Spriditis

The production of mopeds at the Sarkana Zvaigzne plant (Riga) started in 1958. The experience was not entirely successful. These were Spiriditis mopeds with a 60 cc engine. under the Java license. The first pancake turned out to be lumpy, the designers of "Sarkan Zvaigzne" went to the Czech plant Jawa for a detailed acquaintance with the production of small-capacity motor vehicles.

Riga-1

This is how the first moped "Riga-1" appeared, the production of which began in 1961, although it was developed two years earlier. The moped was equipped with a 50 cm3 Jawa engine, which required registration with the traffic police and the presence of a motorcycle license, which negatively affected the demand for this model.

Motorbike Riga-2 "Gauja"

From 1961 to 1963 the plant produced motorbikes in the Gauja. A single-seater moped was equipped with a D4 or D5 engine with a power of 1 hp. The robust, welded frame was lightweight and the front suspension was spring loaded. For driving in the dark, the moped was equipped with a headlight, which was powered by a generator. Gauja developed a speed of up to 40 km / h.

Riga-3

In 1965, Riga-1 was replaced by Riga-3. Despite the external similarity, the new model received the Sh-51 engine of Siauliai production. However, these engines proved to be rather unreliable and the popularity of Riga mopeds was shaken again. Externally, Riga-3 was distinguished by a different shape of the gas tank, a pillow-type seat and a frame with an elongated tail section. In addition, "Riga-3" was more powerful than "Riga-1" by almost a third, lighter by 2 kg and could accelerate to 50 km / h.

Riga-4

In 1970 the plant presented a new model "Riga-4" with a 49.9 cm3 engine (which did not require a license) and 2 hp. Among the innovations: a high-voltage transformer appeared, shields for the wheels, the trunk changed, the design of the chain, the gearbox gear changed, a new trunk was installed, and the speedometer was driven by the engine. But the main thing is that for the first time on a moped, 16-inch wheels were installed instead of 19-inch wheels. This is probably why "Riga-4" no longer looked so Soviet-style.

Riga-5

From 1966 to 1971, the successor to Gauja, Riga 5, was produced. By design, it was quite different from its predecessor. For example, to damp the front wheel in Riga-5, not a telescopic fork, but compressive springs were used, which allowed the fork to bend forward. The design has changed. There were no gears, the D-5 engine was started from pedaling. Despite the ease of control, the dynamics of the moped has deteriorated significantly. Rama was strengthened because previous models sinned with breaking frames. In 1971, Riga-5 was replaced by Riga-7.

Riga-7

The new moped "Riga-7" began to be produced in 1969 in parallel with the "Riga-5". The new model completely replaced the old one by the end of 1971. The main difference is the D-6 engine, which allows you to connect a headlight and a taillight to it. The new moped has a glove compartment for tools, a muffler, interchangeable wheels and shields. The design of the "Riga-7" had a special rail that prevents the frame from breaking in the event of emergency braking. In 1976 the moped "Riga-7" was taken out of production and replaced with "Riga-11".

Riga-11

After the Riga-7 moped, the new Riga-11 was born - a stylish single-speed moped with powerful wheels. The D6 engine was kept. But, the model turned out to be quite heavy, and the frame was not strong enough. In addition, the original tank, located under the trunk, in practice caused a lot of trouble when driving uphill, especially when there was little fuel left there.

Riga-12

Riga-12 was produced from 1974 to 1979. It was equipped with a Sh-57 Shauliai engine and had bicycle pedals with which it was possible to help the engine when driving uphill. The model was distinguished by the presence of a paper air filter built into the frame. It was produced with different mounting options and shapes of the fuel tank: with an ignition coil on top of the frame under the tank, with an ignition coil on the bottom of the frame under the tank. Visually it was very similar to the "Riga-16", but differed in a short saddle and a smaller trunk.

Riga-13

The light moped "Riga-11" was replaced by the most successful moped of that time - "Riga-13". It was produced since 1983 and was equipped with a 1.3 hp engine, which accelerated the moped to 40 km / h. Early models were equipped with a D-8 engine, and later they began to install engines - D-8e, D-8 m. Its distinguishing feature is good light and an installed high-voltage transformer, which eliminated frequent problems with the ignition coil. "Riga-13" became the most massive moped at the plant and was produced until 1998.

