emu
Russian Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Kovrovec Motorcycles

Kovrovec
Also written as Kovrovets and Kovorets.

Produced by a factory in Kovrov (260km NE of Moscow) it was one of a series of machines based on the DKW RT125, the first of which was the ZiD K-125.

This was followed by the Kovrovec K-55, produced 1955 to 1957, and a 175cc version, the K-58, appeared in 1957. The K58 was succeeded by the K-175 which was also produced as the Jawa-Kovrov in small quantities (about 400 units).

From 1959 to 1962 the K175A was built, and the K-175B followed it (1962-1964). The last of this series was the K-175V with either single port cast iron barrel or twin-port alloy, built in 1965 only.

The name changed to Voskhod (sunrise) in about 1966 - not to be confused with Vostok. [1]

Limited production competition models included K-55C1, K-58SK, K-58CM, K-175SK, K-175CM, K-175SMU. [2]

Alfeev Valerie and Kuzoukin Alexander participated in the World Sidecar championship races in 1971 on a Kovorets.

Models ³:

K-125, 7 III 1946 - 1952, 1-cyl. SV 123,2cc (52x58), 4,25hp, 141327 built.
K-125M (with telescope front fork), 1952-1956, 1-cyl. SV 123,2cc (52x58), 4,25hp, 263024 built (232577 by other source).
K-55 I 1955 - VI 1958, 1-cyl. SV 123,2cc (52x58), 4,25hp, ca. 239000 built. Export version had same appearance as K-58 but was sold as K-55.
K-58, 1958-1961, 1-cyl. SV 123,2cc (52x58), 4,75hp, 137500 built.
K-175 (since 1959 - K-175 "Kovrovec"), 1956-1960, 1-cyl. SV 173,7cc (61,75x58), 8hp, 184762 built.
K-175A "Kovrovec", XII 1959 - 1962, 1-cyl. SV 173,7cc (61,75x58), 8.2hp, 374722 built.
K-175B "Kovrovec", 1962-1963, 1-cyl. SV 173,7cc (61,75x58), 9hp, 271643 built.
K-175V "Kovrovec", 1963-1966, 1-cyl. SV 173,7cc (61,75x58), 9.5hp, 451254 built. 1963 version, one exhaust tube. 1964 - 1966 version, two exhaust tubes.
Voskhod, late 1965 - 1972, 1-cyl. SV 173,7cc (61,75x58), 10hp, 1039484 built.

Competition and Prototypes:
K-125S, road racing, 1948.
K-125Ń1, road racing, 1949
K-125S1, enduro, 1949.
K-125S2, road racing, 1950.
K-55S1, enduro, 1952-1957
K-55S2, road racing, c.1952.
K-55S1M, ISDT, 1955-1957.
Kovrovec, experimental scooter, 1957, few built.
K-58SK, for enduro, 1959-1960.
K-58SM, ISDT, 1959-1960.
K-175SK, for cross-country sport, 1958-1961.
K-175SM, ISDT, 1958-1961
K-125SSh, road racing, 1960.
K-175ShK, competition, 1961.
K-125SK, enduro, 1962
K-175SK, enduro, 1962.
K-175SM, ISDT, 1962.
K-250SKS, enduro, 1963.
K-175SKU, enduro, 1964.
K-175SMU, ISDT, 1964-1980.
K-250SK, enduro, 1964.
K-250SKU, enduro, 1964.
Voskhod K-175ShK, competition, 1965-1975.

Sources: 1. motorkari.cz 2. en.judsonconcept.com. 3. autogallery.org.ru (archive)

Further reading: South-Bohemian MC Museum

Putins Way
Putin's Way

Criminality and corruption in Putin's Russia by Frontline and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

History Snippets

Russian motorcycle "Sova-175". They are produced in Kovrov, Russia at the Degtyarev plant. The Z55 model is believed to be a copy of a German DKW.
Anonymous contributor


Wed Nov 30 2011
dnaylor701<at>gmail.com
ZID K-55 battery carrier mounting
ZID K-55
I saw a picture of a ZID K-55 on the gallery. I am in the process of restoring the same bike.

It came to me without the bracket that holds the battery and electic box. I have managed to find an electric box which I think is the same, it came from an IZ49 and at least from the outside looks identical. 
My problem is I can not see how the battery bracket should be fitted, there does not seem to be any mounting brackets on the frame or engine.
Would you do me a big favour and send some photos of the bracket fitted to the bike in the picture?
Or perhaps you could pass on my request to the bikes owner?
Any help would be very welcome.
Regards
Dave Naylor (Poland)


Thu Jul 24 2014
Thetangels at juno.com
Cycle
Zid K55
What is a restored zid k55 1956 worth?
Usa


Mon Nov 03 2008
kfsoninlaw1<at>aol.com
ZID K55
ZID K55
I am in the process of restoring a 1956 ZID K55. These were made in Russia. They are a copy of the German DKW. I am looking to find where I may be able to find parts to rebuild the top end of the engine. Any ideas?
Ohio, USA


If you have a query about Zid or Kovrovec motorcycles please contact us