Outside, the ugly "younger brother" of the more serious model "IL Jupiter-3", he was able to win the love and recognition of many people. It was used not only for driving from point A to point B, but also as a loyal assistant in the transportation of goods. In the photo "elder brother" of our hero - "IL Jupiter-3".
The publication
Back in 1971, the first IZH Planet-3 motorcycle came off the assembly line of the Izhevsk Izhmash plant. Initially, it was designed as a budget version for the middle class and was, in fact, a stripped-down version of IZH Jupiter-3. The novelty has gained great popularity among the population. Confirmation of this is that in the period from 1971 to 1977, more than 450 thousand copies of the basic version of the motorcycle were produced. And this is not surprising, because with its relative cheapness, it possessed unpretentiousness and “omnivorousness”, as well as sufficient endurance and many compatible parts, which greatly simplified the repair. In addition, it was the first motorcycle on which regular turn indicators were installed.
Base Model Features
As for the technical characteristics of IZH Planet-3, they were very close to those of his "elder brother." The clutch and gearbox were structurally similar to each other. But, despite all the similarities, the details were not interchangeable. The IZH Planeta-3 engine was single-cylinder, and its volume was 346 cm 3 , which is only 1 cm 3 less than the previous model. But at the same time its power was 25 liters. S., against 18 liters. from. prototype. Both engines were two-stroke. The power unit had a loopback purge system. But due to the imbalance of the parts, the engine created a very strong vibration. There was another innovation that began to be applied on this model. In order to simplify the repair and maintenance of equipment, the designers provided for the installation of a collapsible crankshaft. This made it possible to repair the motorcycle gearbox without dismantling the assembly itself.
Motorcycle Engine Specifications
- The number of engine cylinders is 1.
- The diameter and height of the cylinder is 72 * 85 mm.
- The piston stroke is 85 mm.
- Engine displacement - 346 cm 3 .
- The compression ratio is 7.51.
- Engine power - 18 l. from.
- Type of cooling - air.
- Type of carburetor - K-36I, K-62I.
But not only for the ease of repair and maintenance they fell in love with a motorcycle. Perhaps the main advantage of this unit was not its speed characteristics (the maximum speed that a motorcycle could develop, 110 km / h), but its cross-country ability. Of course, the characteristics of IZH Planet-3 were inferior to many motorcycles, this also applied to acceleration dynamics, but this was offset by increased endurance. It was she who made the model a “people's brand” among residents of villages, villages, towns, in a word, places where there were poor roads. This motorcycle was the golden mean: it was taken both to ride with the breeze, and to go fishing, hunting, and also to bring any kind of cargo. With its own weight of 168 kg, the recommended load weight was 170 kg, and this, they say, was not the limit.
The simplicity of the engine design, its unpretentiousness, durability, as well as well-designed cooling were the most suitable for traveling at low speed in difficult places. The engine of the motorcycle developed the highest torque precisely in first gear, and this was already happening at a speed of about 25 km / h. This allowed you to go to places where other motorcycles skidded or stalled.
All motorcycle features
| Overall dimensions of the motorcycle (d * v * u) | 2115 mm * 1025 mm * 780 mm |
| Wheelbase, length | 1400 mm |
| Clearance | 135 mm |
| Maximum Developed Speed | 110 km / h |
| Gas tank, volume | 18 l |
| Estimated mileage at one gas station | 180 km |
| Fuel consumption per 100 km | at an optimum speed of 60 km / h - 3 liters per 100 km, in another cycle - 5 liters per 100 km |
| Fording | 300 mm |
| Battery voltage | 6 V |
| Front fork | with hydraulic shock absorber |
| Rear suspension | spring with hydraulic shock absorber |
| Clutch type | multi-disc |
| Type of gearbox, number of gears | four-speed, two-way |
| Frame design | tubular, welded |
| Type of brakes | drum, drive - mechanical |
| Wheels | easily removable, spokes tangent |
| Tire size | 3.59-18 " |
Model IZH Planet-3-01
Since 1977, a new modification of our hero has been launched into the series. The following improvements have been made:
- The ability to adjust the height of the front wing above the wheel.
- For the rear shock absorbers, it became possible to change the spring pretension. Three locking positions were provided. This allowed the rear suspension to have a working stroke, despite the load carried by the motorcycle. This innovation was especially important for motorists who drove along poor roads.
- The engine was forced and its power increased by 2 liters. C., which, in turn, led to a change in the shape of the cooling fins and their increase.
- The motorcycle steering wheel has also undergone changes : in the new version, a rear-view mirror was regularly installed on it, and special rubber balls were added to the ends of the control handles, which prevented injuries to the hands when the motorcycle fell. Also, a change in the shape of the steering wheel was dictated by an increase in the level of comfort for the motorcyclist.
- Standard arcs were installed that were supposed to protect the driver in an accident.
For four years, about 400 thousand motorcycles of this modification were produced.
Model "IL Planet-3-02"
In 1981, with the light hand of the designers of Izhmash, a modernized motorcycle model came off the assembly lines. This time, innovations touched:
- carb: one horsepower was added;
- A new fuel tank was developed and installed on the motorcycle, which was subsequently transferred to the subsequent model of the IZH motorcycle, which was called Planet-4.
In four years, more than 210 thousand motorcycles of this modification were produced.
Simplicity = Reliability
Considering the fact that since 1985 these motorcycle models have not been produced, and on the roads no, no, and you will meet this iron horse, we can conclude: it turned out to be reliable and durable. As mentioned above, the engine was simple, the tubular frame was reliable, the front telescopic fork and the rear spring shock absorber made it relatively comfortable to feel off-road. Minimalism also touched the instrument panel: there are only two lamps on it - neutral speed (green) and the one that signals the generator is red.
There is also a speedometer that has a green backlight. Looking at the photo of IZH Planet-3, we can say that the designers of that time were still a bit of designers: chrome details are present in the motorcycle's appearance, not only the appearance changes from modification to modification, but also the type of stroller undergoes changes.
Due to its survivability, ability to ride on the road, IL Planet 3 is now popular with bikers who make motorcycle tuning. They remake them and turn them into choppers. And this means that for a long time on our roads (and not only ours) you can see this legend created by conscientious workers of the Izhmash Ural plant.