The Alpha moped (110 cubic meters) belongs to the category of vehicles that became widely popular among domestic consumers back in Soviet times. Modern models have a brighter exterior, better ergonomics and a modernized design. The moped in question is manufactured in China and has good characteristics, which we will consider in more detail below.
Exterior
The Alpha moped (110 cubic meters) does not look like low-power scooters with plastic body kits. It has a large wheel diameter, a larger front fork, and some parts are made of chromed metal. The resemblance to a motorcycle is added by the original seat and mirrors.
For its category, the equipment in question has respectable dimensions. For convenience, wide footrests are provided, and the unique shape of the muffler has become one of the distinctive elements. You can also note the informative dashboard and side metal arches that provide additional safety.
Alpha moped engine (110 cc)
This modification has a four-stroke power unit with a volume of 110 cubic centimeters. The motor is cooled by air. Thanks to its design features, the power plant has a high dynamics rating.
(110 cc) using an electric starter that is powered by the engine. There is a backup option to switch the starting mode to kickstarter. The volume of the fuel tank is enough for 200 kilometers without refueling; AI-95 grade is used as fuel.
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Do you need a license for a moped or scooter?
What is a moped?
Let's figure out what a moped is from the point of view of the Road Traffic Rules: “Moped” is a two- or three-wheeled mechanical vehicle, the maximum design speed of which does not exceed 50 km/h , having an internal combustion engine with a displacement not exceeding 50 cubic meters. cm , or an electric motor with a rated maximum power in continuous load mode of more than 0.25 kW and less than 4 kW.
Quadricycles with similar technical characteristics are considered equal to mopeds. Thus, if the engine capacity exceeds 50 cubic meters, or the speed exceeds 50 km/h, then, by law, it is already a motorcycle.
Do you need a “license” (driver’s license) to drive a moped (scooter)?
The answer to this question is clear - to legally drive a moped on public roads, you must obtain a category M . This norm was included in the traffic rules on November 5, 2013. But it began to take effect only a year later, when new rules for issuing driver’s licenses were adopted.
At what age can you get a moped license?
A driver's license of category M or A1 can be obtained by citizens of the Russian Federation who have reached the age of sixteen at the time of passing the exam (Federal Law No. 196-FZ “On Road Safety”, Chapter IV, Article 26).
Is it possible to ride a moped with a license of other categories?
Article 25, paragraph 7 of Federal Law No. 196-FZ “On Road Safety” states: “A Russian national driver’s license, confirming the right to drive vehicles of any of the categories or subcategories listed in this article, confirms the right to drive vehicles of the category “ M".
Thus, if you have a driver’s license of any category, you can legally drive a moped. At the same time, sometimes traffic police inspectors say that the driver’s license must have an “open” category M, but in fact this is not necessary. There is no such indication in the law.
What is the penalty for riding a moped without a license?
Article 12.7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation “Driving a vehicle by a driver who does not have the right to drive a vehicle, with the exception of instructional driving” provides for an administrative fine - from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles. If the violator is under 14 years of age, the fine is imposed on his parents or guardians.
Also, according to Article 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation “Detention of a vehicle” : “... the detention of a vehicle is applied, that is, the exclusion of a vehicle from the process of transporting people and goods by moving it using another vehicle and placing it in the nearest specially designated guarded place (in a specialized parking lot ), and storage in a specialized parking lot until the cause of detention is eliminated... "
Thus, only a person who has the right to drive it can pick up a moped from the impound lot.
How can a traffic police inspector on the road determine what is in front of him: a moped or a motorcycle?
The first thing that might come to mind is to measure the speed, and if it is above 50 km/h, then it is not a moped. But in practice, speed is now measured by automatic means, and manual radars have not been used for a long time. And there is always the opportunity to say that “the road was going downhill” or “a tailwind helped to develop speed.”
Most often, the inspector asks to show documents for the moped (although you are not required to show them, but do not forget that we live in Russia). The documents must indicate that this is a moped, as well as the engine and frame numbers. Their inspector can verify them on site. A service book or a purchase and sale agreement are suitable documents for a moped. Therefore, when buying a moped secondhand, it is better not to be lazy and draw up a purchase and sale agreement. Sample contracts can be found on the Internet.
