autoevolution
 

IZH Jupiter 2 Becomes Mind-Blowing Custom Tracker

We’ve got one more sizzling hot bike concept from Mikhail Smolyanov of Solifague Design fame. Mikhail plans to use a Russian bike for this project, like he has done before for most of his amazing designs. And since the Izh motorcycles have been quite popular back in the day, it doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to figure out where this all starts.
Custom IZH Jupiter 2 12 photos
Photo: Solifague Design
Custom IZH Jupiter 2: perimeter rotors inspired by BuellCustom IZH Jupiter 2: awesome custom looksCustom IZH Jupiter 2: Russian bikes never looked betterCustom IZH Jupiter 2: vintahe yet sportyCustom IZH Jupiter 2 profiled to perfectionCustom IZH Jupiter 2: a fancy front endCustom IZH Jupiter 2: custom masterclass exhaustsCustom IZH Jupiter 2: a new swingarmCustom IZH Jupiter 2IZH Jupiter 2 torn apart for restorationOriginal IZH Jupiter 2
However, while Smolyanov has been using more recent Izh machines as the inspiration for his dreamy bikes, this time he goes for a true collectors’ item, the Izh Jupiter 2. These bikes have been produced in the ‘60s and their manufacturing apparently stopped in the early 1970’. With rather few Jupiter 2 machines around, they are quickly becoming sought-after items for rebuilders and collectors.

The Izh Jupiter 2 also has a sidecar version, which the man behind Solifague actually bought. We delved a bit deeper into the dark corners of the Internet and managed to find a Jupiter 2 motorcycle for €200 ($250) in Romania. It was not in running condition, but looked pretty decent for its age. Scavenging in Ukraine or Russia could surely get you working bikes for even less.

Jupiter 2 bikes can be easily differentiated from their Planeta 2 siblings, as the engine is the key. Planeta 2 are single-cylinder bikes, whereas the Jupiter 2 are powered by a parallel-twin lump. The Izh Jupiter 2 has a 350cc displacement and could produce around 16 hp.

Mikhail’s project will still have to wait

As mentioned, Smolyanov really bought such a bike and tore it apart. The photo of the dismantled Jupiter 2 can be seen after the jump, alongside a picture from the golden age of the bike. However, it looks like the Jupiter 2 Mikhail got was far too battered to serve as the building base of the new project. As himself declares, he will definitely have to find another donor bike, in better condition before making his dream come true.

True style is ageless

An old, mauled Izh Jupiter 2 is probably the last thing which comes to mind as you see this custom project. However, Mikhail Smolyanov has big plans for the next Izh he plans to grab. The frame will receive a new swingarm for a soft tail design, and a new shock absorber in an almost horizontal position.

The front end will get an even more intriguing linkage assembly for the stunning fork, also damped by an adjustable coil over spring shock. The low-swung bars will retain the “tap” steering adjuster, and will receive retro bar-end controls and leather grips. A short rear subframe will be welded directly onto the backbone. It will look smashing, all suspended in mid-air and with a hardtail vibe, but the swingam should make the ride really smooth.

Large tracker wire-spoked rims will replace the original wheels, and Buell-inspired huge perimeter rotors will be mounted, as well, provided MotoGP-like (or better) stopping power and a massive styling upgrade.

Honestly, I can’t wait to see this bike becoming real. It would simply murder many other custom machines, most of them derived from Harleys or Indians, and costing ten times more. Go Solifague, put them to shame! Oh, and by the way, such a bike is well-worth the AMD Championship, don’t you think?
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories