a variety of motorcycle that provides greater comfort for the driver. A front guard that extends downward to broad footrests protects the driver and passenger from dust and mud. Increased ease of mounting for the driver is provided by under-seat location of the engine, which is covered by a housing, and by the use of wheels that are smaller than those of a motorcycle. The main shortcomings of motor scooters are limited performance on unpaved roads and poor stability when traveling on an uneven road.
The engine of a motor scooter is usually a two-cycle, single-cylinder type with forced-air cooling (with a fan). Most engines have an electric starter. The maximum speed is 70–95 km/hr. Mass production of motor scooters began late in the 1940’s (in the USSR, in 1957). In the early 1970’s, production in foreign countries was reduced because of low demand; it ceased in 1972. In the USSR, motor scooters are manufactured in plants at Tula and Viatskie Poliany (see Table 1); the output in 1973 was 140,000. Three-wheeled vehicles have been developed from motor scooters for loads of 100–150 kg.
| Table 1. Specifications of Soviet motor scooters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Viatka Turist V-150M | Turist | |
| Engine displacement (cu cm).......... | 148 | 199 |
| Maximum power at 4,800 rpm, kW (hp)......... | 4.42 (6) | 8.24 (12) |
| Maximum speed (km/hr)......... | 70 | 90 |
| Number of speeds......... | 3 | 4 |
| Tire size (inches).......... | 4.00 × 10 | 4.00 × 10 |
| Weight (kg) | 120 | 145 |
S. Iu. IVANITSKII and B. V. SINEL’NIKOV