Also, some inspectors look at the cylinder volume, which is sometimes indicated on the cooling fins. Usually the checks end there.
Alpha mopeds (and others like them) are available in various modifications, let's clearly define the categories of licenses required to drive them on public roads.
Alpha moped with 50 cc engine. cm . — licenses of any category are suitable for him. A compulsory motor liability insurance policy is not needed. It is enough for the traffic police inspector to present the service book or the purchase and sale agreement for the moped - there simply cannot be any other documents for the moped.
Alpha with a 75 cc engine - according to the Rules, this is no longer a moped, but a light motorcycle (subcategory A1 - light motorcycles with an internal combustion engine displacement not exceeding 125 cubic centimeters and a maximum power not exceeding 11 kilowatts;). Manufacturers often add a 75cc piston engine to a moped. Without disassembling the engine it cannot be distinguished from a 50 cc. You won’t be able to register such a motorcycle, but you can pass it off as a moped without any problems. I drive this myself and have never had any problems.
Alpha with a 110-125 cc engine. see - this is already a full-fledged light motorcycle. You are unlikely to be able to pass it off as “fifty dollars”: in such engines the head has additional cooling fins, the diameter of the exhaust pipe and the carburetor diffuser are noticeably larger. It is mandatory to register such an Alpha with the traffic police. To do this, she must have a PTS and an MTPL policy issued for her. To legally drive such a motorcycle, a category A or A1 license .
Technical indicators
Despite the fact that the unit is made in China, it has quite serious parameters and good build quality. Below is the characteristics of the Alpha moped (110 cc):
- The brake system is drum type front and rear.
- The power of the power plant is 7 horsepower.
- Revolutions - 5.5 thousand revolutions per minute.
- The standard equipment of the scooter includes alloy wheels and a tachometer.
- Transmission unit - four speeds.
- Shock absorbers are spring elements at the rear and a hydraulic system at the front.
- Load capacity is 120 kg or two people.
- Weight – 80 kg.
- Fuel consumption per 100 km is about 2 liters.
- The volume of the fuel tank is 4 liters.
- Dimensions – 1840/520/1002 mm.
- Tire type – 2.5/2.75.
- Wheels - 17 inches.
What's on the market for a beginner? Choose a bike under category “A1”
Despite the possibility of obtaining full “licenses” of category “A” subject to completion of retraining courses, many this spring still decided to simply take the category “A1”. In this case, after two years, a full category “A” is assigned automatically. But what to drive these two years? A selection of 125 cc motorcycles is in our material.
It would seem that the new law greatly limits the holders of “A1” category “rights” in the variants of motorcycle equipment, but in fact they have to choose from a large number of different models. There are cruisers, classics, enduros, motards, and sports motorcycles. You can take a closer look at scooters. There really is plenty to choose from. Moreover, for beginner motorcyclists, these 125 “cubes” will be more than enough in the first season. And then... Then, of course, you will want more, and two years on the “baby” will seem like an eternity. Therefore, we suggest that those who are impatient go straight here.
The first candidate for purchase, of course, is the legendary Yamaha YBR-125. For up to $2000 you can buy a new or almost new YBR-125. This is a high-quality, reliable and easy-to-use “Japanese”. In motorcycle schools, he endures bullying and falls for years - and nothing.
For its 125 cc it is quite dynamic. The maximum speed of the motorcycle is 110 km/h, dry weight is 106 kg. The power of the four-stroke engine is 10 hp. Fuel consumption is approximately 2 to 3 l/100 km. The tank volume is 12 liters.
Although, to be honest, Yamaha YBRs are already boring. The Austrian KTM Duke 125 is an interesting option. Injection four-stroke engine with a power of 15 hp, liquid cooling, six gears, electronic instrument panel with on-board indicator. There are versions with ABS. This is a more modern motorcycle. But also expensive, of course. It was not included in the sales advertisements at the time of preparation of the material. The new KTM Duke 125 can be ordered from a Belarusian dealer for 57 million rubles, or $2900 (at the time of publication of the material - 89,700,000 rubles per mile 4668 dollars).
