"Riga-16" (moped): specifications

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Riga-16 is a Soviet-era moped, the production of which began in the seventies of the last century at the Sarkana Zvaigzne plant. 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 were improved, and the painting of the product was presented in several variations. The starting versions were equipped with the Sh-57 power unit, further modifications of this series were equipped with the Sh-58 engine. With a mass of 115 kilograms, the mokik is capable of transporting more than a centner of additional cargo.

Historical facts

Sarkana Zvaigzne Riga plant started production of small-capacity two-wheeled motor vehicles back in 1958. The first models were the Spiriditis mopeds, produced under the license of the Java plant. The beginning was not entirely successful, and after consultation with Czech colleagues, the developers mastered their own production of the Riga series. The starting modification was equipped with a fifty cubic centimeter power unit.

For forty years of activity, Riga designers have released many modifications of one- andtwo-speed mokiks, 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 in parts.

Features and innovations

"Riga-16" is a moped that has received a large number of innovations and design changes compared to its predecessors. The main thing in this list of innovations was the equipment of the unit with a kick starter. Prior to this, the vast majority of motorcycles in this class were produced with a pedal drive.

Along with the modified engine start, the designers have improved the motor itself, which, thanks to its simplicity and reliability, has become practically the standard of its time for users. The moped "Riga-16" received color design in two main variations. A redesigned rear light, a new shape of the trunk, a footrest and a brake lever can also be attributed to the most successful innovations in the development of this model.

Moped "Riga-16": specifications

Below are the main parameters of the Soviet mokik:

• power plant - Ш-57/Ш58 with a capacity of 2.2 horsepower and a volume of 49.8 cubic centimeters;
• top speed - 50 kilometers per hour;
• silencer - motorcycle type;
• weight - 75 kilograms;
• improved steering wheel;
• years of production - from 1978 to 1982;
• length x width x height - 1.97 x 0.74 x 1.16 meters;
• tire size – 2, 15/(sixteen-inch tires);
• frame type - welded backbone construction.

With its mass, the Riga-16 moped, the photo of which is available below, could transport more than 110 kilograms. In addition to the driver, even a large passenger could fit on a comfortable seat.

More details about the motor and main components

The following are the parameters of the power unit and fuel system:

• engine type - Ш-57, Ш-57s, Ш-58;
• power - two horsepower, or one and a half kilowatts;
• gearbox - two-stage manual transmission;
• clutch block - two-plate version in oil bath;
• start of the power unit - Ш-57 (pedals), Ш-58 (kick-starter);
• fuel - gasoline AI-76;
• 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 magneto, and is equipped with a dry air-type mesh filter.

Consumer Reviews

Despite the fact that more than a dozen years have passed since the release of the modification in question, you can still find a rare device in working order. Of course, picking up original parts for him is almost impossible. But, thanks to the ease of maintenance and repair, it is quite possible to fix the motor yourself, with minimal skills.

The owners of the device notea number of positive aspects of the Riga moped:

• new and more comfortable handlebar design;
• improved seat;
• optimal combination of unit weight and load capacity;
• steady wheels compared to predecessors;
• starting the motor with a kick starter;
• strong and reliable frame.

The disadvantages of the users of this model include problems with the components of the motor, a capricious gearbox and a not very perfect brake system, typical for Soviet vehicles of this class.

Features

"Riga-16" is a moped that replaced the thirteenth modification. The main difference was the presence of a motorcycle-type muffler, a new starting system, a more perfect and comfortable steering wheel shape. The sixteenth series was upgraded in 1981. The new model received the index "22", equipped with the 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 mokik was equipped with a different gearbox. Despite this, the gearshift unit remained the weak link of the apparatus in question (the quality of its manufacture failed). In the future, the Riga plant focused on the production of completely different types of mopeds, which are similar to light motorcycles and are known under the names "Mini", "Delta" and "Stella".

Interesting facts

It is worth noting that "Riga-16" is a moped,having much in common with its closest competitors in terms of shop and class. This is especially true of the appearance of the twelfth, eleventh and thirteenth models. But if you look at the details, you can see that the variant under consideration has a more comfortable shape and handlebar mount, the brake and clutch lever has a rubber tip in the form of a ball, the rear light is located more conveniently, has a more attractive shape.

The engine of the sixteenth version is almost the same as that of the "Riga-12", only with a kick starter. The mokika saddle is elongated and elastic, it is comfortable even on long trips. Several color options make it possible to choose the unit according to personal preferences. Also, the popularity of the device was influenced by the affordability of the price, ease of operation, maintenance and repair.

User Manual

"Riga-16" - a moped, the instruction manual for which includes standard provisions, is distinguished by its original design and unpretentiousness. Key sections of the manual:

1. Design and equipment of the device.
2. Advice on the use of fuels and lubricants.
3. Preventive and overhaul timings.
4. Recommendations for the repair of individual components and parts.
5. Technical parameters.

After studying the instructions, almost any user can replace seals, candles, fixing, light elements and other collapsible units.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that "Riga-16" is a moped that was produced several decades ago, manycompatriots remember it and even use it. Some owners are simply nostalgic for simple units that could be repaired and modified on their own, making various adjustments.

The Soviet mokik from Riga developers was remembered for being equipped with a non-pedal type starter, had a beautiful design and a good combination of carrying capacity, weight, price and speed. The moped was popular both on city streets and in the countryside.