Simson SR50

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Samson
Simson SR50 B4
Simson SR50 B4
SR50 born in 1986
Manufacturer: Vehicle and hunting weapons factory "Ernst Thälmann"
Construction time: 1986-2002
Number of pieces: approx. 220,000
Previous model: Samson Swallow
Successor: Simson SRA 50 Star
Technical specifications
Engine : Single-cylinder two-stroke - gasoline engine
Displacement : 49.9 cc
Performance : 2.7 kW at 5500 rpm
Gearbox : 3- or 4-speed
Drive : Chain
Empty weight : 80-88.5 kg
Power to weight ratio : approx. 31 kg / kW
Top speed : 60 km / h
Brakes : Drum / drum
Tank capacity : 6.3 (of which 0.8 reserve) l
Fuel consumption : 2.4 l / 100 km

The SR50 and SR80 are motor scooters from VEB Fahrzeug- und Jagdwaffenwerk Ernst Thälmann Suhl and its successor companies in reunified Germany. The SR stands for S tadt r oller . The predecessor model was the Simson swallow . Nevertheless, due to its extensive redesign, the SR50 cannot be regarded as the successor to the Schwalbe. The production of the SR50 continued after the reunification and peaceful revolution in the GDR until Simson went bankrupt in 2002. A three-wheeled variant derived from the SR50 was the Simson SD50 .

In Germany, the SR50 can be driven as a moped with an insurance license plate (driving license class AM). This also applies to the 60 km / h versions in accordance with the agreement and the driver's license regulations. According to GDR law, mopeds were limited to 60 km / h; in accordance with the transitional regulation, this right continues to apply to vehicles that were first put on the market before February 28, 1992.

history

In 1985, the SR50 has been at the Leipzig Autumn Fair presented
SR50 CE from 1987 with the trailer type MWH / RB

In April 1986 the SR50 replaced the popular, but conceptually outdated, small scooter KR51 / 2 " Schwalbe ". The frame and design were awarded a prize at the Leipzig autumn fair in 1985, the design went back to Karl Clauss Dietel and Lutz Rudolph . The use of a telescopic fork and the unusually large 12-inch wheels for a scooter were new.

The well- engineered and powerful M541 / M531 engine as well as the exhaust system and the carburetor system have been adopted almost unchanged from the Simson S51 . As a consequence of this, the installation position of the motor in the SR50 is rather unfavorable, resulting in a "slanted" oil level and higher levels of vibration. The unchanged takeover of the S51 engine also results in another special feature: the lever-operated actuation of the foot switch, which was rotated by 90 ° compared to a normal motorcycle switch. This means that the first gear is engaged forwards instead of downwards as usual with the SR50, the remaining gears are shifted backwards instead of by lifting the lever with the toe of the foot by pressing the sole of the shoe. In the technical literature ( KFT ) it was pointed out that the 70 cm³ engine of the SR80 is the structurally optimized variant, which is noticeable in higher performance with lower fuel consumption compared to the 50 cm³ engine. The 50 cm³ variant was therefore not on offer for technically sensible reasons, but because of the approval requirements for small motorcycles (vehicles up to 50 cm³).

Over 200,000 SR50 and SR80 were produced by 1990. Typical GDR accessories for the SR50 were knee blankets, child seats and trailer hitch. A trailer type with 12 "wheels was developed to match the design of the SR50. After 1990 a windshield, top case and side case were also available as accessories.

The SR50 was available in a number of different configurations. After an interruption in 1991/92, production of the SR50 was resumed. Together with the Simson S53 , it accounted for 95% of all post-reunification production at Simson. The Simson SRA 50 Star , intended as a successor , was not a success.

Currently, the SR50 can still be found in everyday use on East German roads. He does not enjoy the popularity and cult status of the swallow. Most of the SR50 come from GDR production, after the fall of the Wall the production numbers were much lower. The supply of spare parts is largely secured: The Simson successor MZA Meyer-Zweiradtechnik Ahnatal GmbH has been producing the old 4-speed motor (M541) in the Suhl branch since 2009, which is used in the Simson SR50, the S51 and the last "Schwalbe" series found in order to be able to maintain the old stock of vehicles.

