Simson S51

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Samson
Simson S51 B2-4 from 1980 original condition I.jpg
S51 B2-4 from 1980, unrestored original condition
Simson S51
Manufacturer VEB vehicle and equipment factory Simson Suhl
Production period 1980 to 1990
class Moped
Motor data
Single-cylinder two-stroke - gasoline engine
Displacement  (cm³) 49.8
Power  (kW / PS ) 2.7 / 3.7
Top speed (  km / h) 60
transmission 3- or 4-speed
drive Chain
Brakes drums
Empty weight  (kg) 78.5
Previous model Simson S50
successor Simson S53
Lettering on the tank of the S51 (in the form from 1983)
Simson S51 B2-4, version after 1982 with large lettering and bellows on the telescopic fork
Simson S51 C from 1989 (still 6V) with contemporary side cases, unrestored original condition
Simson S51 B2-4 / 1
Simson S51 Enduro
Restored GDR post moped "Simson S51 B2-4", built in 1981.

The Simson S51 is a mokick manufactured by the VEB vehicle and hunting weapons factory "Ernst Thälmann" under the brand name Simson between 1980 and 1991 . The S51 is the direct successor to the S50 . With over 1.6 million vehicles produced, the S50 / S51 series is the most popular small motorcycle in Germany.

In Germany, the S50 / S51 can be driven as a moped with an insurance license plate without registration (driving license class AM) in accordance with an exception in the standard contract, despite the maximum speed of 60 km / h .

Engine concept

The main innovation of the S51 compared to its predecessor, the S50, is the newly developed two-stroke engine ( M531 / 541 or M542 on the S51 / 1 models), which is more maintenance-friendly and somewhat more maintenance-friendly thanks to a modified piston-stroke ratio and external crankshaft sealing rings was stronger. Due to this arrangement of the shaft sealing rings, the gasoline-oil mixture took over the lubrication of the crankshaft bearings, which required a 100 ml reduction in gear oil fill quantity compared to the previous engines.

The standard S 50 was known for the fact that, despite the maximum speed of 60 km / h, it often “recorded” up to 70 km / h on flat roads, even when driving with a passenger. (Since a speedometer should not show too little, the actual speed reached was a little below 70 km / h, but still well above the permissible maximum speed.) On the other hand, this model found it difficult, especially on inclines. With the long-stroke concept of the new engine, you achieved noticeably more pulling power in the middle speed range and a reduction in fuel consumption of around 11%. With the new engine design, Simson also intended a slightly more pronounced drop in performance above the speed at 60 km / h (approx. 6800 / min). With the slightly more powerful engine, the permissible total weight of the S51 (and also the "Schwalbe" with S51 engine) increased to 260 kg (S50: 230 kg) with an almost constant empty weight (actually empty weight).

The intended useful life of the new engine increased to 40,000 km.

In addition, this engine was now also offered with a four-speed gearbox. Compared to the M52 / 53/54 series with claw gears , the new generation of engines had a draw-wedge gears that were easier and cheaper to manufacture. With this, the number of gears (three or four) could be varied with little effort. After the reunification , this engine was even produced with five gears.

The kick starter shaft, which was often bent in the event of a fall (which could then lead to oil leakage), could only be changed in the previous engines by a very laborious process of dismantling the engine / transmission block. With the new motor, it was even possible to change the shaft with the motor / gear unit installed. While a gear segment meshed with a gear on the output shaft when the previous engine was started, the torque of the kick starter was transferred with a freewheel in the new engine. This prevented the kick starter from jamming due to tooth-on-tooth positions.

Characteristic for the Mokick was a simple, undemanding technology as well as the chassis, which was practically unchanged in the successor models until 2002. The range was over 300 km on one tank of fuel. Various add-on parts, such as a knee protection blanket, leg shield and case carrier (for mounting the 26-liter Pneumant case, which is also used by MZ ), made it possible to increase the utility value of the Mokick. A trailer coupling and socket could also be added. When the trailer was connected, the rear lighting of the towing vehicle was switched off. The permissible trailer load was 60 kg with a maximum permissible speed of the combination of 40 km / h. Almost all add-on parts were compatible with the previous model; even the motor can be swapped between the S50, S51, the Schwalbe models KR51 / 2 and the scooter SR50.

During the first years of construction, parts of the S50 series were often used, such as B. the front fender with additional bracing, the rear light with 100 mm diameter, metal shell and rear light cap with two screw connections and an IFA diamond and a small Simson lettering on the tank. In the later years of construction this was no longer the case.

variants

Due to the strict modular construction of the S51, the differences between the variants are rather small, so the variants are only characterized by different attachments and optics. However, this enabled a strong standardization of spare parts and repair processes to be guaranteed, which is also one of the reasons for its great popularity.

