Motorcycle IZH Planet 5 - real legend of the USSR. At one time, this bike was considered one of the best in its class, and for good reason - the old “Voskhod” and others like it couldn’t hold a candle, and the “Ural” and “Dnepr” were heavy and expensive. That is why this one quickly won the love of the public - it cost moderate money, did not weigh too much, looked nice, and at the same time had good technical characteristics.
Design
The design of this bike was typically Soviet, in the best traditions of the domestic school of motorcycle building - a bulging round headlight, a flat seat, shock absorbers a la “candle”... But the gas tank visually raised up on the frame, the muffler pipes that went around the engine and shiny chrome wheels looked very good , like all of Planet 5 as a whole. The overall impression of the appearance of the motorcycle was somewhat spoiled by the cheap-looking turn signals and the pipes themselves, which, unlike the mufflers, for some reason they decided not to chrome, but simply paint them. Well, okay, in the USSR motorcycles were valued not for their external gloss, but for what they were capable of, and IZH is doing well with this.
Technical characteristics of IZH Planet 5
By modern standards, this bike can certainly be called outdated at best. But the Soviet motorcycle industry was never distinguished by innovation - engineers relied on durability and maintainability . And the technical characteristics of the IZH Planet 5 motorcycle were fully consistent with this established tradition - relatively light and well-controlled, it was easily maintained and repaired on its own right in the garage. This is probably why he lived on the assembly line for almost 21 years , although the first copies were released back in 1987. Yes, yes, the last bikes of this model were produced already in 2008, when Harley-Davidsons, Yamaha R1, Suzuki Hayabusa and other two-wheeled celebrities were already roaming Russian roads with might and main.
Engine
Primitive, but quite reliable - that’s how it can be described. The IZH Planet 5 engine is a single-cylinder 2-stroke power unit with a volume of 334.6 cubic meters. see , with a compression ratio of 8.7, thanks to which it is quite capable of driving even an AI-80 . The engine power is quite good - as much as 22 horsepower at 4800 rpm. , and the horsepower in the IZH motorcycle is enough to accelerate to a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour. The main thing is to remember that you need to add oil to the gasoline for this bike in a ratio of 30 to 1, otherwise you can quickly ruin the engine.
Transmission
For its time, it was not bad, but if this motorcycle had a fifth gear, the technical characteristics of the IZH P5 could have been better. But the designers decided to equip it with a 4-speed gearbox , and the top gear is fourth, with a gear ratio of 1.0. The clutch, like everyone else, is multi-plate, in an oil bath, and it is connected to the crankshaft by a double-row chain. Interestingly, for some reason it was decided to use a single-row chain to transmit torque to the rear wheel.
Chassis and brakes
Spoke wheels with vertical axial adjustment and chambered discs, primitive drum brakes on both wheels, a telescopic fork and a spring-loaded pendulum wishbone rear suspension with conventional hydraulic shock absorbers. The frame of the bike is ordinary, welded from pipes, and, judging by the speed of corrosion on some copies, the pipes were water pipes. The situation was somewhat corrected by the fact that the more recent IZhi P5s were equipped with a disc brake on the front wheel, which made it possible to somewhat shorten the braking distance. For the first generation, for example, the estimated braking distance in ideal conditions and at a speed of 80 km/h reached 42.5 meters, which, you see, is a bit much.
Electronics
Minimum electronic filling in IZH Planet 5. Wires from the switch go to the ignition, 12V battery , independent generator and lighting equipment. This, in general, is all - a whole abyss separates this bike from modern bikes with numerous auxiliary systems, and there is simply no “extra” electronics in it.
Weight and dimensions
The weight of the motorcycle without a sidecar ranges from 158 to 165 kg , depending on the year of manufacture and configuration. Not so much; most modern bikes, with the exception of small-capacity ones, weigh more. It is not difficult to physically handle the brainchild of the Soviet motorcycle industry, since its center of gravity is shifted downward, and the bike does not seem subjectively heavy, despite how much it weighs. However, finding a stroller from this bike, and even in decent condition, is not so easy now.
