Motorcycle birthday is August 29th. On this day in 1885, an inventive German and an engineer by profession, Gottlieb Dimer, tested a gasoline engine of his own invention. The design on which the prototype engine was mounted was two-wheeled and moved briskly. So the motorcycle was invented.
In Russia, the era of motorcycles began later. Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant was a leader in its industry. Legendary motorcycle models can still be found in every city and village of the country. A large model range, the ability to repair literally “on the knee” in any garage, high performance, low cost - lovers of motor vehicles of the IZh brand can nostalgically list the advantages and find new reasons for the revival of production.
First samples
Attempts to create your own motorcycle in Russia began even before the revolution, in 1913-14. It was planned to assemble light models from Swiss parts on the basis of the Dux factory (Moscow). The plans were destroyed by the First World War, and after the 1917 revolution. The next attempt, more successful, was made in 1924 by a design bureau under the direction of P.N. Lviv Engineers were able to design and release in 1925 a model of a light motorcycle, called it "Union".
It had a progressive design, at that time, the main advantages were the engine of a volume of 500 cubic meters and a spring suspension on the rear wheel. Mass production did not follow, the prototype passed some tests, and that was the end of it, since the profile of the Dux factory was changed. It was possible to design and launch production of motorcycles of domestic brands in 1928. The basis for the installation of capacities was Izhstalzavod. They developed the first motorcycle in a specially created motorcycle engineering bureau, the chief engineer and leader of which was the legendary designer Pyotr Mozharov.
Start on the top five
P. Mozharov was in love with motorcycles and moved around his native Izhevsk on a German model of motorcycles. With his submission, a workshop was opened at Izhstalzavod, and in just one year, 5 trial IL motorcycles were created. All of them passed the tests and prepared for the run of All-Union significance. The very first Soviet motorcycle IZH-1 saw the world on September 17 in 1929, weighed 300 kilograms. Model pleased and the characteristics of the first motorcycles:
- IL-1 and IL-2. They were created to pass along the difficult roads of the countryside. The equipment includes an in-line engine with two cylinders, a steel frame of increased reliability, a mechanical gearbox of speeds, an external single-beam frame was created from pressed parts, bright light and some other innovations were a big plus. The IL-2 model is a modernized IL-1. But in the end, the first motorcycle had another advantage, important for a country where it was problematic with personal transport. Four passengers could ride on IL-1, two on a motorcycle and two in a wheelchair.
- IL-3. The main advantage of this model was the engine of the brand "Vanderer" in which the crankshaft is transverse. The rear wheel drive (chain) was placed in an airtight housing filled with oil.
- IL-4. It was equipped with a two-stroke engine with one cylinder of the Shtok brand; the rear wheel was driven by a shaft. This model was the lightest in the top five.
- IL-5, or "Composition". Motor units of the Neander brand were used in the design, the front fork was additionally developed, and the prototype frame was changed.
Tests on the track
The presentation of motorcycles took place at the All-Union Motor Rally in 1929. Competitions were held for the second time in their history. Izh motorcycles successfully crossed the 3300-kilometer highway and were also able to drive from Izhevsk to Moscow. According to the results of the competition, the IL-4 model was recommended for mass production. But, Izhstalzavod, due to congestion, could not start mass production. Mozharov, together with a group of designers, moved to Leningrad, where work began on the construction of a light motorcycle brand L-300.
Pre-war serial production
Until the thirties, there was no mass production of motorcycles in the USSR, but the question of laying the enterprise was considered. For the serial production of motor vehicles, it was not just assembly shops that were required, but a factory where all the parts and tools are manufactured, where there is staff capable of coping with tasks at all levels. The decision was made in favor of Izhevsk, where the Berezin gun factory was located, it then became the base for the new enterprise. Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant was originally called the Experimental Motorcycle Plant.
The original plan was for the release of NATI - A-750 (heavy modification). Its characteristics included a V-shaped engine with two cylinders, an engine displacement of 747 cubic meters, and rated power was 15 hp. The first four samples of this model were made for the May Day of 1933. In parallel with the heavy model of the motorcycle, several lightweight IL-7 models were made. As a result, a light model motorcycle was admitted to serial production, but with significant changes that were required in the struggle to “reduce labor intensity”. The final version of the model IZH-7 lost the trunk, shields, the throttle was replaced with a rotary cuff, and other simplifications were made.
In 1933, the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant produced 111 cars. The pace of production increased, while the work of the design bureau was going on, where new models were developed and existing ones were modernized. In 1938, the production of the IZH-8 motorcycle with an engine of 300 cubic meters began. The power of the equipment increased to 8 horsepower.
In 1940, the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant began production of the IZH-9 model. The working power of the machine was already 9 horsepower. In parallel, work began on the introduction of the IL-12 model, which was based on the L-8 model developed at the Leningrad Design Bureau. It was planned to launch mass production in 1941, but war broke out.
Postwar breakthrough
During the hostilities, the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant was focused on the production of machine guns and small arms. The revival of motorcycle construction began almost immediately after the Victory, in 1946. According to the law on reparations, drawings and equipment of German factories were delivered from Izhevsk to Germany, which gave a powerful impetus to development. A new design bureau was created at the enterprise, and preparations began for the production of a new model of the IZH-350 motorcycle, the German model DKW-350 was laid as the basis for the design.