Riga-16

In 1977 the two-speed model "Riga-16" was put into production. The moped had a motorcycle-style muffler, a kickstarter, a rear brake lever, a taillight, original paintwork and a new steering wheel. The first models were equipped with the Sh-57 engine from Siauliai, and later versions received the most successful Sh-58 engine. In fact, "Riga-16" is the first mokik in the USSR (before that there were mopeds with pedals). With its own weight of 45 kg, the mokik could carry up to 115 kg of cargo!

Riga-22

In 1981 the plant started production of the mokik "Riga 22", which was a modernization of the model "Riga 16" and was equipped with the Sh-62 engine. The engine was radically different from its predecessors. In particular, it had a powerful electronic contactless ignition. The direction of rotation of the crankshaft had to be changed due to a different gearbox. But, the good design was let down by the quality. Therefore, in 1984, the entire system was modernized and the engine developing 1.8 hp became known as the Sh-62M. At the same time, the design of the muffler has changed. But the gearbox was still the weak link of the Riga 22 mokik.

Riga-26 / Riga-30 / Riga-Mini

In 1982 the plant presented a very unusual mokik "Riga-26" (or "Mini" RMZ-2.126). It became the most compact in the entire history of the plant and easily fit not only on the balcony, but also in the trunk of any Soviet station wagon. But he weighed 50 kg. Riga 26 featured small, chubby wheels, like scooters, and the steering wheel and seat could be lowered, making the mokik even more compact. The engine is Sh-62, V-50 or V-501, all of them are from the Siauliai plant.

Delta

By the mid-80s, there was an overproduction of mopeds on the market, so the plant decided to focus on new mokik models. In 1986, a completely new development was presented - a mokik Delta (RMZ 2.124). An ingenious frame and a successful engine were key to the success of this model. Delta received a two-speed V-50 engine from the Siauliai plant, which took into account many of the shortcomings of previous models. And the foot gear shifting in the B-501 engine generally aroused admiration among bikers. Deltas with cast wheels and Polish-made three-speed engines were produced in small batches.

Stella

Following Delta, the Riga plant showed the Stella mock. It was equipped with an M-225 engine from a Babetta moped. After the collapse of the USSR, in addition to engines from Babetta, the Stella began to install engines from the Polish mokik Dezamet and engines from French Peugeot.

In the 90s, the Sarkana Zvaigzne plant stopped producing mopeds. Despite all attempts to stay afloat, the production of mopeds and mokiks was stopped in 1998, and the Riga motorcycle plant began to be sold in parts. It's a pity, because now mopeds and scooters are a very popular form of transport, but we have to buy equipment from the Chinese ...

With serial mopeds of the Riga plant, it seems, everything. But the plant "Sarkana Zvaigzne" during its existence has created many experimental and sports models. About them - in the following blogs. Subscribe!

Sarkana Zvaigzne - Riga Motorcycle Plant
Sarkana Zvaigzne (translated from the Latvian "Red Star") - an enterprise that functioned during the existence of the Latvian SSR, a well-known Riga motorcycle plant. The plant was founded as a private enterprise in 1927. Until 1940, the company was engaged in the production of road bicycles. Throughout the 30s, the company specialized in the manufacture of men's and women's bicycles of a simple but easy-to-use design, which went through the assembly stage in Latvia, mainly from parts imported from England and Germany. These bicycles were known under the brand name "Ehrenpreis Original" until the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. In total, over 13 years (from 1927 to 1940) of the operation of this enterprise, 182,000 bicycles were produced. With the onset of June 1940, the enterprise was nationalized by the Soviet government and received a new name - Riga bicycle factory "Sarkana zvaigzne". Since 1963 the company has been renamed the Riga Motor-Building Plant "Sarkana Zvaigzne". In 1958, the design engineers of the Sarkana Zvaigzne bicycle factory decided to introduce an all-Union innovation, and a motor was attached to the bicycles, which were produced in abundance from the assembly line of one of the most successful and advanced bicycle-building factories of the Union. So in 1958 a motorbike appeared in Riga, which was named "Riga-18". Attached to the bike was a D4 engine made at the Krasny Oktyabr plant in Leningrad. In 1961, it was decided to discontinue the production of road bicycles due to the reorientation of production at the plant. It was then that the plant started production of the legendary Gauja motorbike - the dreams of many Soviet teenagers of the mid and late 60s - in addition to the earlier (in 1960) production of the even more historic Riga-1 moped. Subsequently, various modifications were created, such as "Riga-5", "Riga-7" and others, which, without exaggeration, enjoyed dizzying popularity among Soviet young people of the generation of the 60s and 70s.
Serial models (single speed)

Bicycle "Riga-16" (1958)

D-4 engine

The first motorized model of the plant was a serial men's bicycle "Riga-16" with an installed D4 engine manufactured by the "Krasny Oktyabr" plant, which was supplied from Leningrad. On a bicycle with a motor, a headlight with a generator and a front brake were installed, which were additional equipment for ordinary bicycles, as well as guards for the motor and pedal chains.

