IC Type 56          

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Pic 1. and 4. snow riding with the IC in Russia, note the proud dog!  Pic 2. and 3. Brochures of finnish importer in 1961.  Pic 5.  Flat tracker IC.

IZH was a state-owned factory at Izhevsk, which procuced 350 two-stroke singles and twins.  The single- cylinder machine was introduced in 1946 ans was originally based on the German DKW NZ 350 design.   The twin has been produced since 1961.   Both are typical basic eastern European designs.  The model names Planeta (single) and Jupiter (twin) are used.

Restoration:

When the restoration started, the IC was in a sorry state.  The spark plug was missing, and the crankcase was full of oily water and sycamore seeds.  To allow a restoration to take two years is pretty stupid too, but I managed it.  Much time passed with preliminaries like obtaining brochures and contemporary road tests, recovering the registration mark in nontransferable cruise.

Eventually came the slow strip down which confirmed that the bike was unbutchered.  With everything off the frame the first major problem revealed inself:  a rust ravaged centre section which had lost most of its inner mudguard skin.  Corroded material was removed and a new section fabricated.  Blasting frame and tinware removed the brush applied black paint added years ago and the remains of the factory black beneath it.  The big headache was lack of tank lines.  Creful rubbing down before blasting failed  to reveal the original lining.

How much has all this restoration work cost?  The complete engine, and I really do mean complete came to a total 400€.   Chrome plating 250€, with the new rims and steinless spokes coming 180€.   Paintwork cost 100€, with all the other less expensive parts, the total cost 1000€.

Ready to go whatever the weather.  IC is the ideal ride to work motorcycle, dual seat as standard and mudguards that actually work are practical features.  Fully enclsosed final drive chain is just one of the practical feature of the IC.  The front and rear wheel are interchangeable one with another provided that the tyre pressures are adjusted accordingly.  Where is the carburettor?  Elegant enclosure is a feature of the IC's design.  Carburettor with syclone type air cleaner is far easy to remove for maintenance.

Up In smoke.

Smoking the opposition takes on a whole new meaning with IC 2T power.  You don't blast other motorcyclist into the weeds .   You just poison them with 20:1 petrol mix exhaust fumes.  So it is a good thing few travel slowly enough to be behind 90 km/h IC for long.  The IC will go faster than this, but wringing out the 120 km/h maximum requires determination and a strong throttle cable.  Plenty of open roads is needed - speed builds slowly above 90 km/h.  it is better to enjoy the tiny exhaust rasp at 80 km/h and reap the rewards of matching km/litre figures.  If you can stand 80 km/h speeds, ICs carb will slip 3,5 litre every 100 km.  Engine flexibility gives gives top gear travel down 20 km/h.

Riding the IC is as pleasurable as looking it.  It is a friendly creature and it doesn't bite.  There's no starting drill to speak of.  You can retard ignition if you want but, with petrol on, one long easy kick with follow-through always gets a result.  Choke can be dispensed with immediately.  The machine feels long and low because the seat height is a meagre 75cm and the big headlamp and speedo look yeards in front ot the rider.

In 1961 rated the 350cc IC Type 56 "a high performance middleweight with outstanding personality".  Notions of performance change, but my IC is still a little charmer.

E-Mail:  nasser@luukku.com

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