MMZ M-1A

«Москва» М-1А

The M-1A is a lightweight single-seat road motorcycle, which was first produced in Moscow at the Moscow Motorcycle Plant (MMZ), and then at the Minsk Motorcycle and Bicycle Plant (MMVZ). It was a copy of the German DKW RT 125. Production of the M-1A ended in 1956. It was replaced by the M-1M.

History

After the war, the USSR began to actively develop motorcycles. The government received German documentation and equipment as reparations. Thus, in Moscow they began to produce the German motorcycle DKW RT 125 under the name “Moskva” M1A.

The M1A was a single-seat motorcycle. Above its rear fender was a trunk, where homemade seats were sometimes placed. However, it could hardly carry two adults, since it was designed for a weight of up to 150 kg.

The M1A was nicknamed “Macaca” by the people. The origin of this name is still unknown, but there are two main versions. The first is associated with the unusual driver’s position. The second claims that the letters M and A in the name were a reference to the word “macaque”.