Modernization and improvement of the Riga 13 moped on your own

Cars admin26.02.2020

Start.
Left for informational purposes, moped has been sold.
When riding a bicycle as a child, I always noticed that lucky guy riding a moped.
At that time, in my opinion, he looked somewhat admirable. It's hard to describe how I felt at that time. Of course, it didn’t become my first moped, but that’s what I wanted.
The first moped was a “kopeck piece” Mini motorcycle, then it seemed to me. There is even a photo preserved, but this is not what we are talking about. Acquisitions.
By chance, while talking with my robot partners, we started talking about a moped.
What is the value of the unnecessary Riga-13, its owner died. After standing in the garage for two years, they decided to sell it. I had no intention of buying it, but I wanted to take a look. The condition was not bad, I liked the fact that it was in its original condition. It started up easily, even that surprised me. Not a big video of the first engine start. “Red Star”, which in Latvian sounds like “Sarkana Zvaigzne”, is an enterprise that produced mopeds and motorcycles during the USSR period. Riga 13 - a moped or “hole”, as this model was called, was born at this plant. Then the sales of these mopeds went boom.

History Riga 13

This moped Riga replaced Riga 11. It was an easy form of transport that allowed you to quickly move over short distances. Riga 13 began to be produced in 1983.

The technical characteristics of the “hole” can be represented by the following features:

• the maximum speed that the moped could reach was 40 km/h;
• the engine installed on the moped was 1.3 liters;
• equipped with good light, a high-voltage transformer that eliminates problems with the ignition coil.

Moped Riga 13

Despite this, the “hole” often suffered from misfires, requiring modernization. Many owners of Riga, having read useful magazines published in those days, carried out their own tuning of this moped, achieving noticeable improvements in operation and design. Then either the improved models were sold at a high price, or the owner himself enjoyed driving.

Features of the moped

The release of Riga 7 mopeds was carried out together with the Riga-5 model, which at that time had not yet been withdrawn from mass production. However, it was completely discontinued in 1971. A certain notability of the Riga 7 moped was the D-6 engine, which had enough power for long trips, for the headlight, and also for the brake light. Unlike previous models, this one came with interchangeable wheels, a chrome muffler and a toolbox.

Product Specifications:

• Length – 186 cm.
• Width – 65 cm.
• Height – 105 cm.
• Tubular frame.
• Engine power is 1.2 horsepower.
• Spring shock absorbers.
• Telescopic front fork.
• Gasoline consumption per 100 km is no more than two liters.
• The maximum speed is 40 km/h.

Riga 13 has always needed modernization

Riga 13 or “hole” was simply ideal for trips to a dacha or apiary located not far from the city. Many users, precisely because of its ability to pass well on asphalt, concrete, and dirt roads, purchased this moped, the sale of which was put on stream.

Tank

Usually the 60 km round trip journey took about 4 hours. These are not bad indicators for those times, especially since Riga did not spend much. The tank was voluminous, but it was this that was often restyled. In particular, I didn’t like its color and facelessness.

Riga 13 moped tank before tuning

To add freshness and originality, today you can use the method invented in those days. The tank was painted in two colors. First, in some light color, with oven drying. After this, a second color was applied and dried in the same way in the oven. The end result was a beautiful design.

Mudguard

Particular attention was paid to the mudguard on the front wheel, which reliably protects the rider and the entire moped from dirt traveling in oncoming traffic. For the actual operation of a moped, this element is also very important today, especially in the autumn-spring season.

Moped Riga 12

The two-speed model is equipped with a Sh-57 engine, which contains bicycle-type pedals. They help the owner of a Riga 12 moped drive up a steep mountain. The model was equipped with fuel tanks of different shapes. This moped differed from the Riga-16 in having a shorter seat and a smaller trunk.

