The Lviv Motor Factory (LMZ) was founded in 1919 and initially produced vehicle trailers until it started developing moped prototypes in 1958. The factory produced the V-902 and V-905 motorized bicycles, and the MV-044 Lvovyanka, the MP-043, MP-045, MP-046, and MP-047 mopeds.
The first model in the new series was the Verkhovyna-3 moped (MP-048). The production was launched in 1970. These mokicks marked a milestone in the history of the Lviv Motor Factory. The Verkhovyna-3 moped was equipped with a 50 cc, 2 hp two-stroke engine produced at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant (Sh-51K).
The moped’s capacity, power, and maximum speed were typical of that time, which is why the designers mostly tried to attract the attention of Soviet motorcycle enthusiasts by improving the appearance of the first Verkhovyna. This name was used in the model range of the Lviv Motor Factory until 1982.
Unlike its predecessors, the Verkhovyna-3 moped was equipped with smaller diameter wheels and a welded tube frame that improved the strength of the structure and reduced the moped’s weight to 51 kg. The Verkhovyna-3 could boast a comfortable riding position and improved front and rear forks.
The Verkhovyna-3 passed a series of tests: in particular, the moped had to travel over 5,300 km to prove its reliability and ease of maintenance. Updated versions of the moped were released soon. The Verkhovyna-4 was developed only three years after the first model, and the Verkhovyna-5 — two years after that.
In 1977, the first Verkhovyna-6 mopeds were assembled. This model was basically a motorcycle. Taking into account the smaller capacity (49.8 cc) and power (2.2 hp), it would be more correct to call it a mini motorcycle.
The Verkhovyna-6 received improved fuel tank cover plates, a new seat and fenders. The mopeds were also equipped with brand-new engines, including the S-58 of the Šiauliai Factory that was developed in 1977. This mokick was considered one of the fastest in the Soviet Union. It could reach a cruising speed of up to 50 km/h.
The first model in the new series was the Verkhovyna-3 moped (MP-048). The production was launched in 1970. These mokicks marked a milestone in the history of the Lviv Motor Factory. The Verkhovyna-3 moped was equipped with a 50 cc, 2 hp two-stroke engine produced at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant (Sh-51K).
The moped’s capacity, power, and maximum speed were typical of that time, which is why the designers mostly tried to attract the attention of Soviet motorcycle enthusiasts by improving the appearance of the first Verkhovyna. This name was used in the model range of the Lviv Motor Factory until 1982.
Unlike its predecessors, the Verkhovyna-3 moped was equipped with smaller diameter wheels and a welded tube frame that improved the strength of the structure and reduced the moped’s weight to 51 kg. The Verkhovyna-3 could boast a comfortable riding position and improved front and rear forks.
The Verkhovyna-3 passed a series of tests: in particular, the moped had to travel over 5,300 km to prove its reliability and ease of maintenance. Updated versions of the moped were released soon. The Verkhovyna-4 was developed only three years after the first model, and the Verkhovyna-5 — two years after that.
In 1977, the first Verkhovyna-6 mopeds were assembled. This model was basically a motorcycle. Taking into account the smaller capacity (49.8 cc) and power (2.2 hp), it would be more correct to call it a mini motorcycle.
The Verkhovyna-6 received improved fuel tank cover plates, a new seat and fenders. The mopeds were also equipped with brand-new engines, including the S-58 of the Šiauliai Factory that was developed in 1977. This mokick was considered one of the fastest in the Soviet Union. It could reach a cruising speed of up to 50 km/h.
