel tank and low fuel consumption (about 3 liters on a combined cycle) allow you to drive for a long time without refueling. The powerful single-cylinder engine is capable of reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h, although 60-70 km/h are optimal.
Anyone, even a novice driver, will be able to calmly and, most importantly, safely move around the city or on the highway. The motorcycle is ideal for learning or honing control skills, as it is equipped with reliable drum brakes and soft suspension.
Technical characteristics Minsk 125
Due to its owner-friendly technical characteristics, many experts have recognized this model as the easiest to operate. The Minsk Bicycle Plant in Belarus began producing the motorcycle. To maximize seating comfort, the manufacturer decided to set the average saddle height to 800 mm.
For better operation on difficult roads, it was decided to install rear shock absorbers, and 17-inch aluminum wheels are additionally responsible for better acceleration. The maximum speed is 5,900, but even at low speeds the motorcycle can show excellent speed.
In those days, manufacturers installed the most necessary elements on motorcycles, so the steering wheel received a minimum of parts and unnecessary functions. There is a simple instrument panel and audible alarm.
Pros and cons of the model
To begin with, it is worth noting the positive aspects of the motorcycle, of which there are quite a lot:
- Good dynamic characteristics of Minsk m 125;
- Small dimensions and weight.
- Good handling.
- Low fuel consumption.
- Reasonable price (about 43–48 thousand rubles for a new motorcycle).
- Powerful engine.
- Possibility of purchasing spare parts in any specialized store;
- Ease of repair and operation.
- Multifunctionality (you can drive both on the steppe and on hilly terrain).
- The motorcycle does not require special care - just changing the oil, as well as the chain and sprockets when worn out.
- You can safely drive this vehicle even at low temperatures (down to -34 degrees Celsius).
The model also has weaknesses that many owners have identified:
- Large vibration when driving, despite the quality of the suspension;
- Some owners complain of muscle stiffness and pain in the spine during long trips;
- Inconspicuous appearance.
It should be noted that the last drawback repels many potential buyers who prefer to choose Chinese or Korean equipment of the same class.
Review of the Minsk 125 motorcycle
This model appeared a long time ago, but then it already had competitors with a large engine capacity and a stylish look. But Minsk 125 was able to gain great popularity precisely because of its simplicity and relatively low price. With a fairly light weight, the handling allows almost anyone to operate the motorcycle. For better maneuverability and stability on difficult roads, a strong frame was developed, the material for which was stainless steel.
The Minsk 125 engine is especially reliable and unpretentious; the manufacturer did a good job to create an original engine with one cylinder for 2 strokes and a power of 11 horses. Also, to improve engine performance and reliability, the cylinder surface is made of ceramic material, which is rarely used on such equipment. Like most motorcycles of those times, no one could afford liquid cooling, so Minsk has an air system. A 4-speed manual transmission is responsible for smooth and uninterrupted operation. Often people buy this model for riding in the countryside and on difficult roads, and the motorcycle copes with its duties perfectly.
Station wagon and enduro
The scope of use of motorcycles has recently shifted from highways, from the streets of large cities and is increasingly gravitating towards rural areas, small towns and villages.
“Behind the Wheel” has addressed this problem more than once (1985, No. 7; 1986, No. 4 and No. and addressed it to the motorcycle industry. For our part, we, the workers of the Minsk Motorcycle and Bicycle Plant, based on the responses of consumers living in rural areas, felt that it was time to develop a special modification for them, called enduro.
Universal motorcycle MMVZ—3.112.1.
Now our plant, along with the basic universal-purpose model (MMVZ-3.112.1), has also begun to produce its “rural” modification (MMVZ-3.112.11). Both of them have retained the traditional advantages of the brand - simplicity of design and maintenance, unpretentiousness in operation, and are largely similar in design.
The two-stroke engine runs on a mixture of low-octane gasoline A-76 with almost any type of motor oil. Advanced finning of the cylinder and head ensures effective cooling in difficult road and weather conditions. The use of high-quality materials and modern processing methods creates the basis for the durability of machines, the mileage of which must be at least 25 thousand kilometers before major repairs. Important conditions for the longevity of the motor are a needle bearing in the upper head of the connecting rod, good air purification with a paper filter element.
The electronic contactless, batteryless ignition system guarantees easy starting, stable engine operation and is essentially maintenance-free. The motorcycles have 12-volt electrical equipment and lighting devices that meet the requirements of European standards, which distinguishes them favorably from the MMVZ-3.112 model.