Model series

For the Simsonroller 50 there was an unusually wide variety of equipment for GDR standards:

1986-1988

The "N" variant, like the S51N, only had minimal equipment without indicators, lead accumulator and ignition lock. But it only played a marginal role. Due to legal changes in the GDR, which stipulated a flashing light system for small motorcycles, production ended in 1987. New price: 1880 marks. The SR50 B3 also had a battery, indicator and ignition lock. In addition, a side rack was already included. Typical paintwork was a wine red / dark brown. New price: 2190 marks. The most popular version was the SR50 B4 , which also had an instrument cluster and four-speed gearshift. The typical paintwork was beige / dark brown. The model cost 2,365 marks and was therefore considerably more expensive than the Schwalbe models produced so far . In addition, there was even better equipment, which was too expensive for most interested parties: The SR50 C with five-way adjustable struts, electronic ignition instead of interrupter, twelve-volt electrical system, 35 watt headlight power, two large rear-view mirrors and structured seat. The CE variant also had an electric starter. (New price: 2885 marks) All models were already equipped with a brake light contact on the front brake.

The top model SR80 CE was already a light motorcycle. The engine, enlarged to 70 cm 3 , developed 5.6 hp and brought the scooter to a top speed of 75 km / h. (New price 1987: 2995 marks) Because of the license plate requirement, the sales success was limited (unlike in the case of cars, the demand for mopeds in the GDR could be covered reasonably well, so that something “stayed in the shop”).

Technical data: SR50 model series 1986–1988
SR50 N SR50 B3 SR50 B4 SR50 C SR50 CE SR80 CE
engine Single cylinder - two-stroke -Ottomotor
Type M 531/2 KFS M 541 KFS M 541/1 EFS M541 EFS M 741 EFS
Stroke × bore 44 mm × 38 mm 44 mm × 45 mm
Displacement 49.9 cc 69.9 cc
lubrication Mixture 1:50
power 2.7 kW (3.7 hp) / 5500 rpm 4.1 kW (5.6 PS) / 6000 rpm
cooling Airstream
transmission 3-speed foot switch 4-speed foot switch
Installation Kickstarter Kick and electric starters
Board voltage 6 V 12 V
frame Sheet metal embossing frame
Front wheel guide Telescopic fork , 130 mm travel
Rear wheel guide Swing arm with suspension strut , 85 mm travel Swing arm with suspension strut can be adjusted to five positions, 85 mm travel
Tires 3.00 × 12 "
Weight 80 kg 82 kg 83.5 kg 86 kg 88 kg 88.5 kg
Top speed 60 km / h 75 km / h
construction time 1986-1987 1986-1988
number of pieces 6,740 96,430 16,750 7,300 1,880

1989-1991

SR50 / 1 CE from 1990, with square indicators
Simson SR50 CE

From January 1989, all models were equipped with improved electrical systems: 12 volt, 35/35 W bilux lamp, and brake tail light 21/5 W, battery 12 V / 5.5 Ah. The structured bench was now standard for all models. In addition, the corrosion protection was improved by a plastic powder coating. The basic model was then on SR50 / 1B . For the “C” equipment, a halogen lamp HS1 (35/35 W) in the headlight and an AC voltage regulator (EWR) were added, which ensured a more stable on-board voltage. As before, it also stood out from the basic model with its side rack, five-way adjustable suspension struts, electronic ignition and the two 120 mm rear-view mirrors. The SR50 / 1 CE and SR80 / 1 CE were also on offer . Externally, the / 1 models can be recognized by the hexagonal indicators and a newly designed angular rear light. After the fall of 1989/1990, the models were initially produced unchanged, but in much smaller numbers. A catalytic converter was announced in brochures, but it was not taken over into series production. The now free press was able to attest to the SR50 that it “will have a legitimate chance on our roads in the future”. Nevertheless, sales collapsed. The demand for Eastern products was generally very low at that time. In 1991 production had to be stopped until further notice.

Technical data: SR50 model series 1989–1991
SR50 / 1 B SR50 / 1 C SR50 / 1 CE SR80 / 1 CE
engine Single cylinder - two-stroke -Ottomotor
Type M 542 KFS M 542/1 KFS M 542 EFS M 742 EFS
Stroke × bore 44 mm × 38 mm 44 mm × 45 mm
Displacement 49.9 cc 69.9 cc
lubrication Mixture 1:50
power 2.7 kW (3.7 hp) * / 5500 rpm 4.1 kW (5.6 PS) / 6000 rpm
cooling Airstream
transmission 4-speed foot switch
Installation Kickstarter Kick and electric starters
Board voltage 12 V
frame Sheet metal embossing frame
Front wheel guide Telescopic fork , 130 mm travel
Rear wheel guide Swing arm with suspension strut , 85 mm travel Swing arm with suspension strut can be adjusted to five positions, 85 mm travel
Tires 3.00 × 12 "
Weight 83 kg 87 kg 88.5 kg 88.5 kg
Top speed 60 km / h * 75 km / h
construction time 1989-1991
number of pieces 51,350 ** 20,380 ** 4,500 ** 950 **

* Even before 1992, some SR50s with reduced power and reduced top speed to 50 km / h were produced for West Germany and for export. These vehicles were advertised under the name SR 50 Bunny .

