Models inspired by the manufacturer’s classics include an Izh Jupiter with an electric sidecar, a battery-powered urban Izh-49 and the Izh-49 “Natasha,” equipped with a 250 cc engine producing 31 hp.
The Kalashnikov Concern used the Uletay rock festival, held from July 8 to 12 in the Udmurt Republic, Russia, to present three motorcycles from the Izh brand aimed at collectors and enthusiasts of retro models.
The event, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors and approximately 100 bands every year, served as a venue for practical vehicle demonstrations. Visitors were able to test an electric version of the Izh Jupiter with a sidecar, an electric reinterpretation of the classic Izh-49 and the Izh-49 “Natasha,” equipped with a combustion engine.
According to the manufacturer, participants highlighted features such as ease of riding, quiet operation and reduced running costs, particularly in the electric models. The motorcycles are not yet part of a conventional large-scale production line and are offered on a made-to-order basis.
Electric Izh Jupiter retains the traditional sidecar
The new Izh Jupiter with a sidecar was developed as a modern interpretation of the Izh Jupiter-2, a three-seat motorcycle that became well known during the Soviet era.
The model uses an air-cooled brushless direct-current electric motor with a maximum output of 20 kW, equivalent to approximately 27 hp. Power is transmitted through a motor installed directly in the wheel.
The stated top speed is 70 km/h. With one lithium-ion battery, the range can reach 50 kilometres. Installing a second battery increases the estimated range to as much as 100 kilometres.
With the sidecar, the motorcycle weighs 350 kg. Optional equipment includes all-wheel drive, LED lighting, an additional battery installed in the side compartment and a second 8 kW wheel motor.
The design prioritises leisure rides, short trips and recreational use rather than performance on motorways or long-distance journeys.
Electric Izh-49 combines classic styling with urban practicality
The electric version of the Izh-49 revives visual elements from the motorcycle originally launched in 1951. Despite its retro styling, the new model was designed primarily for urban travel.
The motorcycle uses a 10 kW brushless electric motor, producing approximately 13.6 hp, with air cooling and a stated maximum speed of 4,000 rpm. Power is transmitted by a belt, a solution that generally requires less maintenance and produces less noise than conventional chain systems.
The electric Izh-49 can reach up to 95 km/h and offers an estimated range of 100 kilometres per charge. The model measures 2,090 mm in length, 800 mm in width and 1,020 mm in height, with a dry weight of 130 kg.
These figures place the motorcycle in the light electric vehicle segment intended for daily journeys, although information about charging time, total battery capacity and price has not yet been released.
Izh-49 “Natasha” reaches 155 km/h
The third motorcycle presented was the Izh-49 “Natasha,” a version also inspired by the historic model but equipped with a more conventional powertrain.
The model displayed at the festival uses a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 250 cc and a maximum output of 31 hp. The gearbox has six speeds, while the fuel tank holds 14 litres.
The front suspension uses a telescopic fork, while the rear features a swingarm system. With a stated weight of 160 kg, the motorcycle can reach a top speed of 155 km/h.
According to the company, the “Natasha” can also be configured with an electric powertrain, depending on the specifications requested by the buyer.
Production will remain limited
The presentation at Uletay indicates that Kalashnikov intends to explore the historical value of the Izh brand through small-scale projects combining classic design with different propulsion technologies.
For now, there is no confirmation of series production, prices or availability in international markets. The three models are manufactured only to order, reinforcing their positioning as special vehicles for collectors, demonstrations and customised projects.
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Source and images: Kalashnikov Concern. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
