Riga-16 is a Soviet-era moped, the production of which began in the seventies of the last century at the Sarkana Zvayzzne factory. The unit received a motorcycle-type muffler, a two-speed transmission, an updated kick starter, and a rear brake lever. In addition, the brake light, steering wheel was improved, and the product was painted in several variations. Starting versions were equipped with a Sh-57 power unit, further modifications of this series were equipped with a Sh-58 engine. With a mass of 115 kilograms, mokic is able to transport more than a centner of additional cargo.
Historical facts
The Riga Sarkana Zvayzzne factory started producing small-cubic two-wheeled motor equipment back in 1958. The first models were Spiriditis mopeds, manufactured under license from the Java Plant. The beginning was not entirely successful, and after consulting with Czech colleagues, the developers mastered their own production of the Riga series. The starting modification was equipped with a power unit of fifty cubic centimeters.
For forty years of activity, Riga designers have released many modifications of one- and two-speed mokiki, a miniature scooter under the index "26" and the famous light motorcycles "Delta", "Stella". The release of Riga-16 began in 1977 and lasted five years. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the plant was stopped and sold out in parts.
Features and innovations
Riga-16 is a moped that has received a large number of innovations and structural changes compared to its predecessors. The main thing in this list of innovations was to equip the unit with a kick starter. Prior to this, the vast majority of motor vehicles of this class were produced with a pedal drive.
Along with a modified engine start, the designers improved the motor itself, which, thanks to its simplicity and reliability, has become practically the standard of its time for users. The color design of the Riga-16 moped was received in two main variations. The updated tail light, a new form of the trunk, the footrest and brake lever can also be attributed to the most successful innovations in the development of the model in question.
Moped "Riga-16": technical specifications
Below are the main parameters of the Soviet mokik:
- power plant - Sh-57 / Sh58 with a capacity of 2.2 horsepower and a volume of 49.8 cubic centimeters;
- top speed - 50 kilometers per hour;
- muffler - motorcycle type;
- weight - 75 kilograms;
- advanced steering wheel;
- years of release - from 1978 to 1982;
- length x width x height - 1.97 x 0.74 x 1.16 meters;
- tire size - 2.15 / (sixteen-inch rubber);
- frame type - welded spinal construction.
With its mass, the Riga-16 moped, whose photo is available below, could transport more than 110 kilograms. In addition to the driver, even a large passenger could fit in a comfortable seat.
More about the motor and main components
The following are the parameters of the power unit and fuel system:
- engine type - Sh-57, Sh-57 s, Sh-58;
- power - two horsepower, or one and a half kilowatts;
- gearbox - a two-stage unit with a manual drive;
- clutch unit - two-disc option in an oil bath;
- launch of the power unit - Sh-57 (pedals), Sh-58 (kick starter);
- fuel - AI-76 gasoline;
- fuel consumption per hundred kilometers - 1.6 liters;
- gear ratio - 3.08.
Studying the characteristics of the Riga-16 moped, it can be noted that it is equipped with a K-35V (K-60) gasoline carburetor, has a contact ignition system with a magneto, and is equipped with a dry air mesh filter.
Consumer Reviews
Despite the fact that more than a dozen years have passed since the release of the modification in question, it is still possible to meet a rare device in working condition. Of course, to pick up original parts for him is almost impossible. But, due to the simplicity of maintenance and repair, it’s quite possible to fix the motor yourself, with minimal skills.
The owners of the device note a number of positive aspects of the Riga moped:
- new and more convenient steering design;
- improved seat;
- the optimal combination of the mass of the unit and its load capacity;
- steady wheels in comparison with predecessors;
- starting the motor with a kick starter;
- strong and reliable frame.
By cons, users of this model include problems typical for Soviet equipment of this class with component parts of the motor, a capricious gearbox, and a not-so-perfect braking system.
Features
“Riga-16” - a moped, which replaced the thirteenth modification. The main difference was the presence of a motorcycle-type silencer, a new starting system, a more advanced and convenient form of the steering wheel. Modernization of the sixteenth series was made in 1981. The new model received an index of "22", was equipped with a Sh-62 engine. The power plant was radically different from its predecessors.
The motor received a non-contact type electronic ignition. In addition, the new mokick was equipped with another gearbox. Despite this, the gearshift unit remained the weak link of the apparatus in question (summed up the quality of its manufacture). Subsequently, the Riga factory focused on the production of mopeds of a completely different type, which are similar to light motorcycles and are known as “Mini”, “Delta” and “Stella”.
Interesting Facts
It is worth noting that Riga-16 is a moped that has much in common with its closest competitors in the workshop and class. This is especially true for the appearance of the twelfth, eleventh and thirteenth models. But if you look at the little things, it can be noted that the option under consideration has a more convenient form and fastening of the steering wheel, the brake and clutch lever has a rubber tip in the form of a ball, the taillight is more convenient, has a more attractive shape.
The engine of the sixteenth version is almost the same as that of Riga-12, only with a kick starter. The mokika saddle is elongated and elastic, it is comfortable even for long trips. Several color options make it possible to choose the unit in accordance with personal preferences. Also, the popularity of the device was affected by affordability, ease of operation, maintenance and repair.
User's manual
“Riga-16” - a moped, the operating manual of which includes standard provisions, is distinguished by its original design and unpretentiousness. Main sections of the manual:
- The device and equipment of the apparatus.
- Tips for using fuel and lubricants.
- Terms of preventive and capital services.
- Recommendations for the repair of individual components and parts.
- Technical specifications.
Having studied the instructions, almost any user can replace the seals, candles, fixing, light elements and other collapsible nodes.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that Riga-16 is a moped that was produced several decades ago, many compatriots remember it and even use it. Some owners are simply nostalgic for simple units that could be independently repaired and refined, making various adjustments.
The Soviet mokick from the Riga developers was remembered for being equipped with a non-pedal type starter, had a beautiful design and a good combination of indicators of carrying capacity, weight, price and speed. The moped was popular both on city streets and in the countryside.