These different versions were built:

  • S51 N (N for normal, popularly often used for nothing ) - this version had minimal electrical equipment without a battery, ignition lock , parking light and indicators. The horn was powered by four mono cells . This model and the S51E / 4 did not have a combination switch on the handlebars, like all other models, but the fittings of the S50. The rear suspension of this model takes place via friction dampers. In addition, it was almost exclusively painted in Olympic blue or brilliant blue. This model, in which a change of direction had to be indicated by a hand signal, was, like the S50 N, designed as a very low-maintenance vehicle for use in areas with little traffic (e.g. in agriculture and forestry). It was built until 1987.
  • S51 B (B for indicators, popularly often: better ) - This model had indicators, hydraulic rear wheel dampers, an ignition lock, a lead-acid battery and was built in three different versions:
    • S51 B1-3 - 3-speed gearbox , 25 W headlights, circuit breaker ignition . This variant was only built until 1988.
    • S51 B1-4 - 4-speed gearbox, 25 W headlights, circuit breaker ignition. From 1989 this model was called S51 / 1B.
    • S51 B2-4 - 4-speed gearbox, 35 W headlights, electronic ignition. In contrast to the other B models, this model was also available in the color “billiard green” from the start and was recognizable by the “S51-Electronic” lettering on the side covers. In addition, this version had a speedometer with a larger diameter, reaching up to 100 km / h, with a flashing indicator light. In this version, the moped cost GDR marks in 1995. Plastic hand levers, a second mirror and bellows were added later. This changed the designation to the S51 B2-4 / 1. From 1989 it was finally called the S51 / 1C1. The electronic ignition (already available from 1976 on the S50 B2 ) was progressive for a moped at the time and worked free of wear and tear and maintenance, so that the reliability of the vehicles increased. However, in the event of a defect, the entire (potted) component had to be replaced; the corresponding spare part cost 200 marks, which was about a tenth of the new price of the entire moped.
  • S51 E (E for Enduro ) - The S51E appeared in 1982. Special features were the visually pleasing, raised exhaust with a heat protection made of perforated sheet metal and a side cover on the right-hand side that was modified because of the raised exhaust - the high handlebars, the larger speedometer, shortened Mudguards, the adjustable rear wheel dampers, steel rims, padded seat, modified luggage rack and foot brake lever, foldable kick starter, a second 120 mm rear-view mirror, the larger tires and, as standard, bellows on the telescopic fork. The turn signals were now attached above the taillight. An additional feature of the Enduro were two additional frame struts from the steering head to the driver's footrests, the so-called tie-down struts. All Enduro variants were equipped with the four-speed engine and electronic ignition, with the exception of the S51 E / 4 with interrupter ignition. The enduro with electronic ignition cost 2,390 marks.
    • S51 E II - This model could be ordered from 1987. Changes here were the raised plastic fender, which required an upper clamping bridge, side stand and the horn that was moved next to the headlights. This model was also available with just one mirror. In 1989 the name was changed here too. From then on this model was called the S51 / 1E.
    • S51 E / 4 - Simson submitted this model in 1984. It had the minimum electrics of the N model, 25 W headlights, interrupter ignition and, like the other enduro variants, did not have the adjustable rear suspension. It had steel rims and a side rack.
  • S51 C (C for Comfort) - The S51 C was built from January 1983 and largely corresponded to the S51B 2-4. The differences were the rev counter with high beam indicator light, side stand, paintwork of the fenders in the same color as the tank or side cover, bellows on the telescopic fork, black painted engines, padded seats, the adjustable rear wheel suspension known from the enduro models, foldable kick starter, a second 120 mm rearview mirror, new tire profile and the higher price. From 1989 this model was finally called the S51 / 1C.

From 1989, the models were converted to 12-volt on-board voltage and were given the ELBA "electronic charging and flashing system". In addition, all models except the S51 / 1B got a halogen headlight. The more modern K36 tires were introduced. The brake light was also switched on when the front brake was operated, the contact for the rear brake was now mounted on the foot brake lever instead of on the rear brake plate. These vehicles can be easily identified by changing the sticker on the side cover with the label "12 Volt". The model names also changed. In the original literature this facelift is handled as the new S51 / 1 series.

Due to the widespread use of the S51 - over a million vehicles were built - there is still a large market today including the manufacture of spare and tuning parts. Conversion sets are also available with which the conventional S51 can be converted, for example, to the Enduro version or to a more contemporary 12 V ignition. In the GDR, the vehicles were often sold out, costing 1,200 to almost 2,000 GDR marks (enduro with electronic ignition even 2,390 GDR marks) and, due to the GDR driving license regulations, were also drivable for young people aged 15 and over. Often the young people bought the vehicle with their "youth consecration money", the money given by relatives for the youth consecration .