In size and appearance, it does not differ from its older “brothers” Duke 200 and 390. Weight - 127 kg, maximum speed - 130 km/h, tank volume 11 liters. Fuel consumption is nothing at all - 2.5 liters per “hundred”. In general, it’s quite a full-fledged motorcycle for the city.
A more patriotic choice is the M1NSK D4 125. The year before last we did a life test of this motorcycle. At the end of the season, we were disappointed by minor defects and malfunctions, but we appreciated the ratio of low price and good consumer qualities. The factory workers recently said that they are now producing a modernized version - the previous shortcomings have been eliminated. Owners also speak well of reliability. Fuel consumption is about 2.5 l/100 km. You ride for free.
Engine power is 10.5 hp, maximum speed is 100 km/h. Dry weight - 100 kg. Tank capacity 12 l. In general, this is the Belarusian-Chinese analogue of the “yobrik”. The motorcycle is not of such high quality in small details, but its price is half as high - around $1000 new. Personally, I remember him fondly. It was great to drive the D4 125 through forests and fields. And the motor sounds good for such a small volume.
Need more emotions from a motorcycle? Take the enduro! And in the city it’s good to get through traffic jams, and you can go into the fields. When driving over rough terrain, emotions will be over the edge. In addition, there is every chance that he will remain with you after two seasons. You will buy a more powerful and heavier motorcycle for everyday riding, and an enduro will be for blowing off some steam off-road. Personally, that's what I would do.
Here, for example, is the Honda XLR 125. Unfortunately, it is not a frequent visitor to our sales advertisement sites, but it is certainly a device worth attention. The fuel tank capacity is 9 liters, the 125 cc 4-stroke engine develops 11.4 hp, and the dry weight is only 119 kg. Of course, there is also an electric starter. Air cooling system. Only one motorcycle was found for sale in Belarus, the price was $1,700.
The more common lightweight enduro in our area is the Yamaha DT125. The single-cylinder two-stroke engine copes with its duties perfectly - power is 14 hp. allows you to successfully overcome almost any obstacle. Liquid cooling system. The engine is started by a starter, 6 gears. Dry weight is only 110 kg, tank volume is 10 liters. Maximum speed is 110 km/h. The price in advertisements for sale is $1100-1600.
Also from this class you can look at the Honda XR125L, Kawasaki KMX125, Kawasaki KLX125, Suzuki DR125, Aprilia RX 125 and other endurics. An option is to take a motard like Aprilia MX 125 and Megelli Supermoto 125M. But the problem is that in our market there are not so many enduro and motard bikes under the “A1” category. But in vain! With our roads, we can’t think of better technology. But you can certainly order them from companies that supply used motorcycles from Europe.
If you want to race, your choice is sports motorcycles. But taking a 125 cc “sport” makes sense if you are serious about developing sports motorcycle handling skills in the future. Because I personally don’t see the point in enduring a low seating position on a small-capacity bike. Although two-stroke 125 cc “sports” are the fastest among motorcycles of this volume. They look relatively impressive and handle well.
Category "A" - motorcycles; subcategory “A1” - motorcycles with an engine displacement not exceeding 125 cc and a maximum power not exceeding 11 kilowatts (light motorcycles).
But! Not all of them fit “A1”. Because power is limited to 11 kW (15 hp). We do not indicate the power in the vehicle registration certificate, but problems may arise. Therefore, be careful when purchasing a 125 cc “sport” car. They cost from $1000 to $2000 depending on condition and year of manufacture.
Aprilia RS 125 comes in two modifications - 15 and 33 hp. You understand that it’s difficult to expect anything from the first version, but the full version can accelerate the motorcycle to 175 km/h. But also with 15 hp. it can go 145 km/h. Fast motorcycle.
It handles very well, brakes instantly, and is attractive in appearance. The disadvantages include high fuel consumption. With a full tank (14 l), you can travel no more than 200 km at a moderate driving pace. 7 liters per “hundred”? That's a lot.
The budget sports motorcycle model Honda CBR125R appeared in 2004. The basis was a 1-cylinder 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine producing 13.6 hp. power. The engine is quite revvy for its layout and volume and produces maximum performance at 8000-10,000 rpm.