** Numbers for the years 1989–1990. No figures are available for 1991, but Simson's total production in 1991 was only 5000 vehicles.

1992-2002

Simson SR 50/1 for the postal service, year of construction 1995, 2.4 kW / 49 cm³. Version with electric starter.
Simson gamma from 1994

With the founding of a new Suhler Fahrzeugwerk GmbH in 1992 a new attempt was made and the production of the SR50 / 1 and SR80 / 1 continued - however, according to federal German law with a top speed of only 50 km / h (only 3.3 instead of 3.7 hp ). The equipment of approximately equivalent to the previous model SR50 / C 1, where the notation now SR50 / 1 B was. A black enamelled exhaust system that had already been announced in GDR times was taken over into series production.

In 1993, the SR50 models were visually upgraded, which from then on were referred to as the X-series and carried the model name gamma . The models can be recognized by their elaborate plastic cladding and the angular headlights. The new colors were also noticeable in line with contemporary tastes, as was another instrument cluster with a clock operated by a button battery. The SR50 / 1-X models were optionally equipped with a drum brake ( XG ) or a Grimeca disc brake ( XC ) at the front . With electric starter the model designation was XGE or XCE . In the variant as a light motorcycle SR80 / 1, only the XCE equipment was available. In addition, the SR50 was available for the first time as a moped in a variant throttled to 25 km / h. The bench was designed as a single seat and the permissible total weight was reduced to 210 kg (otherwise 260 kg). The moped was only available with drum brakes as MXG and MXGE . Apart from the special features mentioned, the scooters of the X series were technically largely identical to the SR50 / 1. Production of the X series was stopped in the course of 1995. The elaborate cladding and equipment had driven the costs too high. The newly developed “Star 50” scooter with automatic transmission was to cover the upper price segment.

The SR50 continued to be produced in its original form as the "Star Classic" from 1996 . The moped was called Star 50 Classic , the light motorcycle was called Star 80 Classic and the moped version was called Star 25 Basic (later also called Star 25 classic ). Only one equipment variant without an electric starter was available, which was largely identical to the earlier SR50 C. Until the final end at Simson, the Star Classic remained in the production program as an inexpensive basic model. In 2002 the new price was 1790 euros or 1900 euros for the Star 80 Classic. It can be assumed that the SR50 manufactured in 2002 had an engine that was throttled to 45 km / h. At that time, however, very few vehicles were produced. From 1992 to 2002, Simson produced a total of 47,000 two-wheelers, around half of which were SR50 types. This comparatively small number of units explains why most of the SR50s still in existence date from before 1990.

Technical data: SR50 model series 1992–2002
SR50 / 1 B, SR50 / 1 XG / XC, Star 50 Classic SR50 / 1 MXG, MXGE, Star 25 Basic / Classic SR80 / 1 B, SR80 / 1 XCE, Star 80 Classic
engine Single cylinder - two-stroke -Ottomotor
Type M 543-50 M 533-25 M 742 / M 743
Stroke × bore 44 mm × 38 mm 44 mm × 45 mm
Displacement 49.9 cc 69.9 cc
lubrication Mixture 1:50
power 2.4 kW (3.3 PS) * / 5500 rpm 1.15 kW (1.6 HP) * / 4250 rpm 4.1 kW (5.6 PS) / 6000 rpm
cooling Airstream
transmission 4-speed foot switch 3-speed foot switch 4-speed foot switch
Installation Kick starter , optionally also electric starter Kick and electric starters
Board voltage 12 V
frame Sheet metal embossing frame
Front wheel guide Telescopic fork , 130 mm travel
Rear wheel guide Swing arm with suspension strut can be adjusted to five positions, 85 mm travel
Tires 3.00 × 12 "or 90 / 90-12 54 J.
Brakes in front optionally drum or disc brake drum brake Disc brake
Weight 83 kg 88 kg 84 kg
Top speed 50 km / h * 25 km / h 75 km / h
construction time 1992-2002
number of pieces ? ? ?

* In 2002 the Star 50 Classic was most likely run at a speed reduced to 45 km / h.

Electric drive

The SR50-E was equipped with an electric drive in a small number. Development work began in GDR times in 1977, and the required electric motor was available in 1989. The DC converter is an in-house design by GDR engineers, the motor controller comes from US golf course electric cars. 1990–1991 the first test vehicles were tried out, then the Simson plant was about to be closed. The development was taken up again for the re-establishment in 1992 and production started on a small scale. The vehicles were offered as Simson Gamma-E at a unit price of 5759 DM. The high price was mainly due to the high battery cost. It is not known how long the electric scooter was on sale and the number of items it was produced. However, it is considered very rare. The progressive development failed because the sales price was too high. As far as we know today, fewer than ten vehicles still exist. There are two versions, the prototype in white and red with the look of the classic SR50 and the series scooter in white and purple in the typical post-turnaround look of the SR50 Gamma models.