Technical specifications:

Overall dimensions: frame height - 564 mm; base - 1185 mm; ground clearance to the level of the carriage - 300 mm. General data: maximum speed - 40 km / h; fuel tank capacity - 2.2 liters; control fuel consumption - 1.5 l / 100 km. Engine: model - D-4; type - gasoline, with cooling by the oncoming air flow; engine displacement - 45 cc; number of ticks - 2; number of cylinders - 1; cylinder diameter - 38 mm; piston stroke - 40 mm; compression ratio - 5.2; maximum power - 1 hp; crankshaft speed at maximum power, 1 / min - 4000-4500; engine start - by pedals; fuel - a mixture of A-56 gasoline with oil in a ratio of 20: 1. Power transmission: clutch - semi-dry two-disc; rear wheel drive - chain. Electrical equipment and devices: bicycle generator; headlight; Chassis: frame - welded tubular; front suspension - no; rear suspension - no; seat - with a hard leather cushion; wheels - non-interchangeable; tire size - 622x40 mm (28 "x1.3 / 4"); front brake - manual with a cable drive; rear brake - shoe type.

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Motorcycle "Riga-18" (1958-1961)

D-4 engine

Further development of the idea of ​​a motorbike - equipping with a pendulum-type front fork with spring shock absorbers, which then migrated to Riga-2 "Gauja", as well as specially curved connecting rods so as not to touch the engine when pedaling. The rest of the bike remained a serial road bike adapted to fit the engine.

Technical specifications:

Dimensions: base - 1185 mm; height from road level to carriage center - 300 mm; frame height - 564 mm. Maximum speed - 40 km / h; fuel tank capacity - 2.2 liters; control fuel consumption - 1.5 l / 100 km. Engine: model - D4; type - gasoline, two-stroke, with cooling by counter air flow; engine displacement - 45 cc; number of ticks - 2; number of cylinders - 1; cylinder diameter - 38 mm; piston stroke - 40 mm; compression ratio - 5.2; maximum power - 1 hp; crankshaft speed at maximum power, 1 / min - 4000-4500; engine start - by pedals; fuel - a mixture of A-56 gasoline with oil in a ratio of 20: 1. Semi-dry two-disc clutch; rear wheel drive - chain. Electrical equipment and devices: bicycle generator and headlight. Frame - welded tubular; front fork - pendulum type with spring shock absorbers; seat - with a hard leather cover; tires - 622x40 mm (28 "x1.3 / 4"). Front brake - manual with a cable drive; rear brake - shoe type.

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Motorbike Riga-2 "Gauja" (1961-1965)

Engines: D-4 or D-5

The motorbike "Gauja" of the Riga plant "Sarkana Zvaizgne" is designed for solo riding on city, highway and country roads. The motorbike "Gauja" is equipped with a D4 engine with a power of 1 hp. The motorbike has good shock absorption and is not a tiring type of individual transport. The front fork has a swing-type suspension with spring shock absorbers. The robust welded frame is made of small diameter tubes, which reduces the overall weight of the bike. Machine control has become more reliable and convenient. The presence of mechanical brakes guarantees quick and effective braking of the motorcycle, which increases the accident-free riding. The carburetor throttle and front brake levers are located on the right hand side and the clutch lever on the left hand side of the steering wheel. The rear brake is operated by the moped pedals. For the convenience of the driver, the motorcycle is equipped with a wide soft saddle with a sponge rubber cushion. There is a rack above the rear wheel that can carry 15 kg. cargo. For driving in the dark, the motorbike is equipped with a headlight powered by a generator. To protect against corrosion and to give the bike a beautiful appearance, the frame, front fork and fenders are painted with colored enamels.

