Samson Sparrowhawk

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A Simson Sparrowhawk, restored. Largely original condition.

The Simson Sperber (type designation SR4-3) was a two-seater light motorcycle from the former VEB vehicle and hunting weapon factory Simson Suhl, which also represented the most powerful model of the so-called bird series .

technology

This vehicle was produced from 1966 to 1972 with a number of approx. 80,000 and had a wind-cooled 50 cc two-stroke engine , which developed an output of 4.6 hp. Because of this high-revving engine with modified control times, a correspondingly coordinated, very generously dimensioned intake system with dry air filter (this completely took up the space under the tank and the seat) and a foot-operated four-speed gearbox, the Sparrowhawk reached a top speed of around 75 on a level road km / h. That is why the Sparrowhawk was classified as a light motorbike requiring a registration / license plate despite its displacement of only 50 cm³ and was only allowed to be driven with a motorcycle license (vehicle class A or A1) in the GDR as well as today in Germany. The basic structure of the sparrowhawk largely corresponded to that of the Star moped , but had a slightly larger 9.5 liter tank (which was later found in a modified form on the small MZ-ETS models) and a reinforcing frame strut underneath this tank.

Above all, the sparrowhawk was hoped for export success, which however never materialized. This 1972 photo shows a sparrowhawk in Iraq

In addition, hydraulic shock absorbers in the full swing chassis and a slightly extended bench seat (60 cm) were installed here to increase driving comfort . The passenger footrests were rigidly attached to the side frame arms. The vehicle electrics were designed for 6 volts, but the headlight output was increased to 25/25 watt compared to that of the "Star".

With the exception of a few very early specimens that were delivered in red and white, the sparrowhawk was always painted in Olympic blue and alabaster (white). The new price ( EVP ) of the sparrow in the GDR was always 1,550 marks . But demand in exports and even in the GDR fell short of expectations. Due to the great domestic demand for mopeds, the decision was made to discontinue production of the sparrow in favor of a new “Habicht” moped. Only in the 1980s were light motorcycles manufactured again at Simson: The S70 and the SR80 with 70 cm³.

Characteristic

Simson Sperber SR4-3 in the curve - the relatively high, cranked handlebars, as well as the moped tires do not match the sporty character of the engine

The sparrowhawk has a sporty, relatively sharp engine characteristic. This means that the economic driving range is rather small in the individual gears, so that you have to drive at high revs and shift frequently. For this purpose, the Sparrowhawk was equipped with a four-speed transmission. In order to keep the background noise low despite the sporty design, great attention was paid to the noise damping at the factory, which is pleasantly noticeable when driving. The top speed of 75 km / h is barely reached with the driver sitting upright. This means that the sparrowhawk is only slightly faster than its "little siblings". In the first two years of construction 1966/67, the sparrowhawk had a red synthetic leather bench. The rather high, cranked handlebars force the rider into an upright sitting position and was criticized as unsporting in contemporary test reports. The originally factory-fitted moped tires initially did not quite meet the demands of a light motorcycle. Apart from that, the sparrowhawk can be considered sporty, mature and suitable for everyday use.

Classification: light motorcycle

The correct commissioning of the lock is nowadays often associated with ambiguities and errors. According to traffic law, it is classified as a light motorcycle up to 50 cm³, as it is specified with a design-related maximum speed of 75 km / h. Since this is often overlooked and all other technical data point to a moped , it is usually treated as such. This also leads to authorities sometimes to uncertainty, so the hawk often than moped or incorrectly motorcycle is classified (motorcycle).

This is a special case. In order for a two-wheeler to be classified as a light motorcycle, it actually has to have a displacement of more than 50 cm³. However, the following exception rule applies: "Two-wheelers with no more than 50 cm³ and unlimited top speed that were put on the market by December 31, 1983 are also considered light motorcycles" (§ 72 to § 18 Paragraph 2 No. 4a StVZO ).

In order to drive a sparrowhawk properly, the following must be observed: The driver needs a driving license of class A1 or higher (class AM is not enough!). The sparrowhawk needs an official registration number and has to go to a general inspection every 24 months. Furthermore, the " Registration Certificate Part I (vehicle registration) " must be carried with you during the journey as proof that an official registration number has been issued. It is not necessary to issue a “ registration certificate Part II (vehicle registration) ” for light motorcycles such as the Sparrowhawk (see § 4 FZV ). Vehicle registration documents were only required for the Sparrowhawk in the GDR. Instead, a printout of the ABE or a data confirmation, which can be issued by the Federal Motor Transport Authority as an alternative, is sufficient today .

Some Sparrowhawk drivers simply use a "small" insurance number for mopeds. The supposed insurance cover expires because the Sparrowhawk is not a moped. You would be traveling like this without liability insurance, with all the legal consequences.

General data

Parameter Simson SR 4-3 Sparrowhawk
engine M54 KF (Simson two-stroke)
starter Kickstarter
cooling Airstream
Bore (mm) 40
Stroke (mm) 39.5
Displacement (cm³) 49.6
compression 9.5: 1
Power (hp / min) 4.6 / 6750
Torque (Nm / min) 4.7 / 6000
transmission 4-speed, foot switch
Carburetor 16 N1-3
Tank capacity (l) 9.5
frame Central tube shell frame, braced
Tires 16 × 2.75 (old code 20 × 2.75)
Brake front / rear Full hub drum brake (simplex)
Front wheel guide Long swing arm with spring struts
Rear wheel guide Long swing arm with spring struts
Dead weight (kg) 80
Top speed (km / h) 75 (factory information)
construction time 1966-1972
number of pieces 80,000
cylinder 1
fuel Regular petrol 1:33
Consumption per 100 km (l) 3
permissible total weight (kg) 230
Seats 2
Headlight power 25/25 W
Ignition system SLPZ 8307.3-100 / 6V / 43W; Ignition coil prim. 8352.1 / 2 / 12V

Reuse of the name "Simson Sperber"

In the course of the modernization of the S53 / S83 series, the nickname "Sparrowhawk" was taken up again for these models . The renaming took place from around 1996, this model range remained until the end of vehicle production at Simson in 2002. There were the series:

  • Sparrowhawk 25 (version of the S53 throttled to 25 km / h)
  • Sparrowhawk 50 (based on the S53)
  • Sparrowhawk 80 (based on the S83)

Depending on the equipment, additional names followed: Basic , Beach Racer and later Street Fighter .

The name was also used for a small motorcycle built from 1997 to 2002, the Simson Sperber 50 (MS50) . This vehicle was a new development. The frame with central spring strut and the modified engine with 5-speed gearbox and increased power should be emphasized. The price of an MS50 in 1997 was 4170 DM. Due to the technical features and the rarity, the MS50 is the most popular Simson two-wheeler after the fall of the Wall.

According to today's literature, there should also be a model called the Sperber 50 Sport , which has the technical data of the MS50, but otherwise corresponds to a racing motorcycle . Beyond that, no reliable information can be found. Possibly it is just a well-known prototype .

literature

  • Erhard Werner: "Simson Bird Series" - A guide for sparrows, starlings, sparrowhawks and hawks . MZA-Verlag, 2005. ISBN 3-9809481-1-0
  • Schrader type chronicle: "Simson Schwalbe & Co 1955–1991"; Motorbuch Verlag; ISBN 978-3-613-02813-5

Web links

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