Lviv Motor Plant, which produced the Verkhovyna moped, originally specialized in the manufacture of car trailers. The development and production of experimental small-cubed mokiki began in 1958. The first examples in this direction were motorized bicycles. Then came "Verkhovyna 3", which played a significant role in the development of domestic motor vehicles of those times. The machine was equipped with a two-stroke engine with a volume of 50 cubic centimeters. Engine power was two horsepower, and its acceleration dynamics allowed it to pick up speed of about 50 km / h. The filling of the unit was characteristic for its class, so the developers focused on the improved design of the equipment.
Specifications
A distinctive feature of the Verkhovyna 3 moped from its predecessors was the wheels of a smaller diameter, as well as a tubular frame of a welded type. Thanks to this design, it was possible to increase the power of the unit and reduce its weight to 51 kilograms. On a two-wheeled vehicle, a modernized front fork appeared, and the landing improved. The rear fork was fixed to the frame using threaded bushings and bolts. This made it possible to reduce the degree of wear of the element during swing. Protective stops appeared on the brake pads with the ability to change or replenish compensating washers, which extended the working life of the unit.
In the first versions, the fuel tank was fixed on the brackets, and on the Verkhovyna moped it was attached to the shoulder. This solution avoided the appearance of cracks on the fasteners. Before launching the series, the mokick under consideration passed a series of tests, breaking a total of more than five thousand kilometers. From 1972 to 1974, the 4th and 5th series of this technique were released. They differed in engine parameters and small design alterations.
Sixth version
Particular attention in this line should be given to the Verkhovyna 6 moped. Here we can already talk about a radically different category. Firstly, the bicycle pedals were replaced by a kick starter. Secondly, the unit was equipped with a 2.2-horsepower two-stroke power unit, a two-speed gearbox with control on the left side of the steering wheel and the exterior was slightly modified.
A high steering wheel and an enlarged seat guarantee a comfortable and soft fit. At the same time, wide tires and a soft updated suspension were responsible for the convenience of moving along difficult roads. The trunk remained in place, withstood a load of 15 kg without problems.
The new mokik became heavier by more than three kilograms, but this did not affect its maneuverability and speed parameters. In 1981, the seventh version appeared, equipped with a non-contact ignition engine, a new carburetor and a powerful generator. Despite all the innovations, the speed of this unit was only 40 km / h. Of the changes, improved lights and the removal of control devices on the steering wheel can be noted.
Parameters
The following are the technical characteristics of the Verkhovyna moped of the sixth series:
- The type of power unit is a gasoline carburetor two-stroke engine.
- The working volume is 49.8 cubic centimeters.
- Compression - 8.5.
- The piston stroke is 44 mm with a diameter of 38 mm.
- Type of food - gasoline mixed with oil.
- Power indicators - 2.2 losh. forces at 5200 rpm.
- Ignition of the Verkhovyna moped - a contact type, aggregating with an alternator.
- Transmission - a manual transmission in two ranges with a chain gear.
- Length / width / height - 1.77 / 0.72 / 1.2 m.
- Ground clearance - 10 cm.
- The brake system is a drum type.
- Suspension - front - telescope, rear - pendulum block with springs.
- Weight - 53.5 kg.
- Fuel consumption per 100 km - about 2.2 liters.
Moped "Carpathians"
Verkhovyna received a worthy competitor in the spring of 1981. This season one of the most significant models was released - “Carpathians”. Mokik was equipped with a tubular frame, a fork-telescope with spring shock absorption, as well as a rear pendulum suspension and interchangeable wheels.
The new unit was equipped with a Sh-58 engine, a volume of 50 cubic centimeters and a power equal to two horses, or an improved analogue of the Sh-62 with a contactless ignition system. The speed limit of this equipment was 45 km / h. “Carpathians” were very similar in constructive terms to the Riga “Delta”.
Comparative review
Among the main differences between Verkhovyna and the Carpathians was the presence of a modified form of a fuel tank, a muffler and side casings in the last mokika. The designers increased the warranty period of mileage to 8 thousand kilometers, while at Verkhovyna it did not exceed 6 thousand. The working resource increased by 3 thousand kilometers before the first overhaul.
Despite the outdated Soviet technology, the equipment in question at that time was the flagship in its class and was distinguished by decent characteristics. Another plus is that the repair of the Verkhovyna moped could be done on its own without the use of special tools. More often than not, the “engine” needed this, which the craftsmen sorted out, modernized, and used again. Fortunately there were no problems with spare parts.
In conclusion
Already in 1989, the number of low-volume vehicles produced on two wheels from Lviv manufacturers amounted to almost 140 thousand units. This is taking into account the fact that in the 80s of the last century the plant reduced the output of these machines by almost half due to falling demand. To attract customers, new models began to be developed for lovers of fast driving ("Sport") or mototourism ("Tourist" with a windshield). After the collapse of the Union, the plant practically ceased to exist and the production of light-engine equipment.