Specific technical data for SR50 with electric drive
SR50 gamma E
construction time 1994-1996
engine Air-cooled direct current series motor
On-board voltage drive system 24 V
On-board voltage lighting system 12 V
battery 2 lead-gel batteries, 12 V / 115 Ah Action Pack
Battery charge integrated charger, approx. 1200 cycles
power 1.7 kW / 1750 min -1
Rear wheel drive Timing belt
Weight 130 kg
permissible total mass 290 kg
Top speed 45 km / h, when going downhill up to 85 km / h
Range Max. 65 km
number of pieces 112 according to the development engineer.

Test reports

  • SR50 B4: KFT 5/1986 and 8/1986 as well as German road traffic 8/1986
  • SR80 CE: KFT 9/1986 and 3/1987 as well as Der deutsche Straßenverkehr 2/1987
  • SR50 CE: KFT 6/1988 and 5,6 / 1990 as well as German road traffic 12/1988

weaknesses

Although the SR50 can be highly recommended for everyday use, it also has some weaknesses:

One is, for example, the engine mount, which can tear under certain circumstances. It was also reported that the weld seam on the steering head bearing can tear under high loads. However, this only affects the year of construction 1987, when the production robot incorrectly drew the left weld seam on the steering head bearing. Furthermore, there were often problems with the manifold thread, which was damaged due to the missing third pivot point of the exhaust system.

Other disadvantages: The relatively lean carburettor does help to protect the environment, but it is relatively sensitive to irregularities. SR50 built up to 1988 have a strong tendency to rust, especially on the rims. The running boards are not vibration-free. The electric starter of the CE variants was judged to be functionally reliable in test reports at the time, but after a few years it sometimes causes problems. The kick starter can be operated at any time in an emergency. The engine performance is good, but for heavy city traffic some would want an automatic transmission.

The Grimeca disc brake - at least the one from the XC series - fits so tightly into the disc wheel that after a repair there may be problems with reinstalling it. Since scooters do not have to go to main inspections regularly, the Simson company used a high-strength screw adhesive to secure the connection between the brake disc and the brake disc carrier - with the result that even qualified specialists are not always able to separate the two assemblies required to change the brake disc without damage.

attachment

literature

  • Erhard Werner: Simson counselor. For S 50, S 51, S70 and SR 50 / SR 80. MZA, Berlin 2004, ISBN 3-9809481-2-9 .
  • Erhard Werner: Simson Oldtimer. A guide for SR1, SR2, SR2E, KR50. MZA, Berlin 2004, ISBN 3-9809481-3-7 .
  • Repair instructions for Simson two-wheeled vehicles. S 51/1, S 70/1 and SR 50/1, SR 80/1. Uwe Welz Verlag, Berlin 1998, ISBN 3-933177-01-4 .

Web links

Commons : Simson SR50  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Annex I Chapter XI B III Annex I Chapter XI, Subject B - Road Traffic, Section III No. 2 Paragraph 21 EinigVtr ( Memento of the original from April 29, 2014 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked . Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.gesetze-im-internet.de
  2. ↑ § 76 FeV, No. 8 "§ 6 Paragraph 1 on Class M";
  3. ↑ New presentation of the SR50 / 80 by chief designer J. Scheibe: KFT 10/1985.
  4. ↑ New presentation and background information about the development process: KFT 12/1985.
  5. ↑ BVF slide carburetor 16 N 3 KFT 3/1986.
  6. ↑ New presentation of the small motorcycle trailer MWH / RB: KFT 1/1989.
  7. ↑ Scooters in mass production Interview with director of the two-wheeled combine for the production of the SR50 / 80: KFT 8/1986.
  8. ↑ Erhard Werner: Simson vehicles from the turn to the end. MZA-Verlag, 2006, p. 39.
  9. ↑ KFT motor vehicle technology, issue 6/1990, p. 174.
  10. ↑ Erhard Werner: Simson vehicles from the turn to the end. MZA-Verlag, 2006, p. 17.
  11. ↑ Presentation of the new compact exhaust system: KFT 5/1989.
  12. ↑ Schwalbe-Gezwitscher - The magazine for the anniversary. Suhler Verlagsgesellschaft, Suhl 2014, p. 89.
  13. ↑ Erhard Werner: The Swallow Book. Uwe Welz Verlag, Berlin 1995, ISBN 3-9804294-0-7 , p. 48.
  14. ↑ Low- pollutant idle setting of the SR50 / 80 KFT 8/1986.