The dimensions of IZH Planet 5 are also small - 1450 mm between the axles and 2200 mm in total length with 1200 mm in height (not at the saddle). The curb weight with all fluids is about 187 kg . Dimensions in general can be called average.
The maximum permissible load is 170 kg on the motorcycle itself and 20 kg on the trunk, made of thick and durable iron. But it is worth keeping in mind that a full load has the most negative effect on both the controllability of the IZH P5 and the length of its braking distance, which is already quite impressive.
Controllability
The IZH Planet 5 handles better than you would expect from a motorcycle developed in the USSR in the 80s of the last century. Proper weight distribution makes its contribution to handling - the bike obediently obeys the steering wheel, turns on a modest spot, and you can tilt it quite noticeably even on the spot, without fear that it will fall on its side.
Fuel consumption
The volume of the IZH Planet 5 gas tank is 18 liters , and you can fill it with any gasoline. It is advisable to mix the oil in a canister rather than pour it directly into the gas tank, since it still needs to be mixed in the tank. To do this, you will have to shake and rock the motorcycle, which, you see, is not very convenient. But the bike’s 18-liter tank is enough for more than 300 kilometers , since fuel consumption does not exceed 3.5-4 liters per 100 km .
Greetings again, friends! I was sitting in the evening leafing through the catalog of spare parts for my assembled planet 5-01. At the same time, I decided to look through the manual and operation book and saw various configurations of this model there. Then I looked at a couple of books and became interested in how many different configurations of this engine there were. This is what I want to share with you. 1987 IZH 7.107 - Planet 5, everyone knows this motorcycle. It was produced for quite a long time and managed to earn sufficient respect among the people. So a new motorcycle, Izh Planet 5, appeared. Compared to the previous model, this one looked completely different, and although the engine was almost the same, there were also minor changes. In the photo you see one of the first motorcycles of this model. As you can see, some components are still from Planet 4 - the engine cover, kick starter, gear shift foot. But this is exactly what Planet -5 originally looked like. Later, the magazine “Behind the Wheel” published an article about the emergence of a new “Planet”. Now the motorcycle produced for the people had the same appearance as in the photo in the magazine. All improvements are described in detail in the article, so I won’t rewrite it a second time. Although I got Planet 5 already in 2015, its improvements after 6 years of owning Planet 4 are obvious. I especially liked the presence of one muffler. How more spacious it became on the left side! And you won’t hit the pipe with a kick again, and you don’t need to remove it if you need to get into the clutch. And the wiring, which has a minimum of plugs and connectors, is beautiful! In general, those who have driven both this and this will understand me. But of course I love my first motorcycle, IZH - Planet 4, it has more to do with it and I just became attached to the fours. It seems that the lyrics are over - we can move on. A new model has been released! At that time, buyers were also offered a luxury model. She looked like this. Plastic shields, updated fairing, rear trunk. Cool equipment for that time! And everything is so harmonious in appearance. Time passed, progress did not stand still. In 1990, IZHMash offered three new modifications of this motorcycle! At this time, a new “Orion” fork, disc brake and cast wheels appeared. Their appearance on this model is closely related to the development of prototypes with an engine capacity of 500 cm3; in the previous post about these engines it was even written about this. The most popular of these modifications was, of course, “7.107-015”. Briefly about these new trim levels. IZH 7.107 - 014. Cast 18-inch wheels with drum brakes. Retail price 1085 rub. (not a bad price tag ;-)) IZH 7.107 - 015. New telescopic fork, disc brake. Cast wheels 19 and 18 inches. Retail price 1150 rub. IZH 7.107 - 016. New telescopic fork, disc brakes, spoked wheels. Retail price 1060 rub.
In addition to this, the following modifications were added: IZH - P5 K. IZH - P5 Tourist “7.108T”. IZH - P5 Lux "7.107L-015". Here is already the maximum set of everything that could stand at that time.