Motorcycle for rural areas MMVZ—3.112.11.
The safety of passengers is promoted not only by effective brakes, but also by such elements as folding footrests and a safety fuel tank cap (at “3.112.11”).
Of particular interest, in our opinion, is the “rural” version of the motorcycle - MMVZ-3.112.11. It has now become clear that the tendency to increase engine power while simultaneously increasing the crankshaft speed did not take into account the operating conditions of motorcycles and ultimately turned out to be untenable. After all, maximum power is by no means the main parameter that determines the traction and dynamic qualities of a car. An example of this is the Belarus tractor and the Zhiguli car, whose maximum power values are close, but other indicators are completely different.
Compared to the base model, the engine of the new modification develops less maximum power, but is more powerful over a wide speed range. If we take into account that only a small fraction of the time it operates at modes close to maximum speed, and it is advantageous to have the difference between the speed at maximum power and maximum torque as large as possible, it becomes clear that the motor of the “rural” version is better adapted to load changes, more “traction” and “elasticity”. In addition, the new motorcycle is more economical than the universal one.
In order to increase cross-country ability, the rural modification was equipped with a reverse gear with an increased gear ratio, the front wheel mudguard was raised, the shape of the muffler was changed, and the ground clearance under the engine was increased, replacing the central stand with a side support. The steering wheel was equipped with a jumper to increase rigidity.
Note that the muffler in the “rural” version is collapsible, which allows you to remove carbon deposits and resin deposits from its parts, thereby maintaining the traction capabilities of the engine at the original level.
Tests have shown that the MMVZ-3.112.11 motorcycle better suits the operating conditions in rural areas than the model
"3.112.1" and "3.112". Unfortunately, in its current form it still “falls short” of a real “rural” motorcycle. Thus, we have not yet managed to get tire manufacturers to adopt new tires with a developed tread for off-road driving. For its part, the plant will improve the design and quality of motorcycles, hoping that they will appeal to machine operators, residents of remote villages, postmen and shepherds, hunters and fishermen.
This year it is planned to produce 116 thousand MMVZ-3.112.11 motorcycles and 100 thousand MMVZ-3.112.1 motorcycles. As demand becomes more precise, this ratio may change in the future. The price of both options is 395 rubles. Model “3.112.11” is certified to the highest quality category.
G. PILYUKEVICH, head of design bureau A. TOVPIK, engineer MMVZ Minsk
History of creation and international success
Motorcycles from the Minsk company appeared on the market back in 1951. Over its 70-year history, the manufacturer has sold more than 7 million motorcycles in more than 50 countries.
The basic model is the M1A motorcycle. Modifications of this model have become widely known due to their versatility - the vehicle is suitable for both simple road driving and off-road use with an installed Enduro power unit.
After World War II, German in the USSR, or more precisely in Moscow. There the plant began producing the first motorcycle models under the M1A brand. In 1951, the production of this brand of motorcycle was transferred to the Minsk Motorcycle Plant.
A large number of Minsk motor vehicles were sent to Vietnam and other Asian countries. This was facilitated by the high quality of components, powerful technical performance and affordable price. Such success led to a worldwide calling, and engineers had to modify their own line. In Vietnam, they even organized a fan club for motorcycles, Minsk, which officially opened in 1988. It is noteworthy that the club annually celebrates motorcycle day, attracting an increasing number of members and fans of this equipment.
In 1991, the Minsk motorcycle received an update that brought its technical performance to almost its maximum. That year, the number of products produced reached 225 thousand every year.
In 1999, the vehicle received the prestigious international “European Arc” award, which once again emphasizes the value of the motorcycle outside the countries of the former Soviet Union. After that, the award-winning model was modified several times, which increased the demand for it in Europe.
Success
The Minsk motorcycle, whose technical characteristics already met the best standards, began its triumphal march back in 1951, and since then more than six and a half million copies have been sold worldwide. The reliable two-wheeled car was bought in 45 countries, on all continents. The M1A motorcycle became the founder of a whole series of models for various purposes, ranging from a simple road version to a powerful enduro class unit.
The Minsk motorcycle, whose technical characteristics, parameters and relatively low cost suited foreign buyers, began to be exported in large quantities to Vietnam and other countries in the South Asian region. The vast market demanded an increase in supplies, and MMVZ constantly increased production. Vietnamese fans of the Minsk motorcycle organized a fan club in 1988, which meets regularly, annually celebrates its anniversary and attracts new members to its ranks.