Technical specifications:

Overall dimensions: length - 1855 mm; steering wheel width - 610 mm; height - 1070 mm. General data: weight (dry) - 31 kg; maximum speed - 40 km / h; fuel tank capacity - 2.2 liters; control fuel consumption - 1.5 l / 100 km. Engine: model - D4 (D5); type - gasoline, two-stroke, with cooling by counter air flow; engine displacement - 45 cc; number of ticks - 2; number of cylinders - 1; cylinder diameter - 38 mm; piston stroke - 40 mm; compression ratio - 5.2; maximum power - 1 hp; crankshaft speed at maximum power, 1 / min - 4000-4500; engine start - by pedals; fuel - a mixture of A-56 gasoline with oil in a ratio of 20: 1. Power transmission: semi-dry double-disc clutch; rear wheel drive - chain. Electrical equipment and devices: bicycle generator - G-61; headlight - FG-15. Chassis: frame - welded tubular; front fork - pendulum with springs; rear suspension - no; seat - with a sponge rubber cushion; tires - 559x48 mm (26 "x2"); brakes - shoe type.

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Light moped "Riga-5" (1966-1971)

D-5 engine

The Riga plant "Sarkana Zvaigzne" instead of the motorbike "Gauja" in 1966 began production of a light moped "Riga-5" with a D-5 engine with a capacity of 1.2 liters. with. The car has a very simple chassis. The mechanical brakes of the moped guarantee quick braking and trouble-free driving. Front wheel brake and throttle controls are located on the right side of the steering wheel, the clutch lever is on the left. To brake the rear wheel, you must press the pedal in the opposite direction. The trunk is located above the rear wheel and is designed for 15 kg of cargo. The front fork is telescopic. The saddle pad is made of foam rubber. Frame, front fork and moped guards are painted with colored enamels. Some parts are chrome plated. Riga-5 has successfully passed the tests on various roads. It is a convenient means of transport for the city as well as for country roads. The capacity of the fuel tank (5.5 liters) allows you to travel quite long distances.

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Light moped "Riga-7" (1969-1975)

D6 engine

The Riga-7 moped has been produced since 1969. By the end of 1971, it completely replaced the Riga-5 moped. Unlike the "Riga-5", it was supplied with the "D-6" engine, which made it possible to connect a headlight and a taillight to it. Removed decorative protection of drive chains. The Riga-7 moped had a special rail installed to prevent frame breakage in cases of emergency braking. The plant workers H. Akermanis (electrician) and Yu. Bankovich (mechanic) proposed and tested, both at the stand and in practical driving conditions, a frame design with a reinforced rear suspension without a rack. The proposal was accepted, within the timeframe stipulated by the legislation, the royalties were paid, but in 1976 the Riga-7 moped was discontinued, replacing it with the Riga-11.

Technical specifications:

Weight - 36 kg. The maximum load is 100 kg. Base - 1170-1200 mm. Length - 1860 mm. Height - 1050 mm. Width - 690 mm. The ground clearance is 130 mm. The maximum design speed is 40 km / h. Fuel consumption at a speed of 30 km / h - 1.8-2.0 l / 100 km. Frame - tubular, welded. The front wheel suspension is a telescopic fork with spring shock absorbers. The rear suspension is rigid. Brakes - drum type with separate mechanical drive for each wheel. The braking distance with both brakes is 7 meters at a speed of 25 km / h. Tire size - 2-26 ". Engine type - D6 carburetor, two-stroke, with crank-chamber blowing, cooling by counter air flow. Working volume - 45 cm. Bore - 38 mm. Piston stroke - 44 mm. Compression ratio - 6. Maximum effective engine power - 0.9 (1.2) kW (hp) at 4500 rpm Maximum torque - 29 N * m / min-1. Transmission type - single-stage. Clutch - Frictional, two-disc, dry Engine starting mechanism - pedals Engine gear ratio - 4.2 Chain gear ratio - 4.1 Ignition system - contact with magneto Carburetor - K34 Air cleaner - dry mesh Gas exhaust system - noise muffler outlet with partitions for throttling gases.

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Light moped "Riga-11" RMZ-1.411 (1976-1981)