Among the features of the Honda CBR125R are a simple steel frame, electronic fuel injection (since 2007), liquid cooling, disc brakes and classic suspension (telescopic forks and monoshock), 6-speed gearbox, 10 liter fuel tank (13 liters after 2011) and 127 kg curb weight. The average official fuel consumption for the Honda CBR125R is 3.2 liters per 100 km. The exact value depends on your riding style. The maximum speed is 112 km/h.
There is also a Yamaha YZF-R125. The main feature of the motorcycle is a 1-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled injection engine that produces 15 hp. power. Other key features of the Yamaha YZF-R125 include a 6-speed gearbox, liquid cooling, a curb weight of 140 kg and an 11.5 liter fuel tank. Maximum speed is 120 km/h.
By the way, the owner of such a motorcycle contacted us, here is his short review: “I bought it at the age of 16, as soon as I received an A1 category license.” I chose for a long time. Didn't want to buy M1NSK or Honda CBR 125R. I accidentally came across a Yamaha YZF-R125. For its 125 cc it is very playful. There are no problems with maintenance, all spare parts are available. Due to the presence of plastic, it seems like a full-fledged sports motorcycle, a bit like a Yamaha R6. Some people don’t even realize that this is category “A1”. When they brake, traffic police inspectors are always sure that I’m not riding a 125 cc motorcycle - they check the frame number at every stop. I could have bought a sports 125 cc motorcycle with more power than 15 horsepower, but I didn’t want any questions to arise for me.”
“Sports” are “sports”, but a “normal kid” certainly needs a cruiser. Take, for example, the Kawasaki Eliminator 125. 15-year-old copies on our market cost approximately $1,500. The four-stroke air-cooled engine develops 12 hp. The maximum speed is 105 km/h, the fuel tank capacity is 12 liters.
A rare motorcycle on our market is the Suzuki VL 125 Intruder. It may be a “pocket” cruiser, but it looks quite grown-up. Plus it has... a V-twin engine! Of course, there’s not much to talk about the dynamics with 14 “horses,” but in the city the motorcycle, for example, feels normal. The maximum speed is 110 km/h.
In addition, there are also the “Japanese” Yamaha Virago 125, Honda Rebel 125 and numerous inexpensive South Korean and Chinese variations on the theme.
A scooter is a city dweller's best friend. Practical, convenient, cheap. Here, for example, is the new Baltmotors Galactica 125 DD for $1150. Built-in music system, disc brakes, informative dashboard. Maximum speed is 95 km/h. Fuel consumption according to the passport is from 2 liters per 100 km. The fuel tank has a volume of 5.5 liters.
You can take something more solid and larger like the Suzuki Burgman 125. It will be older and more expensive, but that’s a completely different story. However, we won’t focus on it - we can write a separate article about scooters. There are plenty of them on the market, both new and used.
Do you want to be fashionable, stylish and young? Then customization will help. There is now a growing interest in vintage motorcycles in this area, particularly cafe racers. Therefore, you can take some 125 and convert it into a fashionable motorcycle.
Here, for example, is the Honda CLR125 in the form of a scrambler. Stylish! It’s not a shame to drive away on beautiful equipment for two seasons.
Thus, if you do not want to spend money and time on courses, you can choose a temporary motorcycle for two years. It will be difficult, of course, for large people - for them 125 cc motorcycles are small.
What about the money? A motorcycle or scooter can be rented in the range of $700-3000. But don’t forget that you need to register it, get insurance and pass a technical inspection - that’s about another $100. Again, it will need to be serviced - this will cost some more depending on the condition of a particular instance. Equipment is also required to be purchased, and it is advisable to do this before purchasing a motorcycle. A helmet, gloves, a motorcycle jacket, motorcycle pants or knee pads, motorcycle boots and thermal underwear - all this will cost at least $500. It doesn’t matter that the motorcycle is light and low-powered, you can crash on one. As you know, everyone falls. But falling is less painful when equipped.
For those who are eager to get on two wheels, their dream can come true! And yet never fall. Be careful.
Yuri GLADCHUK Photo from open sources ABW.BY
pros
The Alpha moped (110 cc) is equipped with a comfortable seat, its characteristics are superior to many similar models from other manufacturers. In addition, the following advantages of the technology under consideration can be noted:
- Large and reliable trunk.
