Kovrovets K-175 * All PYRENEES · France, Spain, Andorra

«Ковровец» К-175

The Kovrovets K-175 is a Soviet road motorcycle designed for solo riding. It was produced at the Degtyaryov Plant (ZiD) from 1956 to 1965, and during this time many modifications were released.

The first production models (70 motorcycles in total) were assembled in 1956.

The K-175 series motorcycles were equipped with a short-stroke single-cylinder two-stroke engine with a working volume of 173.7 cm³. They had a cowled rear end and a carburetor covered with a casing.

The motorcycles had 16-inch wheels with 3.25-16 tires, a fully enclosed chain, and a two-seater cushion-type saddle. Some models of the K-175 series were equipped with a semi-automatic clutch release.

Modifications

The K-175 (1956-1959) is a basic model based on the previous version of the K-55. It inherited a three-speed gearbox, suspension, and DC electrical system with a battery from its predecessor. The engine cylinder was made of cast iron, and there was only one muffler. The appearance of the K-175 motorcycle resembled the Jawa 250 353 model, which is why it was often called the “Kovrov Jawa”. The automatic clutch, which was not found anywhere else on the Kovrov plant models, was also similar to the Jawa. In 1957, the appearance of the motorcycle was modernized to reduce the similarity with the Czech models: the steering wheel cover was abandoned and a larger gas tank was installed. The emblem of the first versions was the letter “K” in a circle, and the third version of the K-175 was released under the new trademark “Kovrovets-175”, the emblem of which depicted sitting hares. The engine power was 8 horsepower at 5200 rpm. The maximum speed was 80 km/h, and the weight was 105 kg.
K-175A (1959-1962) is a modernized basic model, which first rolled off the assembly line in December 1959. It differed from the previous model by the presence of a four-speed gearbox and a battery-less ignition system powered by an alternator. The engine was also improved: a new cylinder head with more developed fins and an increased compression ratio of 6.7 appeared, which increased the power from 8 to 8.2 horsepower. The area of the two upper ribs on the cylinder also increased, and the new design of the air filter prevented unfiltered air from entering the cylinder, as was the case with the previous model. The G-38 generator with three ignition windings was replaced by the G-401 of the same power, but with four windings. The mufflers became non-separable, which reduced the exhaust noise to the level of international standards (85 dB). The connection of the driven sprocket to the wheel was carried out through a rubber coupling, the steering wheel was changed (with extended levers) and a new front fender appeared. Since 1961, the motorcycle began to be equipped with a rodless front fork with a stroke increased from 100 to 130 mm. An emblem with the image of running hares, taken from the coat of arms of the city of Kovrov, appeared on the gas tank. The dry weight of the motorcycle was 110 kg, and the maximum speed was 80 km/h. From 1959 to 1962, 374,722 Kovrovets-175A were produced. This model became a jubilee one for the motorcycle plant: the jubilee machine rolled off the assembly line on August 5, 1960.
K-175B (1962–1963) — This model was equipped with a new carburetor (K-36), which increased the maximum power of the motorcycle to 9 hp. A contact-oil air filter was also introduced, which was attached to the frame and connected to the carburetor with a rubber pipe. A threaded connection with a flange nut was used at the junction of the exhaust pipe and the muffler. Externally, the motorcycles were distinguished by a new emblem on the gas tank — running hares instead of sitting ones — and more curved edges of the fenders, which were called “lipped”. A total of 271,643 Kovrovets-175B motorcycles were produced. The dry weight of the motorcycle was 115 kg, and the maximum speed was 85 km/h.
K-175V (1963-1965) – this model used a new design of the lower connecting rod head, and the air filter was located in the cleanest place – under the seat. It was produced in two versions: with a cast-iron cylinder (with one muffler) and with an aluminum cylinder (with a cast-iron sleeve and two mufflers) – from January 1964. The gear ratios of the gearbox and final drive were changed. Additional rebound buffer springs were added to the front fork. Engine power increased to 9.5 hp at 5200-5400 rpm. In 1964, measures were taken to improve the quality and appearance of the motorcycle: switching to high-quality enamel from the Finnish company Tikkurila, polishing light-alloy parts and other improvements. From 1963 to 1966, 451,254 motorcycles of the Kovrovets-175V model were produced. Maximum speed – 85 km/h. Weight – 110 kg.

Sports models

The K-175SM is a sports motorcycle designed for multi-day competitions. It is equipped with an engine with a working volume of up to 175 cm³. Unlike the K-175A road motorcycle, this bike has a forced engine with a cylinder cast from alloyed cast iron, which provides increased wear resistance. The front chain of the motorcycle is reinforced, and the clutch release mechanism is updated to improve reliability. The frame is made of alloy steel and has additional reinforcing gussets. The steering wheel has become wider and is reinforced with an additional tube. The front fork has an increased travel of up to 150 mm, and the hydraulic shock absorbers have been improved. The rear suspension also has an increased travel – up to 85 mm. The tires have increased cross-country ability: the rear is 3.25-19 “, the front – 2.5-19”. The wheels are equipped with reinforced spokes and enlarged brake drums with a labyrinth seal, which protects against dirt and moisture. The rear chain is open and has a guide to prevent it from jumping off the rear wheel sprocket. The engine power is 11 hp at 5200 rpm. The weight of the motorcycle is 105 kg.
The K-175SMU, created in 1964, was designed to participate in multi-day sports competitions on motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 175 cubic centimeters. The frame of this model is made of alloy steel grade 30KhGSA, and the front fork travel is 150 mm. The seals in the front and rear suspension are double. The rear suspension is equipped with adjustable hydraulics. The tires have increased cross-country ability: the rear one is 3.50-19 “, the front one is 3.00-21”. The engine power is 14 horsepower, and the weight is 108 kg.
The K-175SK and K-58SK are sport motocross motorcycles designed for competitions with engines up to 175 cm³ and up to 125 cm³, respectively. Their design includes an engine and chassis similar to the K-175SM and K-58SM motorcycles, which are designed for multi-day competitions. However, unlike them, these models are not equipped with lighting and signal devices.

Manufacturer: ОАО «Завод им. В. А. Дегтярёва» (ОАО «ЗиД») (Degtyaryov Plant)

Assembly: Kovrov (USSR)

Years of production: 1956—1965

Production: +1,097,619 units

Length: 1910 mm

Width: 690 mm

Height: 1000 mm

Engine: 1 cylinder; 173 cc

Power: 8 HP

Max speed: 80 km/h

Fuel consumption: 6 l/100 km

Weight: 105 kg

FSO Museum (VDNKh, Moscow, Russia)

Search

Kovrovets K-175

Read more: Transport and equipment ...

All Andorra – All Pyrenees (С)

Our partners

RSS

Guides

News

Blogs