In the post-Soviet space, the Karpaty moped is one of the most popular small vehicles on two wheels. Against the background of similar units, the device in question was distinguished by good quality, practicality and original design. Among the features, it is worth noting the three-block type coupling. The gearbox is two-speed, it pretty well provided a smooth start and a set of maximum speed (45-50 km / h).
Features
Despite the fact that it was almost impossible to run the unit in some way, the simplicity of its maintenance and the possibility of self-repairing absolutely all units, of course, played a key role in its popularity. Original spare parts for the Karpaty moped were made of high-quality metal, although the technology of that time often broke down due to structural and technical flaws.
The trunk of the vehicle in question could withstand more than one centner of cargo. Tires had a high tread, which made it possible to operate the equipment in the winter. Drum type brakes were enough for the mass and dynamics of a small motorcycle. The power unit itself is a conventional two-stroke engine. Almost every owner of this representative of motor vehicles will be able to replace the rings or piston.
Competitors
The unit closest to the competitor’s characteristics was received in the “face” of the Verkhovyna vehicle. Ignition of the Karpaty moped, clutch assembly, design and some other indicators significantly exceeded the opponent. In addition, the Delta and Verkhovyna-7 competed with the car in question. Although all units were modernized for these variations, the Carpathians were preferred.
There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the price of Delta was higher, and it was produced in Riga. Secondly, the improved Verkhovyna had a guaranteed mileage of 6,000 kilometers, a resource before overhaul - 15 thousand. At the same time, the Karpaty moped possessed eight and eighteen thousand, respectively.
More than one generation, especially in rural areas, has studied every screw in this unit. A brief idea of the location of the main elements:
- The air filter is located directly behind the carburetor.
- The gearshift control lever is on the left, the brakes are on the right.
- Also on the steering wheel is a clutch handle, gas, front brake.
It is worth noting that there is no electric starter, so a fairly popular way to start the engine was to activate it from a “push” or “paw”.
The nuances of repair work
Almost every owner could repair the Karpaty moped independently. Quite often, I had to sort out the engine. No matter how complicated this work may seem, thanks to the simple arrangement of the motor of the unit under consideration, everything was available to do quickly and efficiently.
If the cause of the breakdown is in the failure of the bearings, crankshaft, rings, it will be necessary to split the engine. This is a relatively simple procedure, where it’s much harder to put everything back correctly. Although, if you carefully consider the process and recommendations in the instructions, everything is very real.
Muffler gaskets can be cut out of cardboard and greased with grease. Important: when tightening the nuts, the optimum force must be observed, avoiding insufficient fastening or thread breakage. The Karpaty moped runs on a mixture of gasoline and oil, there is no special oil receiver. The optimal fuel is the AI-80.
Specifications
What are the technical parameters of the Karpaty moped? The characteristics of the main nodes are presented below:
- Full weight - 55 kg.
- The maximum load is 100 kg.
- Base - 1.2 m.
- Length / height / width - 1.8 / 1.1 / 0.7 m.
- Ground clearance - 10 cm.
- The maximum speed threshold on the passport is up to 45 km / h.
- Fuel consumption per hundred - 2.1 liters.
- Type of frame - design for welding a tubular specimen.
- The front suspension block is a telescope fork, spring shock absorbers.
- Suspension at the rear - damping springs with a pendulum.
- The total braking distance at 30 km / h is 7.6 m.
- Tire categories are 2.50-16 or 2.75-16 inches.
- The power unit is a V-50 carburetor, two cycles, air cooling.
- Volume - 49.9 cubic meters. cm.
- The cylinder size is 3.8 cm.
- Piston stroke - 4.4 cm.
- The compression ratio is from 7 to 8.5.
- Motor power - 1.5 liters. from.
- The maximum torque is 5200 rpm.
- Gearbox - two steps, manual or similar with foot shift.
Other parameters
Other characteristics that the Karpaty moped has are as follows:
- Electrical equipment - non-contact electronic ignition system with alternator.
- Transmission - multi-plate clutch.
- Fuel capacity - 7 liters.
- The gear ratio of the motor transmission is 4.75.
- A similar ratio from the gearbox to the rear wheel is 2.2.
- Type of carburetor - K60V.
- The energy supplier is a 6 V alternator with a power of 45 watts.
- The filter element is an air type with a paper filter.
- Gaseous discharge - a silencer having baffles for throttle exhaust.
- The fuel mixture is gasoline A-76-80 with oil (ratio - 100: 4).
The clutch of the Karpaty moped is an innovative solution at that time. This is a three-deck or multi-disc type assembly. For low-powered two-wheeled vehicles, this design was a curiosity.
Modifications and years of release
The Karpaty moped first appeared in 1981 at the Lviv Motor Plant. Five years later, a model called "Carpathians-2." The second version of the moped was 0.2 liters. from. weaker and one and a half kilograms lighter than its predecessor. Otherwise, both modifications were identical. The closest similar moped according to its characteristics was Riga Delta.
In the period from 1988 to 1989, more than 260 thousand mopeds "Karpaty" were produced. In the latest versions, the developers determined the mileage before the warranty repair of 18 thousand kilometers. There were several more modifications, namely:
- “Karpaty-Sport” (a front wheel of a larger diameter, foot shift, a muffler brought up).
- "Carpathians-Tourist" with a windshield.
- "Karpaty-Lux" with direction indicators.
The last few years, the release of the units under consideration is not performed. There are several similar variations of Chinese production.
Owner reviews
Many ardent supporters and opponents of this moped. The first are more those who like to delve into the technique with their own hands and achieve certain results. If you analyze most of the reviews, you can find out what users like and why they have a persistent negative.
The Karpaty moped has the following advantages:
- Profitability.
- Practicality.
- Easy to repair.
- Good handling.
- Decent design.
By cons users included the following aspects:
- Low speed.
- Lack of original spare parts in the modern market.
- Fast overheating in hot weather.
- Not very high quality shock absorbers and weak side shields.
It is worth noting that some lovers of two-wheeled vehicles collect entire collections of Soviet-made mopeds and restore them. The cost of the vehicle in question depends on its condition and modification. The Karpaty moped, the price of which varies from $ 100 to $ 500, can be purchased exclusively in the secondary market. It's easy to find a suitable model really on online resources involved in the sale.
Conclusion
The legend of the Soviet motorcycle industry moped "Karpaty" is still popular among true connoisseurs of light transport. Its features include ease of repair and maintenance. Among his competitors, he acted as the best representative of motor vehicles with an engine capacity of up to fifty "cubes".
Despite all the shortcomings (low speed, unreliability of some elements), the moped in question was produced in several modifications. As you know, demand creates supply. Given that in just three active years of production, more than 300 thousand copies were produced, it can be argued that the Karpaty is a favorite of more than one generation.