- The unit actively and confidently overcomes steep climbs, largely thanks to the informative four-speed gearbox and enlarged wheels.
- Double starting system.
- High reliability and performance of the power unit.
- High level of seating comfort for driver and passenger.
- An instrument panel with all the necessary set of sensors, the readings of which are visible even in poor lighting.
- The presence of safety arches.
- Easy to operate and maintain.
- Availability of consumables and spare parts.
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Disadvantages and price
The Alpha moped (110 cubic meters) has certain disadvantages, which are significantly less than the advantages. The disadvantages include:
- The handlebar width is not suitable for all users.
- There is no forced cooling of the engine, as a result of which it is susceptible to overheating during long-term operation.
- The drum-type brake system is not particularly reliable.
- The manual gearbox is rough when shifting.
On the domestic market, a new model can be purchased at a price of around 30-40 thousand rubles. A used modification can be purchased much cheaper, but in this case you should carefully check the main working components for serviceability and reliability.
Reviews
The owners of the device in question consider the excellent combination of price and quality indicators to be the main advantage. Along with the availability of spare parts and inexpensive service, consumers note the original informative dashboard, good traction, cross-country ability, easy control, as well as efficiency and quite a solid load capacity.
Among the negative aspects is the finishing material of low quality, subject to darkening over time. Owners also do not consider wheel tires to be one of the advantages of the scooter. Otherwise, users are satisfied with this unit, which can also be further tuned if desired.
Scooter (moped) licenses in 2021 and 2022
Let's consider paragraph 1, article 25 of the Federal Law “On Road Safety”:
1. In the Russian Federation, the following categories and their subcategories of vehicles are established, for which a special right to drive is granted (hereinafter referred to as the right to drive vehicles): ...
- category "M" - mopeds and light quadricycles;
A category M driver's license for driving mopeds and scooters was introduced on November 5, 2013.
At first glance, it seems that on November 5, 2013, all scooter and moped drivers had to go to the traffic police to take a qualifying exam. However, in practice everything was not so simple. New rules for issuing driver's licenses were adopted on November 5, 2014. Only starting from this date, conscious drivers were able to undergo training at a driving school and obtain a license to drive a scooter.
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that appropriate changes have also been made to the traffic rules. And since a moped (scooter), in accordance with clause 1.2 of the traffic rules, is a mechanical vehicle, its driver is required to have a driver’s license with him (clause 2.1 of the traffic rules):
“Moped” is a two- or three-wheeled mechanical vehicle, the maximum design speed of which does not exceed 50 km/h, having an internal combustion engine with a displacement not exceeding 50 cubic meters. cm, or an electric motor with a rated maximum power in continuous load mode of more than 0.25 kW and less than 4 kW. Quadricycles with similar technical characteristics are considered equal to mopeds.
2.1. The driver of a motor vehicle is obliged to:
2.1.1. Carry with you and, at the request of police officers, hand over to them for verification:
- a driver's license or temporary permit to drive a vehicle of the appropriate category;
This change was made to the traffic rules on April 8, 2014. It is from this date that drivers of mopeds and scooters are required to carry a driver's license.
Bottom line
The Alpha moped (110 cubic meters) has an original design and decent technical parameters. He is a prominent representative of light two-wheeled motor vehicles. In addition, the scooter is practical, capable of transporting more than 100 kilograms of cargo or an adult passenger. Considering the affordable price of the equipment, we can say that the model considered is one of the best in its class presented on the domestic market.
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Driving license category for driving a moped (scooter)
The right to drive a moped or scooter is confirmed by a category M .
However, not only category M licenses are suitable for driving mopeds and scooters. The Federal Law “On Road Traffic Safety” allows driving these vehicles with any open category of license.
For example, if you have a category B driver's license, then it is quite suitable for driving a scooter.
Federal Law “On Road Safety”, Chapter IV, Article 25, paragraph 7:
A Russian national driver's license, confirming the right to drive vehicles of any of the categories or subcategories listed in this article, confirms the right to drive vehicles of category "M".
One more note. If in the table on the back of the driver's license in the line with category M there is a special mark ML , then driving mopeds and scooters is prohibited . This mark means that the driver has medical restrictions on driving category M vehicles.