Technical characteristics of the Riga 12 model:

• Length – 197 cm.
• Width – 74 cm.
• Height – 116 cm.
• The power of the single-cylinder engine is 2.2 horsepower. Working volume – 49.8 cm³.
• More modern, improved steering wheel.
• The maximum speed is 50 km/h.
• Weight – 75 kg.

Improved performance today

The technical characteristics of the moped can also be improved. For example, to increase rigidity in the front fork. After the modernization, torsional rigidity will be significantly improved and handling will improve several times. As a result, after the technical characteristics are improved, Riga will be driven as if on rails. If anyone is interested in selling an old “hole” or simply improving it, the instructions are most welcome.

Tuning option Riga 13

The technical features and improvements don't stop there. The engine, which the manual calls one of the most important components with which the “hole” is endowed, can also be restyled.

Where to begin

First you need to disassemble the motor using various brass and duralumin shafts. In this case, I would like to advise not to use steel or wooden tools.

Next, as recommended in the modification instructions, the bushings are checked. The spool bushing must be changed. The crankshaft is reassembled - most craftsmen recommend aligning it.

Then comes the installation of the CPG, oil seal and other parts. Particular attention is paid to the cuff, which on factory models has a hole just for the sake of beauty.

The clutch is also being rebuilt, a video of the process can be viewed separately.

Clutch on a moped Riga 13

Assembly Tips

Finally, installation of electronic ignition and the first start of the improved engine. You can install a B300 coil, after which the ignition will start working like a clock.

And, of course, equipping the moped with a backpack-trunk. After this, the “hole” will turn into a full-fledged mode of transport, which can be used to transport cargo to the dacha and back.

It is advisable, before carrying out independent tuning of Riga 13, to study the video or, in extreme cases, photo materials. Videos and photos will give a practical understanding of the process.

D series engines: 6, 5, 4, 8: characteristics, malfunctions and tuning

The D6 two-stroke single-cylinder engine has a carburetor power system and is intended for installation on various modifications of mopeds. Today, due to its versatility of use, efficiency and simplicity, this engine is widely used with various light agricultural equipment and on homemade mopeds.

Specifications

The engine was installed on Riga mopeds.

Description

In the middle of the last century, there was active development of compact single-cylinder engines, which were intended for installation on motorbikes, mopeds and compact agricultural equipment. As a result, the D4, D5, D6 and D8 engines were developed and gained popularity. Such power units were easy to use, reliable and undemanding to maintain.

Due to the simplicity of their design, the engines are easily attached to the frame of a motorbike using support clamps. The transmission of rotation from the engine to the rear wheels of mopeds is carried out through clutches and a corresponding roller chain. D6 does not imply the use of a gearbox, which greatly simplifies the use of the equipment. The operation of the power unit is controlled through the throttle handle, which is mechanically connected to the carburetor.

D-series engines, despite their compact dimensions and small displacements, provide light mopeds with excellent dynamics. On a flat road, a light motorbike can accelerate to 40 kilometers per hour. At the same time, due to the traction reserve, the equipment could also be used on country roads. Let us note that today, more than half a century after the start of production of these power units, they are still in demand among domestic motorists and are successfully used on light equipment.

Modifications of D series engines

1. Initially, production of the D 4 engine began, which had a working volume of 45 cubic centimeters, weighed 9 kilograms and developed about 1 horsepower at 4000 rpm.
2. In 1961, the D 5 engine appeared, which featured an increased compression ratio, which increased power to 1.2 horsepower. At the same time, this power unit was distinguished by low fuel consumption and consumed about one and a half liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. Among the disadvantages of this power unit, we note its increased noise and the need to use an additional cylinder with a removable head and developed ribs. Such a cylinder is used due to the high thermal load of the power unit.
3. After a thorough modernization of the D 5 power unit, a new motor was released, which was called D 6. This engine had an enlarged winding and a rotor with a diameter of 66 millimeters. We also note the use of a magneto, which improved engine starting and adjusted the performance of the power unit for the better. The power of this engine was sufficient for use on light mopeds.
4. The D 8 engine modification has improved windings that produce 12 Volts, as well as a rotor of increased volume.

