Riga-16 (moped): technical specifications

Riga-16 is a Soviet-era moped, the production of which was started in the seventies of the last century at the Sarkana Zwaigzne plant. The unit received a motorcycle-type muffler, a two-speed transmission, an updated kick-starter, a rear brake lever. In addition, the brake light, steering wheel, and the painting of the product in several variations have been improved. The starting versions were equipped with the power unit Sh-57, further modifications of this series - the motor Sh-58. At a weight of 115 kilograms mokik is able to transport more than a centner of additional cargo.

Historical facts

The Riga factory "Sarkana Zvaygzne" began production of malokubaturnoy two-wheeled motor technology back in 1958. The first models were mopeds "Spiriditis", manufactured under the license of "Java". The beginning was not very successful, and after consulting with Czech colleagues, developers mastered their own production of the "Riga" series. The starting modification was equipped with a power unit with a volume of fifty cubic centimeters.

For forty years of activity the Riga designers have released many modifications of one- and two-speed mokiks, a miniature scooter under the index "26" and the famous light motorcycles "Delta", "Stella". The issue 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, which received a large number of innovations and structural changes in comparison with its predecessors. The main thing in this list of innovations was equipping the unit with a kick-starter. Before that, the vast majority of motorcycles of this class were produced with a pedal drive.

Along with the changed launch of the engine, the designers have perfected the motor itself, which, thanks to its simplicity and reliability, has become almost the standard of its time for users. The color design of the moped "Riga-16" was received in two main variations. The updated tail lamp, new boot form, step and brake lever also can 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 Soviet mokika:

• Power plant - Ш-57 / Ш58 with a capacity of 2.2 horsepower and a volume of 49.8 cubic centimeters;
• The limiting speed is 50 kilometers per hour;
• Muffler - motorcycle type;
• Weight - 75 kilograms;
• Advanced steering wheel;
• Years of production - from 1978 to 1982;
• Length x width x height - 1.97 x 0.74 x 1.16 m;
• The size of tires - 2,15 / (sixteen-inch rubber);
• Type of frame - welded spinal design.

With its mass of moped "Riga-16", the photo of which is 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 the fuel system:

• Type of engine - Sh-57, Sh-57 s, Sh-58;
• Power - two horsepower, or one and a half kilowatts;
• Gearbox - two-stage unit with manual drive;
• The clutch unit is a two-disc version in an oil bath;
• Starting of the power unit - Ш-57 (pedals), Ш-58 (kick-starter);
• Fuel - gasoline AI-76;
• Fuel consumption per hundred kilometers - 1.6 liters;
• The gear ratio is 3.08.

Studying the characteristics of the moped "Riga-16", it can be noted that it is equipped with a gasoline carburetor K-35V (K-60), has a contact ignition system with magneto, equipped with a dry mesh air filter type.

Customer Reviews

Despite the fact that after the release of the modification in question, not one decade passed, it is still possible to meet a rare device in working order. Of course, to pick up the original details for him is almost impossible. But, thanks to the simplicity of maintenance and repair, the motor can be completely repaired by itself, having minimal skills.

Owners of the device note a number of positive moments of the Riga moped:

• New and more convenient design of the steering wheel;
• Improved seat;
• Optimal combination of the mass of the unit and its load capacity;
• Stable wheels in comparison with predecessors;
• Start the motor with a kick starter;
• Strong and reliable frame.

To the minuses, users of this model refer to problems characteristic of Soviet technology of this class with the engine components, whimsical gearbox and not too perfect system of brakes.

Features

Riga-16 is a moped, which replaced the thirteenth modification. The main difference was the presence of a motorcycle-type muffler, a new start-up system, a more perfect and convenient form of steering. Modernization of the sixteenth series was carried out in 1981. The new model received the index "22", was equipped with an engine Sh-62. The power plant was radically different from its predecessors.

The motor received an electronic ignition of a contactless type. In addition, the new mokik equipped with a different gearbox. Despite this, the speed change knot has remained a weak link in the apparatus under consideration (the quality of its manufacture has failed). In the future, the Riga plant was focused on the production of mopeds of a completely different type, 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, which has much in common with its closest competitors in terms of workshop and class. Especially it concerns the appearance of the twelfth, eleventh and thirteenth models. But if you look narrowly at the details, it can be noted that in the case under consideration the more convenient shape and fastening of the handlebars, the brake and clutch lever has a rubber ball-shaped tip, the tail lamp is more convenient and has a more attractive shape.

The engine of the sixteenth version is almost the same as that of the Rigi-12, only with a kick-starter. Sock mokika is elongated and resilient, it is comfortable even for long trips. Several options for coloring make it possible to select the unit in accordance with personal preferences. Also, the popularity of the device was influenced by the availability of the price, ease of operation, maintenance and repair.

User guide

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

1. Device and equipment of the device.
2. Councils for the use of fuel and lubricants.
3. Timing of preventive and capital maintenance.
4. Recommendations for repair of individual components and parts.
5. Technical specifications.

Having studied the instruction, practically any user can make replacement of seals, candles, fixing, light elements and other dismountable units.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that Riga-16 is a moped, which was produced several decades ago, many compatriots remember it and even use it. Some owners simply nostalgic for simple units, which could be independently repaired and modified, introducing various adjustments.

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 indicators of payload, weight, price and speed. Moped was popular both on city streets and in rural areas.