The Soviet road bike Voskhod was produced at the Degtyarev plant, a large defense enterprise located in the Russian city of Kovrov. The production of a light two-wheeled machine was established in the format of consumer goods in 1957. The Sunrise motorcycle was notable for its uncomplicated design and reliable operation. Repair was also inexpensive. In those days, the concept of the prestige of the vehicle did not exist, the motorcycle was evaluated by the degree of durability and by signs of affordability. The low level of comfort when riding a two-wheeled car did not bother anyone. Shaking even on a good road, the vibration of all nodes at the same time were considered integral characteristics of the motorcycle.
Predecessor
The prototype of the "Sunrise" was a German motorcycle brand RT 125, manufactured by DKW. Initially, the Soviet version was called "Kovrovets", and only a few years later the car was named "Sunrise". The motorcycle, photos of which were published in newspapers, immediately became popular among the general population, and its production was put on stream. The name change is explained by the growing popularity of the machine and its relevance throughout the USSR. The new motorcycle "Sunrise", the characteristics of which remained virtually unchanged, was considered the most reliable, "popular" model. The relatively low price corresponded to this postulate. The origin of the design was not advertised, Soviet consumers were sure that they were buying a domestic motorcycle, reliable and durable.
Technical specifications
Motorcycle Features:
- engine - two stroke, single cylinder;
- cylinder volume - 173.7 cubic meters cm;
- diameter - 61.72 mm;
- piston stroke - 58 mm;
- power - 10 l. from.;
- gearbox - built-in, four-speed with lever gearshift;
- rear wheel drive - chain;
- rear suspension - pendulum;
- front suspension - telescopic;
- brakes - drum;
- maximum speed - 90 km / h;
- fuel - low-octane gasoline A72;
- weight - 110 kg.
Modifications
Motorcycle "Sunrise" for a long time was produced without any improvements, its technical characteristics generally met the requirements of consumers. However, there were complaints, some buyers expressed the opinion that the car is very noisy and unstable on the road. And although these remarks were of a singular nature, they had an effect.
In 1972, the design bureau of the Kovrov plant began the modernization of the "popular" model. The Voskhod motorcycle became known as Voskhod-2, and five years later, Voskhod-2M rolled off the assembly line, which was produced from 1977 to 1979. Radical changes in the design of the new machine affected mainly the engine. With a cylinder volume of 173.7 cubic meters. cm power increased to 14 "horses" due to the modernized cylinder head and an expanded configuration of the bypass channels. The compression ratio was 9.2 units. Speed increased to 105 km / h. The new engine required high-octane fuel, in the passport of the car instead of gasoline A72 designated A93.
In 1979, the Voskhod-2M motorcycle was renamed. It began to be called Sunrise 3. The model was produced until 1983, and then a new, latest modification appeared. It was a Voskhod-3M motorcycle, which completed the range of light two-wheeled vehicles at the Kovrov plant. This last representative of a worthy family is still considered the best in its class.
New motorcycle "Voskhod-3M"
In the period from 1983 to 1993, the last 3M model was produced at the Kovrov plant. Compared to its predecessors, the new motorcycle had a number of advantages, such as an increased area for finned cooling of the cylinder, the use of a carburetor made in Czechoslovakia, 12-volt electrical equipment instead of 6-volt, a modern instrument cluster (the speedometer was combined with indicator lamps for turn indicators and high beam to near). The main connections of the electrical circuit wires were hidden under the seat in special plastic containers. The motorcycle was equipped with a sufficiently powerful generator, which made it possible to do without a battery.
The front fork received corrugated protective covers, the passenger steps and the kickstarter stop were hinged, side rear-view mirrors appeared on the steering wheel. And as the last touch of motorcycle modernization, an effective anti-theft lock was installed. As a result of all the improvements, the main goal was achieved - reducing engine and chassis noise. The straight-flow silencer was replaced by a sectional one with internal bulkheads. The design of the front fork and the rear pendulum suspension was revised, while removing all the joints that could cause a knock during movement. As a result of the measures taken, the noise of the motorcycle decreased markedly.
Modification for tourism
Over time, the idea came up to create a two-wheeled car for lovers of multi-kilometer trips. On the basis of the 3M model, a motorcycle was developed for long-distance travel, called the "Sunrise-3M-tourist". The main difference between the new car was a high steering wheel with a jumper, which provides the driver with a comfortable position. The motorcycle was equipped with safety rails and a rear trunk with side sections on which bags for things, provisions and tools were attached.
Sunrise Truck
A special vehicle with a body for transporting agricultural products and building materials was also developed for rural residents. However, the truck did not go into mass production. Since the gear ratios of the motorcycle’s gearbox did not match the speed parameters of transporting goods on rural roads. I had to ride in first gear, and this inevitably ended in overheating of the engine, as well as excessive consumption of gasoline. The engine of the motorcycle "Sunrise" was unsuitable for this mode of operation. Torque and transmission power were incompatible. Attempts to remake the gearbox were also unsuccessful, and the Voskhod cargo truck, a motorcycle, the photo of which is presented on the page, was almost immediately discontinued.
"Owl"
In 1989, the production of a model equipped with a fundamentally new engine was established, the cylinder of which was distinguished by a five-channel purge with a single exhaust window. At the inlet of the combustible mixture, a flap valve was installed , which significantly reduced fuel consumption. Motor power increased to 15 liters. from. at 5500 rpm. The new model, which received the index "Sunrise-3M-01", was called "Owl".
Price
There were several relatively inexpensive models on the Soviet-era motorcycle market, but Sunrise was considered the cheapest car. A motorcycle, the price of which today varies from 6.5 to 30 thousand rubles, can be expensive if the model is considered rare. Conversely, a wrecked car will be sold at a bargain price at a bad price. In Russia, there are collectors in the garage where, next to the tricked-out Honda or Mitsubishi, Kovrovets or Voskhod is definitely worth it, since the rarity level of Soviet-era motorcycles is much higher than that of Japanese representatives. And the cost of the car in monetary terms in this case does not matter, since a completely different scale of values operates here.