D6 engine

Since October 1976, the Riga motorcycle plant "Sarkana Zvaigzne" instead of the light moped "Riga-7" began to produce a new model - "Riga-11". Many years of experience in operating previous models, especially in rural areas, revealed the need to improve a number of units and parts. Their modernization made it possible to significantly improve such important qualities of machines as reliability, traffic safety and ease of use. At the same time, we managed to give them a more attractive appearance. Let's consider the main design innovations.
The backbone frame is a solid central tube to which the fasteners of the front fork, engine, rear suspension tubes and other parts are welded. It is distinguished from the previous frame by its great rigidity and durability. Due to the change in the frame, the dimensions of the front fork have changed, although the technical parameters have remained the same. Note that "Riga-11" is the first production model in the USSR with a backbone frame. The weakest unit in the design of the "Riga-7" was the wheels, the rims of which often broke when driving on roads with uneven surfaces, stones and potholes. The use of tires of increased cross-section (2.25-19 instead of 2.00-26 inches) and a reinforced rim on "Riga-11" practically ensures long-term operation of the car even in difficult road conditions. The design of the wheel elements remained unchanged.
For a more comfortable fit of the driver, the steering wheel is made high. The fastening method - using two earrings with nuts - allows you to easily and securely fix it in the most suitable position. The clutch and front brake release levers are equipped with rubber ball-shaped tips to prevent injury from falls. The saddle design has been changed - its box and cushion thickness have been increased. This is done to improve the seating position of the driver and to add space for the instrument. In the seat spring mount, new elements are used to ensure high manufacturability and reliability of the entire assembly.
Located at the rear of the moped, the fuel tank together with the luggage rack forms a fairly large platform on which you can carry up to 15 kg of cargo. The rack of the trunk prevents the load from slipping and at the same time serves as a handle for moving the moped. The volume of the fuel tank (4 liters) provides a cruising range of up to 200 kilometers. This allows you to make long enough trips on roads remote from the gas station, outings. Citizens - lovers of such trips and villagers, of course, will be glad to see a stronger and more durable chain in the motor transmission on the new car.
The engine on the "Riga-11" is the same as before, the D-6. But because of the wide tires, it is displaced to the left of the symmetry plane of the frame by 7 mm so that the front and rear sprockets of the main drive are located in the same plane. The stand is made more durable, and at the same time technologically advanced.

Technical specifications:

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Light moped "Riga-11" RMZ-1.411-02 (1981-1983)

D6 engine

The moped was a variant with a new tank on the ridge of the frame, which eliminated the problems with driving uphill.

Technical specifications:

Weight - 44 kg. The maximum load is 100 kg. Base - 1170-1200 mm. Length - 1970 mm. Height - 1150 mm. Width - 750 mm. The maximum design speed is 40 km / h. Fuel consumption at a speed of 30 km / h - 2.0 l / 100 km. Frame - spinal, welded. The front wheel suspension is a telescopic fork with spring shock absorbers. The rear suspension is rigid. Brakes - drum type with separate mechanical drive for each wheel. Tire size - 2.25-19 ". Engine type - D6 carburetor, two-stroke, with crank-chamber blowing, cooling by counter air flow. Working volume - 45 cm. Bore - 38 mm. Piston stroke - 44 mm. Compression ratio - 6. Maximum effective engine power - 0.9 (1.2) kW (hp) at 4500 rpm Maximum torque - 29 N * m / min-1. Transmission type - single-stage. Clutch - friction, double-disc, dry. Engine starting mechanism - pedals. Gear ratio of the motor transmission - 4.2. Gear ratio of the chain drive - 4.1. Ignition system - contact with magneto. Carburetor - K34. Air cleaner - dry, mesh. Gas exhaust system - exhaust silencer with baffles for throttling gases.

Engines: D-8, D-8K, D-8M

In 1983, the Sarkana Zvaigzne Motorcycle Plant launched the serial production of the light moped Riga-13, which replaced the popular Riga-11 model. Like all mopeds of this type, it did not have a gearbox and was equipped with an auxiliary pedal drive. The new model differed from the previous one both externally and with improved technical parameters. Its most important advantage is increased by 0.3 liters. with. engine power - was achieved mainly thanks to a new exhaust system - an exhaust pipe and a muffler. This helped to improve the dynamic qualities of the car, but the top speed was kept the same. The capacity of the fuel tank was significantly increased (from 4 to 5.5 liters). From the rear wheel, it was moved to the front of the frame, which improved the fuel supply, made it possible to use its stock to the end. The rear brake drive mechanism and some transmission details to the rear wheel have been reinforced. A closed frame was used instead of the backbone. Thanks to this, the moped has become 2 kg lighter. The moped was equipped with a rear-view mirror. "Riga-13" was produced until 1998, this is the most massive model of the Riga Motorcycle Plant.

The production of mopeds at the Sarkana Zvaigzne plant (Riga) started in 1958. The experience was not entirely successful.

These were Spiriditis mopeds with a 60 cc engine. under the Java license. The first pancake turned out to be lumpy, the designers of "Sarkan Zvaigzne" went to the Czech plant Jawa for a detailed acquaintance with the production of small-capacity motor vehicles.
Riga-1


This is how the first moped "Riga-1" appeared, the production of which began in 1961, although it was developed two years earlier. The moped was equipped with a 50 cm3 Jawa engine, which required registration with the traffic police and the presence of a motorcycle license, which negatively affected the demand for this model.