The prototype of German industry was adapted to Soviet requirements and the possibility of related industries. The assembly of IZ motorcycles began at the arms factory. From that moment, the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant became the leader in the production of motorcycles in the Soviet Union.
Affordable and high quality
Until the end of the 60s, production volumes were increasing, the main emphasis was placed on the design and production of sports models of equipment, the tone was set by the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant. Products coming off the assembly line were in demand both in the domestic market and abroad. In 1946, the first post-war motorcycle model was modernized at the enterprise. The modernized specimen lost an obsolete parallelogram fork, and a telescopic one was constructed instead. Engine power increased to 14 horsepower, the suspension has undergone significant changes. Its new design gave a softer ride and cushioning when moving.
During the period of the fifties, four new motorcycle models went into mass production. The first in a row was the IZH-49 motorcycle. The model was equipped with a single-cylinder engine with a cooling system and dual purge, an upgraded rear wheel suspension, a telescopic fork. The gearbox had three positions. The motorcycle was ideally suited for conquering off-road in the countryside. IZH-50, 54 and 55 were also produced. Motorcycle power increased to 18-19 horsepower.
The heyday of the stagnation period
Since 1966, new models of road motorcycles began to be produced at the motorcycle plant in Izhevsk. In addition to new characteristics, the technology has new names that have become legendary: "IZH Planet" and "IZ Jupiter." The IZH Planet motorcycle was produced on the basis of the IZH-56 model. For a new family of motorcycles, the gas tank was modernized, the design of the saddle, shields (front, rear), muffler was changed.
IZH-Jupiter was also created on the basis of the IZH-56 motorcycle. For the new series, a fundamentally new engine with two cylinders was designed, a two-stroke engine with a two-jet air-blowing system. The working mixture of the engine was prepared in a carburetor, ignited by an electric spark in the cylinder. A large number of innovations were also made.
From 1971 to 1975, motorcycles of the road models IZH Planet-3, IZH Jupiter-3, IZH Planet Sport, IZH Jupiter-3K left the assembly line. By this time, the equipment of the production was at a high level and the capabilities of the enterprise significantly increased. In the design bureau, work on new models, improvement of traditional "izh" took place at a fast pace, the experience and capabilities of a large plant affected. Some motorcycle models have been awarded the Quality Mark, which made the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant proud. Spare parts for all models of equipment could be purchased everywhere throughout the country.
The IZ Jupiter motorcycle had five models with a different set of qualities, the IZ Jupiter - 5 motorcycle received the largest number of modifications, there were 22 of them. The IZH Planet model had five options; the most popular model was the IZH Planet Sport motorcycle.
Until the 2000s
By the beginning of the 80s, a new highly automated production complex was put into operation at the enterprise. Its estimated output capacity was 450 thousand tons of motorcycles per year. During 1981-82 The factory produced motor vehicles of the models IZH Jupiter-4 and IZH Planet-4. In 1985, the IZH Jupiter-5 model was launched into production, and in 1987 the IZH Planet-5 motorcycle was launched. For this model, a redesign of the appearance and an engine with a capacity of 22 liters were developed. from. Soon, the modern appearance was already on all manufactured IL motorcycles.
Until the beginning of the 90s, new motorcycle models were designed in the design bureau, based on the Japanese HT-550 engine. The technique was called “Orion”, “Marathon”, “Sprinter”, the models were distinguished by advanced technical characteristics, stylish design and promised great prospects for the implementation of projects.
From 1992 to 1996, a unique development was made at the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant - the IZH 9.604 GR cargo module and the IZh 9.204 side trailer. Additional modules were designed in such a way as to be installed on any model of motorcycles "Jupiter" and "Planet". To install the cargo module, it was necessary to remove the rear wheel of the motorcycle and fix the additional compartment, thus, a three-wheeled cargo truck was obtained.
For three years (1995-1998), the plant developed new engines and a self-priming centrifugal pump. In 1997, a motorcycle was developed for transporting fire-fighting equipment IZH 6.92001, as well as a cargo model IZH 6.920 GR. By the year 2000, the company announced the development of a new chopper-style motorcycle design (Izh 6.113-05), the working name is “Junker”.
Change
During its existence, the Izhevsk Motor Plant, in addition to the production of motorcycles, was engaged in the production of military products and until 1988, the company had a signature stamp. Hunting rifles produced at the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant, known since 1948, their mass production started after the end of the war. Perestroika greatly influenced the production profile, since 1992 the company was renamed into Axion Joint Stock Company.
The IZhmoto motorcycle factory went bankrupt in 2008 and was officially mothballed indefinitely. Recently, publications began to appear in the media about the interest of Chinese entrepreneurs to revive the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant. Photos of developments that have not received mass production, historical models of the first machines still make a huge impression.
Hopes
Today, workshops where motorcycles used to be produced are empty. According to people who managed to inspect the production base, the only thing left of the enterprise is a fenced area, where the Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant used to be. The contacts are as follows: Udmurd Republic, Izhevsk, ul. Telegin, building 30.
According to official information, Izhevsk Motorcycle Plant LLC (Izhevsk) is engaged in the production of motorcycles, mopeds, motorcycle strollers and bicycles. In 2014, publications appeared on the possible reincarnation of IL motorcycles. They were interested in the project in China, there were suggestions that the Chinese side will place its own production of motor vehicles in Udmurtia and the possibility of producing a motorcycle of the IL-7 series was discussed, but it is not known how things are today.