Nowadays, people for whom motorcycle has become a passion and who live in the territories of the former USSR are usually called bikers. They prefer this mode of transportation to all others. However, in the days of the Soviet Union, motorcycle enthusiasts were called rockers.
In the Soviet Union, most motorcycle enthusiasts preferred domestic models such as the IZh Planeta Sport and similar. Western brands, such as the JAWA 350 and ČZ 350, were a real rarity and considered a luxury beyond the reach of the majority.
These rockers were popularly called “majors”. They were part of the youth whose parents or relatives had sufficient financial means and connections to purchase expensive equipment that was difficult to obtain from abroad.
Czechoslovak motorcycles began to appear in the USSR in the early 1960s and immediately gained great popularity.
"ČZ 350"
In the mid-50s, when the USSR industry began to recover from the war, production of several models of motorcycles began. Most of them were affordable and unpretentious machines with average power. But the real event was the appearance in the country of the ČZ 350 motorcycles, which differed favorably from the domestic models.
The ČZ 350 motorcycle, which could carry loads weighing up to 160 kg with its own weight of 170 kg, was significantly superior to the Soviet models in many respects.
It was equipped with a 23 horsepower single-cylinder engine and a manual transmission with four gears, which were shifted with a pedal. This made driving the bike particularly convenient.
Thanks to the 13-liter fuel tank, the motorcycle could cover long distances without refueling. Just under 6 liters of gasoline was required to travel 100 kilometers.
Another impressive feature of the ČZ 350 was that the motorcycle could accelerate up to 130 km/h without unexpected skids. At the same time, it took corners confidently and smoothly.
In terms of dynamic characteristics, foreign motorcycles were certainly far superior to their Soviet counterparts.
The engine of the ČZ 350 worked so smoothly that there were no vibrations even at maximum speed. To overheat it, it was necessary to drive at least a hundred kilometers. In addition, the motorcycle had an excellent suspension, quality shock absorption and reliable brakes, which caused only admiration.
Czechoslovak motorcycles were characterized by high build quality, so the owner was only required to perform regular maintenance and timely replace consumable parts.
In general, these motorcycles served faithfully for many years without requiring serious repairs.
However, some had doubts about the practicality of Czechoslovakian equipment in terms of fuel.
Indeed, the use of gasoline with different octane numbers could lead to engine malfunctions.
Today it may seem strange that the USSR used different types of fuel, because even the most expensive gasoline cost pennies, and a full tank cost a maximum of five rubles.
Nevertheless, owners who had the means did not save on quality fuel and trusted the service to professionals. Thanks to this, motorcycles almost never failed their owners.
"Why the Chezetas were imported in smaller numbers than the YAVs"
JAWA 350 motorcycles were supplied to the USSR much more than the ČZ 350 models.
The factory that produced ČZ motorcycles also specialized in the production of sports models. Despite competition from other manufacturers of sports equipment, ČZ cross bikes were considered among the best in the world. The Czechs highly valued orders from sports companies and therefore focused primarily on the production of cross and racing motorcycles.
The Cheseta motorcycles, which arrived in the USSR in small batches, were bought up even before they reached the store warehouses. It was not easy to buy such a model: it required considerable additional expenses and the right connections. Many Soviet young people had to save up for a year to buy a motorcycle, and then wait the same amount of time for their turn, often relying on acquaintances. Those who had both money and connections could buy a motorcycle much faster, which caused envy and resentment of others. Because of their social status, such young people were often the object of dislike and ridicule, and were called “golden youth” or majors.
As time passed, the number of imported foreign vehicles increased, and the opportunity to freely purchase the desired motorcycle became more and more accessible. Czechoslovak motorcycles continued to arrive in the USSR until its collapse, and despite the fact that they were relatively expensive, they were always considered among the best on the market.
In different cities, young people held meetings and organized mass motorcycle rallies, in which even residents of remote areas took part. Motorcycles varied both in power and design, but Czechoslovak models stood out among them due to their quality and attractive appearance.