From 1961 to 1963 the plant produced motorbikes in the Gauja. A single-seater moped was equipped with a D4 or D5 engine with a power of 1 hp. The robust, welded frame was lightweight and the front suspension was spring loaded. For driving in the dark, the moped was equipped with a headlight, which was powered by a generator. Gauja developed a speed of up to 40 km / h.


In 1965, Riga-1 was replaced by Riga-3. Despite the external similarity, the new model received the Sh-51 engine of Siauliai production. However, these engines proved to be rather unreliable and the popularity of Riga mopeds was shaken again. Externally, Riga-3 was distinguished by a different shape of the gas tank, a pillow-type seat and a frame with an elongated tail section. In addition, "Riga-3" was more powerful than "Riga-1" by almost a third, lighter by 2 kg and could accelerate to 50 km / h.

Riga-4


In 1970 the plant presented a new model "Riga-4" with a 49.9 cm3 engine (which did not require a license) and 2 hp. Among the innovations: a high-voltage transformer appeared, shields for the wheels, the trunk changed, the design of the chain, the gearbox gear changed, a new trunk was installed, and the speedometer was driven by the engine. But the main thing is that for the first time on a moped, 16-inch wheels were installed instead of 19-inch wheels. This is probably why "Riga-4" no longer looked so Soviet-style.

Riga-5
From 1966 to 1971, the successor to Gauja, Riga 5, was produced. By design, it was quite different from its predecessor. For example, to damp the front wheel in Riga-5, not a telescopic fork, but compressive springs were used, which allowed the fork to bend forward. The design has changed. There were no gears, the D-5 engine was started from pedaling. Despite the ease of control, the dynamics of the moped has deteriorated significantly. Rama was strengthened because previous models sinned with breaking frames. In 1971, Riga-5 was replaced by Riga-7.


Riga-7


The new moped "Riga-7" began to be produced in 1969 in parallel with the "Riga-5". The new model completely replaced the old one by the end of 1971. The main difference is the D-6 engine, which allows you to connect a headlight and a taillight to it. The new moped has a glove compartment for tools, a muffler, interchangeable wheels and shields. The design of the "Riga-7" had a special rail that prevents the frame from breaking in the event of emergency braking. In 1976 the moped "Riga-7" was taken out of production and replaced with "Riga-11".


After the Riga-7 moped, the new Riga-11 was born - a stylish single-speed moped with powerful wheels. The D6 engine was kept. But, the model turned out to be quite heavy, and the frame was not strong enough. In addition, the original tank, located under the trunk, in practice caused a lot of trouble when driving uphill, especially when there was little fuel left there.


Riga-12 was produced from 1974 to 1979. It was equipped with a Sh-57 Shauliai engine and had bicycle pedals with which it was possible to help the engine when driving uphill. The model was distinguished by the presence of a paper air filter built into the frame. It was produced with different mounting options and shapes of the fuel tank: with an ignition coil on top of the frame under the tank, with an ignition coil on the bottom of the frame under the tank. Visually it was very similar to the "Riga-16", but differed in a short saddle and a smaller trunk.


The light moped "Riga-11" was replaced by the most successful moped of that time - "Riga-13". It was produced since 1983 and was equipped with a 1.3 hp engine, which accelerated the moped to 40 km / h. Early models were equipped with a D-8 engine, and later they began to install engines - D-8e, D-8 m. Its distinguishing feature is good light and an installed high-voltage transformer, which eliminated frequent problems with the ignition coil. "Riga-13" became the most massive moped at the plant and was produced until 1998.


In 1977 the two-speed model "Riga-16" was put into production. The moped had a motorcycle-style muffler, a kickstarter, a rear brake lever, a taillight, original paintwork and a new steering wheel. The first models were equipped with the Sh-57 engine from Siauliai, and later versions received the most successful Sh-58 engine. In fact, "Riga-16" is the first mokik in the USSR (before that there were mopeds with pedals). With its own weight of 45 kg, the mokik could carry up to 115 kg of cargo!


In 1981 the plant started production of the mokik "Riga 22", which was a modernization of the model "Riga 16" and was equipped with the Sh-62 engine. The engine was radically different from its predecessors. In particular, it had a powerful electronic contactless ignition. The direction of rotation of the crankshaft had to be changed due to a different gearbox. But, the good design was let down by the quality. Therefore, in 1984, the entire system was modernized and the engine developing 1.8 hp became known as the Sh-62M. At the same time, the design of the muffler has changed. But the gearbox was still the weak link of the Riga 22 mokik.


