Chang Jiang (simplified Chinese: 长江; traditional Chinese: 長江; pinyin: Cháng Jiāng) is the transcribed brand name of motorcycles that were once manufactured by the China Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Company. It takes its name from the Chang Jiang River, also known as the Yangtze or, in English, the Long River.
CJ750
The CJ750 motorcycle is based on the 1956 Soviet IMZ (Irbitski Mototsikletniy Zavod) M-72 which is itself derived from the 1938 BMW R71. Nearly all of them have sidecars.
Production began in the late 1950s or early 1960s. (Different sources cite different dates.) They were originally produced for the Chinese military and are powered by an air-cooled, four-stroke, opposed flat-twin engine displacing 746cc. The rear wheel is shaft-driven.
The most common models are:
The M1 which has a side-valve (flat-head) engine and a 6V electrical system. It is of Soviet design. This model is a clone of the M72 and closely resembles the 1938 BMW R71.
The M1M is also a side-valve, however it uses a 12V electrical system and is equipped with a reverse gear. It also has an electric starter where the M1 has only a kick-starter. All of these enhancements were designed by the Chinese.
The M1S (or "Super") uses an overhead-valve engine, 12V electrical system, electric starter and reverse gear. The OHV system is of Chinese design and modelled after the BMW /5 engine.
All three models use the same frame and sheet metal. The M1 and M1M are nearly identical in appearance, but they can be distinguished by observing certain details in their electrical systems.
CJ technological history includes racing bikes, experimental engines and futile attempts at modernizing the appearance of a long obsolete machine. In the 1990s, China opened its markets to foreign motorcycle manufacturers which expedited the end of CJ750 mass production. Today, the marque is kept alive by interest from foreign hobbyists.
Modern production
The Chang Jiang brand is also found on single cylinder (two and four stroke) motorcycles and scooters, similar to Vespa and Honda. The CJ750 is no longer produced per se, but many have been restored from old military stock or assembled from parts. The CJ750 has become quite popular with enthusiasts outside China.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Chang-Jiang motorcycles |
- Chang Jiang Unlimited A web site dedicated to Chang Jiang 750 motorcycles
- History of the Motorcycle and its various models - Chang Jiang Collective
- Comprehensive Service and Assembly Manual - Chang Jiang Collective
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