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After World War II, documentation and equipment from the German DKW plant in Tschopau were exported to the USSR as war reparations. The production of the DKW RT 125 model began in Moscow under the M1A brand.
By order of the Ministry of Automotive and Tractor Industry of the USSR No. 494 dated July 12, 1951, the production of the M1A motorcycle was transferred from Moscow to the Minsk Motorcycle and Bicycle Plant). M1A became the basis for simple and reliable classic Minsk motorcycle models, the history of which continues to this day.
The lineup
Now the plant in Minsk specializes in the production of three types of motorcycles:
- classic – C 125, C4 125, C4 200, D4 125, M 125 and M 125X;
- enduro (for off-road driving) – TRX 300i, X 200, ERX 250;
- street (sports motorcycle for city driving) – R 250, C4 250, CX 200.
At the moment, the most affordable and popular are the following Minsk motorcycle models:
- C 125;
- D4 125;
- M 125.
All of these models have an engine capacity of 125 cubic centimeters to achieve the maximum balance of performance and efficiency.
Minsk S 125
This model is considered basic. The motorcycle is considered an SUV, so most Minsk motorcycles are produced on its basis. For off-road driving, the motorcycle is equipped with high-strength rubber, with which the warrior can reach speeds of up to 60 km per hour.
Engine with two strokes and one cylinder. This power unit is enough for a comfortable ride. Over 100 kilometers traveled, the motorcycle will “eat” 3 liters of gasoline. When traveling over rough terrain, this figure will increase to 4 liters.
The engine is started using a kickstarter. This system provides reliability in all weather conditions.
Many users mistake the C 125 for a moped. This is facilitated by its small dimensions and two-stroke engine.
Watch a video review of the Minsk S 125 motorcycle:
Minsk D4 125
The power unit is also with one cylinder, but with four strokes. The model belongs to the sports category. The number of revolutions that the motorcycle produces allows you to maintain high speed driving for a long period of time.
The maximum speed is 100 km per hour. For quick acceleration, a gearbox with five gears is installed. Gasoline consumption per 100 km of driving will be only 2.6 liters. A big plus is the presence of an electric starter.
The vehicle weight is 100 kg. Many drivers consider the presence of a welded footrest for passengers to be a disadvantage, because it cannot be removed.
Watch a video review of the Minsk D4 125 motorcycle:
Minsk M 125
M 125 is the most popular model in the company's line of motorcycles. This success is based on low maintenance. Many users say that the M 125 is simply impossible to kill.
The motorcycle has a single cylinder, two stroke engine. Fuel consumption is also minimal: over 100 kilometers traveled, the gas tank will be empty by 2.5 liters.
The standard version is equipped with drum brakes, which can be replaced with disc brakes. As an additional option, you can order a stroller for carrying cargo. Model weight – 122 kg.
Watch a video review of the Minsk M 125 motorcycle:
MMVZ
Minsk motorcycles were rapidly gaining popularity both in the USSR and in foreign markets. Their deliveries were made to 45 countries, and the total number exceeded 6.5 million.
From the very first years, the brand has been actively involved in motorsports, mainly in cross-country and circuit racing. The first cross country “Minsk M-201K” and enduro “M-201M” were created in 1956. Three samples of the first highway-ring ShK-125 with a record 23-horsepower engine for that time were produced in 1961. A decade later, the first road racing motorcycle with a developed fairing, the M-211, appeared, followed by the MMVZ-3.216 (1977) and MMVZ-3.227 (1986).
Significant milestones in the history of Minsk motorcycles were the Minsk-Pamir (1969) and Brest-Vladivostok (1971) motorcycle races.
A new model designation system, developed by the VNII-Motoprom of the USSR, was introduced in 1973 on the new Minsk MMVZ-3.111, which received the USSR State Quality Mark:
MMVZ - manufacturing plant;
3 - motorcycle class (up to 125 cm3);
1 — type of motorcycle (road);
11 - serial model number.
The reliability and unpretentiousness of Minsk motorcycles have made the Minsk brand iconic in Vietnam, which has become the largest export market. Vietnamese motorcycle fan club Minsk since 1988. holds gatherings for fans of the brand, which annually attract more than a thousand people. On the set of the Top Gear Vietnam Special, the Minsk motorcycle was driven by Richard Hammond.
By the early 1990s, motorcycle production had increased to 220,000 units per year. In 1999, the Minsk brand received the Arch of Europe Award for its approval in the international market.
Specifications
Technical indicators should be divided into two categories: external and internal.
External characteristics
The length of the motorcycle is 2.1 meters. The height is 1.2 meters with a distance between the axes of 1.32 meters. The size of the rudder line is 0.8 meters. The ground clearance is 12.5 cm.
The Minsk motorcycle reaches a maximum speed of 95 km per hour with a maximum permissible passenger weight of 165 kg.
Internal characteristics
The power unit of the Minsk motorcycle has always been unpretentious in operation, remaining extremely reliable even by modern standards.
The motorcycle engine is gasoline-based, with one cylinder, the diameter of which is 0.52 cm. The piston stroke is 0.58 cm with an engine displacement of 125 cc. see. Maximum engine power is 12 horsepower at 6.9 thousand rpm.