Another interesting point. On the Internet I also saw photos of motorcycles with engines painted black. And that’s how they were painted at the factory. Maybe they were preparing something else, but it didn’t work out. These are the models.
They also planned to launch the Planet 5 series with an engine capacity of 400 cm3. But during the tests it turned out that with such a volume terrible vibrations arise. And simply the engine resource will not be so long. You can look at this prototype.
Now, new models of IZH-Planet 5 were introduced only in 1995. At this time, Planet 5-01 was developed, which I have been trying to assemble for 2 years. I'll describe it briefly anyway. The new model had electronic ignition and a permanent magnet generator. Now we could forget about cams and various adjustments of clearances. And it was possible to drive without a battery. A separate lubrication system made it possible to pour pure gasoline into the tank and independently supply the required amount of oil to the mixture. The rear brake drive changed the kinematics and looked more aesthetically pleasing. This planet received the index "01". This motorcycle looked like this as standard. IZH 7.107-01. There are already much more complete sets. It was already possible to play with wheels, a fork, separate lubrication, “lux”, and cylinders. I'll show you the basic configurations. 7.107-020-01. 7.107-025-01. 7.107-040-01 7.107-012-01
The “Lux” modification usually added a fairing, trunk, and guards. Such a set could be installed on any of the above-mentioned motorcycles and only the letter “L” was added to the index.
Closer to 2000, things began to go not so well and modifications with the “01” index were no longer released so often. They began to install a standard engine from 1987, there were slight differences in the internals, but this was more related to the clutch drum, which was already fitted with a wide chain, and the left engine cover was different. There were also often planets with 2 mufflers. These are already late modifications.
As a result, we can conclude: where we started is where we came to. But still, if you take it all together, there was so much diversity! Of course, closer to the closure of motorcycle production, they were simply saving money on motorcycles: less chrome, a tank without rubber bands, just the bare minimum. Here, of course, I have not mentioned all the modifications, but you have seen the main ones. I'll save the rest for another post, where there will be models as well as specials. appointments and others. But still, some consistency in the development of this model can be noticed. Thank you for attention 
Repair and tuning
Both the IZH Planet 5 engine, the transmission, and its chassis are truly distinguished by their high maintainability . If the bike you received has spent many years in caring hands, there will most likely be no problems with it, especially if it is serviced on time. But for careless owners, Soviet motorcycles quickly break down.
Repair
Most often minor damage occurs. The ignition fails, the electrics begin to take on a life of their own, the speedometer cable breaks, the light bulbs in the headlights and turn signals burn out. The main components are distinguished by good reliability, even the engine, despite the fact that 2-stroke engines cannot boast of a significant resource.
Spare parts
Despite the fact that this model was discontinued a long time ago, spare parts for the IZH Planet 5 motorcycle are still not difficult to find. The easiest way is to look for the necessary hardware at flea markets and on the Internet, since Avito always has plenty of offers. Prices depend on the greed of a particular seller, but in general everything is cheap .
Tuning
Since the vast majority of IZH Planet 5 units that are still running live in rural areas, their tuning is usually unique. Most often it comes down to buying all sorts of lights and stickers on Aliexpress and then turning the unfortunate motorcycle into who knows what. Adding horsepower to an engine is the dream of every first-time “tuner,” but to do this, it’s easier to change the bike itself. There are, of course, craftsmen who manually forge new valves and bore piston valves, but this is the case when the game is not worth the candle.
Advantages and disadvantages
This bike is really quite good, albeit archaic. The Izh Planet 5 engine is durable, and so is the transmission, and spare parts are quite cheap.
Advantages
- Maintainability . If necessary, it can be easily repaired on your own, even without special technical skills.
- Stroller . This is one of the few bikes that were equipped with it.
- Price . You can buy IZH Planet 5 in “on the go” condition for 5 thousand rubles, if you’re lucky.
Flaws
- Age . In combination with the low quality of components, this leads to quite frequent minor technical breakdowns.
- Corrosion . The frame of the IZH Planet 5 motorcycle often begins to rust, especially if the bike is stored in a damp garage with poor ventilation.