In 1982 the plant presented a very unusual mokik "Riga-26" (or "Mini" RMZ-2.126). It became the most compact in the entire history of the plant and easily fit not only on the balcony, but also in the trunk of any Soviet station wagon. But he weighed 50 kg. Riga 26 featured small, chubby wheels, like scooters, and the steering wheel and seat could be lowered, making the mokik even more compact. The engine is Sh-62, V-50 or V-501, all of them are from the Siauliai plant.


By the mid-80s, there was an overproduction of mopeds on the market, so the plant decided to focus on new mokik models. In 1986, a completely new development was presented - a mokik Delta (RMZ 2.124). An ingenious frame and a successful engine were key to the success of this model. Delta received a two-speed V-50 engine from the Siauliai plant, which took into account many of the shortcomings of previous models. And the foot gear shifting in the B-501 engine generally aroused admiration among bikers. Deltas with cast wheels and Polish-made three-speed engines were produced in small batches.

The Riga-7 moped was ready in 1968. But they began to produce it after the production of a new D-6 engine was launched at Krasny Oktyabr, which made it possible to connect a headlight and a taillight. By the end of 1971, the new moped had completely replaced the moped. The decorative protection of the drive chains has been removed. The Riga-7 moped had a special rail installed to prevent frame breakage in cases of emergency braking. The plant workers H. Akermanis (electrician) and Yu. Bankovich (mechanic) proposed and tested, both at the stand and in practical driving conditions, a frame design with a reinforced rear suspension without a rack. The proposal was accepted, within the timeframe stipulated by the legislation, the royalties were paid, but in 1976 the Riga-7 moped was discontinued, replacing it with.

Weight - 36 kg. The maximum load is 100 kg. Base - 1170-1200 mm. Length - 1860 mm. Height - 1050 mm. Width - 690 mm. The ground clearance is 130 mm. The maximum design speed is 40 km / h. Fuel consumption at a speed of 30 km / h - 1.8-2.0 l / 100 km. Frame - tubular, welded. The front wheel suspension is a telescopic fork with spring shock absorbers. The rear suspension is rigid. Brakes - drum type with separate mechanical drive for each wheel. The braking distance with both brakes is 7 meters at a speed of 25 km / h. Tire size is 2-26 ″. Engine type - D6 carburetor, two-stroke, with crank-chamber blowing, cooling with counter air flow. Working volume - 45 cm. The cylinder diameter is 38 mm. The piston stroke is 44 mm. Compression ratio - 6. Maximum effective engine power - 0.9 (1.2) kW (hp) at 4500 rpm. The maximum torque is 29 N * m / min-1. Transmission type - single-stage. Clutch - frictional, double-disc, dry. Engine starting mechanism - pedals. The gear ratio of the motor transmission is 4.2. The gear ratio of the chain drive is 4.1. Ignition system - contact with magneto. Carburetor - K34. Air cleaner - dry, mesh. Gas exhaust system - exhaust silencer with baffles for gas throttling.

Light moped "Riga-7". Brief instructions for care and operation (1971).

Light moped "Riga-7". Brief instructions for care and use (1973).

Light moped "Riga-7". Operation manual (1975).

Description of the new moped of the "Sarkana Zvaigzne" plant
"New Products", 02/1968

"Behind the wheel", 04/1968

Review of new products and promising models of the motor market of the USSR
"Autoexport informs", 03/1969

A story about promising new products in the motorcycle industry
"Behind the wheel", 03/1971

A story about new products from Riga and Leningrad
"Behind the wheel", 06/1971

D-5 and D-6 engines data table
"Behind the wheel", 09/1971

Addresses of bases and working conditions of Rosposyltorg and Glavkoopkulttorg
"Behind the wheel", 11/1986

The Moped Museum will accept as a gift or buy a light moped "Riga-7", spare parts and documents from it.

The production of Riga mopeds started serial production 59 years ago. Then it was 1958. The first moped was the Riga-1 model. The production of this motorcycle equipment completely ended in 1998. As for the Riga 7 moped, its mass production began in 1969. All models were equipped with gasoline single-cylinder engines of different capacities. These were reliable single-speed and two-speed vehicles. By the way, the working volume of these motors reached 50 cm³. The maximum speed of movement of the latest models of the moped Riga 13 was 60 km / h.

