Samson Sparrow

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Samson
SR4-1 (Sparrow) .jpg
Simson Spatz SR4-1 SK, restored (lettering on the tank is missing)
Simson SR4-1 Sparrow
Manufacturer VEB vehicle and equipment factory Simson Suhl
Production period 1964 to 1970
class Moped
Motor data
Single-cylinder two-stroke - gasoline engine
Displacement  (cm³) ~ 50
Power  (kW / PS ) 1.5-1.7 / 2.0-2.3
Top speed (  km / h) 50
transmission 2-speed
drive Chain
Brakes drums
Wheelbase  (mm) 1185
Dimensions (L × W × H, mm): 1850 × 690 × 1080
Empty weight  (kg) 65-68
Previous model Simson SR2
successor Simson SL1

The moped Simson SR4-1 "Sparrow" was the successor of mopeds SR2E and basic model of the so-called " bird series " of VEB Simson in Suhl . From 1999 Simson built another model with the name MSA 50 Spatz .

Development history

The SR2 or SR2 E moped, which was produced hundreds of thousands of times, had proven itself many times over, but its design no longer corresponded to the zeitgeist of the 1960s. In addition, a high level of standardization was sought within the framework of the bird series released in 1964, so that the basic type was redesigned accordingly. The result was the type SR (Simson-Rheinmetall) 4-1, which was officially nicknamed "Spatz". The frame was a new design made of tubular and stamped sheet metal parts. The generous seat cushion instead of a saddle was also new. Together with the friction-damped struts on the rear wheel (85 mm travel), the ride comfort was significantly increased compared to the SR2. The chain, fully encapsulated according to the MZ patent, and the 16 "running wheels with drum brakes were also uniform with the other models in the bird series , although the sparrow was supplied with painted steel rims and only with light alloy rims on request. The sparrow also had this in common with the bird series improved flywheel magneto with 15/15 watt headlights and 18 watt brake light or 5 watt tail light. The other electrical equipment was, however, simpler than with the other bird models, a dry battery supplied the horn, which was improved compared to the SR2 E. Around the more delicate front section In order to meet the design requirements, the headlight of the Simson KR50 was used for the Spatz . The relationship between the Spatz and the SR2 E is particularly evident in the swing arm construction on the front wheel (short swing arm with 72 mm spring travel). The engine of the SR2 E was also initially retained and furthermore in the VEB office machine factory in Sömmerda (e in the former Rheinmetall plant ). This was an interim solution that became necessary because Simson's engine production capacities were initially still fully needed for the Schwalbe small scooter . The output of the Sömmerda engine was increased from 1.8 to 2.0 hp, which helped the sparrow to reach a top speed of 50 km / h. In accordance with the increased heat development, the cylinder head was ribbed over a larger area. The 2-speed gearbox was still switched by hand. After the swallow, the sparrow went into series production as the second model in the bird series in the summer of 1964.

Executions and facelift

Initially, the Spatz was offered as a classic moped with pedals (SR4-1 P) or with footrests and kick starter (SR4-1 K). From 1967 the Simson engine of the Vogel series with gray cast iron cylinder in a version throttled to 2.3 HP with 2-speed gearbox (type M52) was installed in the Spatz, the model name changed to SR4-1 SK (for " Simsonmotor + Kickstarter ”), whereby the moped version with pedals was omitted. This engine was also cooled by the wind. The driving performance improved considerably, but the top speed of 50 km / h remained unchanged. The production of the Spatz was ended in 1970, and from then on the SL1 was intended as a single-seat vehicle for low demands . The sparrow was produced in a total of 152,000 pieces between 1964 and 1970.

The coloring of the sparrow was basically two-tone and largely corresponded to that of the " star ". It consisted of wine red (roughly RAL 3003 ) and a gray to greenish shimmering beige. In 1964 it was also painted in brown (maroon) or blue. The retail price (EVP) for the sparrow in the GDR was always 1,050.00  marks .

The sparrow was exported to West Germany via the Neckermann mail order company and sold there at a new price of DM 598.00. Due to the West German regulations (StVZO) for speed- limited small motorcycles, these vehicles had neither a battery nor a horn , but a bicycle bell , 15 watt permanent low beam and a modified rear light unit. They were also throttled to a design-related top speed of 40 km / h.

properties

The trade press of the time praised the modern exterior of the Spatz, but at the same time criticism was voiced that the model change was only now taking place. A number of design deficiencies were also pointed out. The increase in performance enabled a stopped top speed of 51 or 55 km / h (sitting upright or lying down). However, the torque fell below 3500 rpm even more than the previous engine of the SR2 , so that starting- off difficulties arose, especially off-road. On the other hand, from 50 km / h strong vibrations set in in the footrests and handlebar ends, and the noise reduction of the exhaust system was assessed as inadequate. The fuel consumption was 2.3 l / 100 km.

Technical specifications

Parameter Sparrow SR 4-1P Sparrow SR 4-1K Sparrow SR 4-1SK
engine Rheinmetall two-stroke Simson two-stroke
starter Pedal starter Kickstarter
cooling Airstream
Bore (mm) 38 40
Stroke (mm) 42 39.5
Displacement (cm³) 47.6 49.6
compression with Sö 4-1 engine: 7.5: 1, M 52 KH engine: 8.5: 1
Power (hp / min −1 ) 2/5200 2.3 / 5250
Torque (Nm / min −1 ) 3.1 / 4200 ?
transmission 2-speed, manual transmission
Carburetor BVF NKJ 134-1 BVF NKJ 134-3
Tank capacity (l) 8.5
frame Central tube shell frame
Tires 20 x 2.75
Brake front / rear Inner jaws / full hubs (125 mm drum diameter)
Front wheel guide Short swing arm on coil springs (72 mm travel)
Rear wheel guide Long swing arm with suspension struts (85 mm travel)
Dead weight (kg) 65 68
Top speed (km / h) 50 (factory specification)
construction time 1964-1967 1964-1966 1967-1970
number of pieces 30,000 122,000
cylinder 1
fuel Regular petrol 1:33
Consumption per 100 km (l) 2.3
Seats 1

literature

  • Erhard Werner: "Simson Bird Series" - A guide for sparrows, starlings, sparrowhawks and hawks. MZA-Verlag, Vellmar 2005, ISBN 3980948110 .
  • Frank Rönicke: Schrader type chronicle. Simson Schwalbe & Co 1955-1991. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2007, ISBN 978-3-613-02813-5 .

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Moped SR4-1 "Spatz". In: Motor vehicle technology 3/1964, pp. 95–97.
  2. ↑ Simson Spatz SR 4-1 Worth knowing. In: DDRMoped.de. Retrieved September 21, 2017 .
  3. ↑ Motor vehicle technology assesses SR 4–1 Spatz. In: Automotive Technology . 7/1964, pp. 266-267.