- 2-stroke engine . You have to mix gasoline with oil before pouring it into the gas tank. And to chat your two-wheeled friend from side to side, thereby mixing gasoline with oil right in the tank, considerable physical strength is required.
Types of motorcycle
There are several models of Izh Planet-5.
- Basic - Izh 7.107.
- Luxury - Izh 7.107L. Has a trunk, knee guards and fairing.
- Izh "Planet-5K" - Izh 7.108. Equipped with a removable cargo cradle-trailer, complete with a cover awning.
- Izh "Planet-5K" in the "Tourist" configuration - Izh 7.108T. More passable and powerful, it is possible to attach a cargo or passenger cradle.
In most cases, the first variant of a motorcycle is found on the market.
Owner reviews
Izhak with a sidecar was my first real motorcycle, after “Riga” I was full of joy)) Its weight, however, is rather considerable, but oh well, I’m not dead either, so there were no problems. Well, it wasn’t like that - the clunker that my dad gave me broke down regularly, but it was repaired without problems, two or three repairs a week, and so everything is ok)). Vasya, Kirov
An excellent bike for its size, decent dynamics, although the brakes are weak. The seat height is moderate, although it was difficult for 15-year-old me to reach the ground with my feet. Planet 5 taught me how to ride on two wheels, and I still remember it fondly. Alexey, Kostroma
The motor is old and reliable, like the Soviet Union. I really don’t know that it can weigh so much, it seems like a compact motor, but it feels like it’s cast from solid cast iron. But it drives cheerfully, better than the Ural that came before it, really much more cheerful. There have never been any serious breakdowns; there are enough characteristics for driving around the countryside. Misha, Sharya
Conclusion
The IZH Planet 5 motorcycle was late to the market. It began to be produced when in other countries people were already riding the Honda Gold Wing 1100, Harley-Davidson Tour Glide, Kawasaki ZG1300 Voyager, Suzuki GV1400 Cavalcade and other modern bikes at that time. It’s unclear how it miraculously survived on the production line until 2008, but it’s only for the better. There are plenty of fans of Soviet motorcycles who are nostalgic for the old days, and IZH Planet-5, a decent motorcycle with good performance characteristics , can be an excellent toy for them.
Specifications
| Maximum engine power: | 22 HP |
| Working volume: | 346 cm3 |
| Motor type (cylinder arrangement, number of strokes): | Single-cylinder carburetor two-stroke air-cooled |
| Number of cylinders: | 1 |
| Number of valves: | |
| Intake type (Injector / Carburetor): | |
| Bore and stroke: | |
| Starting system (Electric starter, kick starter): | |
| Maximum speed in km/h: | 120 km/h |
| Cooling system: | Air cooling |
| Transmission (gearbox): | 4-speed, manual |
| Clutch (Dry / Wet): | |
| Drive unit: | Chain |
| Frame: | Tubular welded type |
| Chassis | |
| Suspension (front/rear travel): | |
| Brakes (Front/Rear): | |
| Wheels / Tires / Rubber: | |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Dimensions (Length / Width): | |
| Seat height: | |
| Ground clearance: | |
| Curb weight: | |
| Wheelbase: | 1450 mm |
| Weight: | 158—165 (depending on configuration) kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 18 l. |
| Battery capacity: | |
| Year of release: | |
| Country of Origin: |
About the motorcycle
The Planet-5 model has been produced in Izhevsk since 1987. This high-quality vehicle was deservedly loved by Soviet and Russian motorcyclists for its unpretentiousness, good speed qualities ( up to 80-100 km/h ) and practicality.
The motorcycle was equipped with a fairly powerful engine, which coped well both with riding on a flat road and with steep ascents and descents. If a vehicle breaks down, it is easy to repair it yourself using inexpensive domestic spare parts. If you plan to use the Izh Planet-5 for trips to the country, you can attach a spacious trailer to it.
The model was discontinued in 2008 due to the fact that it had lost its relevance and was no longer in great demand on the market.