Similar modifications of single-cylinder two-stroke engines have been manufactured for 50 years and have been in demand among car owners. Only after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the factories producing these engines were located abroad in Riga and Lvov, and soon they went bankrupt, after which the production of D series engines was stopped. Subsequently, attempts were made at motor plants in St. Petersburg and Penza to resume production of these power units, but such measures were unsuccessful. Currently, D series motors are not manufactured.

Modifications of the D 6 motor

If we talk about the D 6 engine family, then it must be said that buyers were offered two modifications of this power unit, which were indexed D6 and D6U. Structurally, both of these motors are the same, with the exception of the drive chains used: for D 6 PR-12.7-900 GOST 10947-64; for D6U PR-12.7-1800-1 GOST 10947-64.

This power unit was air-cooled, which made it possible to significantly simplify the design of the motor. At the same time, thanks to the appropriate location of the combustion chamber, it was possible to completely solve the problem with thermal loading, eliminating the need to use an additional ribbed cylinder for effective cooling of the power unit.

The carburetors used and the entire power system were reliable, and the efficiency of the engine made it possible to reduce the costs of its operation. No carburetor maintenance was required. You just need to remember that, like most of these motorcycle engines, this engine runs on a mixture of gasoline and oil.

To prepare a high-quality fuel mixture, it was necessary to use a mixture of A-72 or A-76 gasoline with oil in a ratio of 25:1 (during break-in 15:1). But it is prohibited to operate this power unit on gasoline alone, as this quickly leads to serious engine damage.

Maintenance

As mentioned above, service work does not pose any difficulty. Every thousand kilometers it is necessary to clean the spark plugs from carbon deposits, check the gap between the spark plug electrodes and determine the correct tightening of the nuts securing the cylinder head and the cylinder itself. Also, with this mileage, the idle speed is adjusted, the magneto is cleaned and the air cleaner is washed in gasoline.

Once every 3,000 kilometers, the engine ignition is checked, the clutch bearings are lubricated, and the fuel tank is flushed with clean gasoline. It is also recommended to clean the cylinder head and pistons every 3,000 kilometers. It is not recommended to perform any more maintenance work when operating the unit in the warm season.

Malfunctions

Features of the Riga 16 moped model

The production of mopeds in this series did not end with the Riga 16 model. There were also mopeds: “Riga-17S”, “Riga-22”, “Riga-26”, “Riga SZ-80”, as well as “Delta”, which is also from this model range. The Riga 16 moped went into mass production 40 years ago. This two-speed model was equipped with a motorcycle-style muffler, kickstarter, rear brake light, as well as improved steering and new body kits.

Technical characteristics of the moped:

• Length – 197 centimeters.
• Width – 74 centimeters.
• Height – 116 centimeters.
• With an engine displacement of 49.8 cm³, its power was two horsepower.
• The clutch is double-disc.
• Two-speed manual transmission.
• Gasoline consumption per 100 km is only 1.6 liters.

The engine of the Riga 16 moped was started by a kickstarter or like its first predecessors. The man sat behind the wheel and turned the pedals, thanks to which the magneto came into operation and the engine started. In addition, it was possible to lift the moped by the seat, and the rear wheel would lose its grip on the asphalt. In this position, you had to turn the pedals with your free hand, thanks to which the engine started. After this, the gear was set to neutral, the rear wheel was placed on the road, and the engine could idle.

This model was equipped with a strong, reliable frame, wider stable wheels and an improved seat. The Riga-16 moped was characterized by an optimal combination of carrying capacity and dead weight. Production of this model ended several decades ago. Despite this, many Russians and Riga residents remember all the mopeds in this series. And today the Riga 13 moped is used by a small number of people. This is an indicator of the reliability of the Riga moped series.