Features of the moped

The production of mopeds Riga 7 was carried out together with the model "Riga-5", which at that time had not yet been withdrawn from mass production. However, it was completely discontinued in 1971. A certain peculiarity of the Riga 7 moped was the D-6 engine, which had enough power for long trips, for the headlight, and also for the brake light. Unlike previous models, this one came with interchangeable wheels, chrome-plated muffler and a tool glove compartment.

Product specifications:

• Length - 186 cm.
• Width - 65 cm.
• Height - 105 cm.
• The frame is tubular.
• The engine power is 1.2 horsepower.
• Spring shock absorbers.
• Gasoline consumption per 100 km is no more than two liters.

Technical and operational characteristics of the moped Riga 11

The single-speed model Riga 11 has replaced the Riga-7. She was given a more stylish look and equipped with powerful wheels. The engine remained the same - "D-6". However, the model turned out to be quite heavy and the frame was not very strong. In addition, the original fuel tank caused some inconvenience when driving uphill. If there was little gasoline left in it, then it did not enter the combustion chamber.

Specifications:

• Length - 197 cm.
• Width - 75 cm.
• Height - 150 cm.
• Spring dampers.
• Telescopic front fork.
• The maximum travel speed is 40 km / h.

Moped Riga 12

The two-speed model is equipped with a Sh-57 engine with bicycle-type pedals. They help the owner of the moped Riga 12 to drive up a steep hill. The model was equipped with fuel tanks of various shapes. This moped differed from the "Riga-16" by a shortened seat and a smaller trunk.

Technical characteristics of the Riga 12 model:

Technical characteristics and features of moped Riga 13

After the appearance of the lightweight model Riga 13, its main drawback immediately emerged: the ignition was constantly lost. This was the biggest problem, since the engine never started right away, so it took a long time to roll the moped downhill with the gear engaged. In addition, the motor would often shut off when idling. Manufacturers have partially eliminated this problem.

Technical characteristics of moped Riga 13:

• The power of the single-cylinder two-stroke engine is 1.3 horsepower. The working volume is 45.4 cm³.
• Cooling - air.
• The maximum travel speed is 40 km / h.
• Gasoline consumption per 100 km - 2 liters.
• Ignition with magneto.
• The clutch is double-disc.
• The front fork is telescopic.
• Shock absorbers - spring.

Many Soviet teenagers dreamed of getting the Riga 13 model. It was this moped that became the most successful and reliable development of the Riga engineers. Since the lubrication of the rubbing parts of the engines of mopeds of all Riga models was not systemic, motor oil was added to the gasoline in a certain proportion, and this mixture lubricated the rubbing parts. Without lubrication, the engine breaks down instantly.

A distinctive feature of this model was the high-quality bright headlight. Ignition coil problems were eliminated with a new high voltage transformer. As for engine malfunctions, the reason was the material from which the breaker hammers were made. They wore out quickly and did not reach the magneto cam. This was the reason for the failures in starting the engine.

Features of the moped model Riga 16

The production of mopeds of this series did not end with the Riga 16 model. There were also mopeds: Riga-17C, Riga-22, Riga-26, Riga SZ-80, as well as Delta, which is also from this lineup. The moped Riga 16 was launched into mass production 40 years ago. This two-speed model was equipped with a motorcycle-style muffler, kickstarter, rear brake light, as well as improved steering wheel and new body kits.

Technical characteristics of the moped:

• Length - 197 centimeters.
• Width - 74 centimeters.
• Height - 116 centimeters.
• With a working volume of the engine of 49.8 cm³, its power was two horsepower.
• The clutch is double-disc.
• Manual two-stage transmission.
• Gasoline consumption per 100 km is only 1.6 liters.

The moped engine Riga 16 was started by kickstarter or like its first predecessors. The man got behind the wheel and pedaled, thanks to which the magneto came into operation and the engine started. In addition, it was possible to lift the moped by the seat, and the rear wheel lost its grip on the asphalt. In this position, it was necessary to pedal with your free hand, due to which the engine started. After that, a neutral gear was set, the rear wheel was put on the road, and the engine could run at idle.

This model was equipped with a sturdy sturdy frame, wider stable wheels and an improved seat. The moped "Riga-16" was characterized by an optimal combination of carrying capacity and dead weight. The production of this model ended several decades ago. Despite this, many Russians and residents of Riga remember all the mopeds of this series. And today the moped Riga 13 is operated by a small number of people. This is an indicator of the reliability of the Riga mopeds series.