Driving license regulation

In Germany, an AM driving license is sufficient to drive these mopeds, which is normally only valid for small motorcycles with a top speed of 45 km / h. However, due to the Driving License Ordinance (§§ 76 FeV, No. 8 § 6 Paragraph 1) and the Unification Treaty (Chapter XI, Sgb. B, Section III, Item 2, Condition 21) , the Simson S51 may, despite a maximum speed of 60 km / h, can be driven with an AM (formerly M) driving license. The prerequisite for this is that the respective moped was already registered in traffic before February 28, 1992. This regulation does not apply to Simson mopeds which were never registered in the GDR until February 28, 1992 or were only produced after this date. Because of this fact, these mopeds are still very popular, especially with young people, as they are the fastest mopeds that can be legally driven with an AM driver's license.

The driving license class AM is contained in the car driving license of class B and may also be used by the license holder as a full driving license for Simson mopeds within the framework of “accompanied driving from 17”.

In addition, the AM driving license class can be acquired at the age of 15 as part of a model test limited to 2018 in the federal states of Saxony , Saxony-Anhalt , Thuringia and, since May 2017, in Brandenburg . Thus young people in these federal states are allowed to drive a Simson moped at 60 km / h at the age of 15, while in all other federal states only the moped test certificate for 25 km / h can be obtained at this age. The minimum age for acquiring the AM class is 16 years in all other federal states.

General data

Note: The further developed S51 / 1 models are not included in the following list.

Parameter Simson S51 N Simson S51 B1-3 Simson S51 B1-4 Simson S51 B2-4 Simson S51 E Simson S51 C
engine Two-stroke gasoline engine, air-draft cooled
cylinder 1
Displacement 49.8 cm³ (piston diameter 38 mm, stroke 44 mm)
Torque 5.0 Nm at 4800 rpm
power 2.7 kW (3.7 hp) at 5500 rpm
Top speed 60 km / h, with a trailer 40 km / h
Transmission gears 3, foot control 4, foot control
fuel Two-stroke mixture 1:50 (RON 88)
Consumption per 100 km 2.5 l
Tank capacity approx. 8.7 l (of which 0.8 l reserve)
Empty weight 78.5 kg
maximum weight allowed 260 kg
Seats 2
Number of pieces built 103,000 242,300 360,600 305,100 160,000 31,000
construction time 1980-1987 1980-1988 1980-1989 1980-1989 1982-1988 1983-1989
Others without ignition lock and indicators with ignition lock and indicators with ignition lock and indicator, more powerful alternator , electronic ignition Enduro chassis with reinforced frame, electronic ignition, high handlebars, high exhaust with heat protection, studded tires (profile K32), steel rims, extended footrest on the right Enduro running gear, electronic ignition, rev counter, brake light contact also on the front brake, control lamp for high beam, newly developed tires (profile K35), mirror on the right and side stand

Successor model "S52"

As early as the mid-1980s there were developments for a successor to the S51. Internally, this project was called S52 (new series designations at Simson were always carried out according to the “continue counting” scheme). There should be significant changes to the chassis (such as the central spring strut) and the fairing. However, at the end of the 1980s, insufficient funds were made available for further development, since at this point in time four-stroke engine technology in particular was to be promoted for passenger cars. So the S52 remained in prototype status and was never built in series. Since there was still to be a successor model, it was decided to name the new model " S53 ", which took over almost the entire construction of the S51 and had little new to offer except for the fairing. A test model of an S52 is now in the Simson Museum in Suhl .

literature

Over hill and dale - on the go with a Simson S51 Enduro. In: engine year. transpress VEB Verlag for Transport, Berlin 1983, pp. 23–28.

Web links

Commons : Simson S51  - Collection of Images

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Schwalbe & Co Simson small motorcycles and scooters 1955–1991. (= Schrader-Motor-Chronik. 83). 2nd Edition. Stuttgart 2000, ISBN 3-613-87173-4 , pp. 93-94.
  2. ↑ Repair instructions for Simson two-wheeled vehicles S 51/1, S 70/1 and SR 50/1 / SR 80/1. P. 20.
  3. ↑ Federal Law Gazette . (PDF) Retrieved June 11, 2017 .
  4. ↑ “Moped at 15” - Brandenburg joins pilot project | Mil. Retrieved June 11, 2017 .
  5. ↑ Repair instructions for Simson two-wheeled vehicles . VEB Fachbuchverlag Leipzig ( mz-und-simson.de [PDF]).
  6. ^ Frank Rönicke: Simson Mopeds, Mokicks, Scooters. Stuttgart 1999, ISBN 3-613-87196-3 , p. 83.