The motorcycle has always been distinguished by high-quality compression, the degree of which is 10.5. The motorcycle is powered by a K-62C carburetor with an air cooling system.
The motorcycle has a four-speed gearbox with a foot shift mechanism.
It is recommended to use 76 grade gasoline as fuel in a proportional ratio of 25 to 1 with engine oil. Fuel consumption averages 3.5 liters per 100 km.
M1NSK
In 2007, Motovelo became a private enterprise. New street and touring-enduro class models, as well as scooters, ATVs and snowmobiles, are offered that meet modern requirements.
In 2010, a new logo and spelling M1NSK were introduced, echoing the name of the brand's first motorcycle. Also, today’s model designation system was introduced, which meets the established world standard and is easier to understand:
C—model code;
4 — four-stroke engine;
250 - engine displacement.
In 2013, together with the CSTO, the Brest-Dushanbe motorcycle rally was held on three M1NSK TRX 300 with a total length of 10,000 km. In 2014, M1NSK received the People's Brand award.
Price
Minsk motorcycles have always been available at an average price. At the moment, the average cost of a motorcycle is 75 thousand rubles, but modified versions can cost 150 thousand rubles.
Almost 70 years after the launch of production of the first motorcycles, the Minsk company continues to remain among the leaders in manufacturers of high-quality and inexpensive motorcycle equipment. At the moment, Minsk brand motorcycles are produced in three modifications.
Gregory
Blog author
Price
Screenshot 1. Review of prices for used MMVZ-3.112 motorcycles on www.farpost.ru
New MMVZ-3.112 are no longer produced, and it is impossible to evaluate it by today's standards. But there are plenty of used options. The cost is affordable even for the unemployed, and starts from $100 and up to $500. You might even be lucky enough to find a reasonable option in the lower price range.
There is nothing surprising; Minsk has always been positioned as a motorcycle accessible to the masses.
Unpretentious M 125
The M 125 is an unpretentious lightweight motorcycle with a good single-cylinder two-stroke engine, comfortable steering wheel and drum brakes, good for country riding.
However, if you want, the manufacturer can change the drum brakes to disc brakes, which are more suitable for use in the city.
It handles well, has low fuel consumption, and is easy to repair and use. It’s not a bad model, although it does have its drawbacks; despite the good suspension, you feel a strong vibration while driving, which then causes your back and leg muscles to ache.
| Working volume (cc.cm) | 125 |
| engine's type | 1 cylinder, 2 strokes |
| Power(hp/rpm) | 10,5/5900 |
| Startup type | kick starter |
| Cooling | air |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 90 |
| Front tire/brake | 3.0x18″/B |
| Rear tire/brake | 3.0x18″/B |
| Length (mm) | 2100 |
| Height (mm) | 770 |
| Width (mm) | 1230 |
| Dry mass (kg) | 120 |
| Fuel | not lower than A-92 |
| Tank capacity (l) | 11 |
| Available bike color | blue and red. |
Repair
How to repair MMVZ-3.112
Touching on the topic of repair, you realize that this is where the whole idea of a motorcycle is revealed, and no, a motorcycle does not break down often, but rather is very, very repairable.
Minsk is a motorcycle whose breakdown can be corrected with a minimum set of tools in any situation. For example, gearbox repair occurs even without removing the engine; you can simply lay the motorcycle on its side.
All components and assemblies have a simple design and are accessible to the owner. At the same time, even if you have no experience, having a technical book will help you quickly find and fix the problem.
I am glad that spare parts are available at an affordable price.
Tuning
Like almost all Soviet motorcycles, Minsk underwent various modifications. Some simply corrected factory defects and adapted the motorcycle to suit themselves, while others went further and seriously reworked the stock design.
Engine tuning includes:
- Refinement and enlargement of purge windows.
- Installation of Japanese piston and rings.
- Increasing the compression ratio by modifying the combustion chamber.
- Lightening the crankshaft and connecting rod.
Quite often, motocross bikes are assembled on the basis of a motorcycle; this is greatly facilitated by the lightweight and durable design, and the engine, as described above, can be easily boosted.
Read other motorcycle reviews Review of the Minsk S4 250 motorcycle
Modern, simple and convenient D4 125
The D4 125 is a simple, comfortable and modern motorcycle.
A single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a power of 10.5/8000 (hp/rpm) will easily accelerate the bike to 100 km/h. The basic kit includes both an electric starter and a kick starter. Quite economical fuel consumption, about 2.6 liters.
The gearbox is easy to use, everything works easily and smoothly.
There are passenger footrests, although they are welded on, so even if you drive alone, you can’t get rid of them.
| Working volume (cc.cm) | 125 |
| engine's type | vertical, 1-cylinder, 4-stroke |
| Power(hp/rpm) | 10,5/8000 |
| Startup type | electric starter, kickstarter |
| Cooling | air |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 100 |
| Front tire/brake | 3.0x18″/single-disc hydraulic |
| Rear tire/brake | 3.0x18″/B |
| Length (mm) | 2100 |
| Height (mm) | 1110 |
| Width (mm) | 770 |
| Dry mass (kg) | 100 |
| Fuel | not lower than A-92 |
| Tank capacity (l) | 12 |
| Available bike color | red, blue and black. |
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Photo gallery
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