IZH Planeta 5 (1987-2008) Specs, Performance & Photos

IZH Planeta was a series of Russian motorcycles manufactured from 1962 until 2008. In the Soviet Union, these motorcycles were considered of higher quality than other motorcycles.

The IZH Planeta was intended to replace the IZH-56 but keep the same design features. Initially, the Planeta delivered 13 hp, the Planeta 2 offered 15.5 hp in 1964, and the Planeta 3, manufactured in 1970, boasted 18 hp due to several modifications.

In 1987, the Russian motorcycle manufacturer introduced the IZH Planeta 5, which had a modified engine but was still based on the DKW NZ 350 model. The bike boasted 22 hp and featured a single exhaust system instead of the previous dual system.

Its visual department was characterized by features such as a round headlight up front, a one-piece dual seat, a center stand, analog instruments, and wire-spoke wheels with regular tires.

The entry-level motorcycle was made around a steel frame that housed the suspension system. The system comprised a traditional telescopic fork on the front and dual side-mounted shocks on the rear.

In the performance department, the 1987 IZH Planeta 5 had installed a 346cc two-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine that delivered 22 hp and 28 Nm (21 lb-ft) torque.

A four-speed manual transmission linked to the rear wheel via a final chain drive converted the engine's power into motion.