Sachs 80/s
SACHS 80/S
CYCLE WORLD IMPRESSION
MOTORCYCLE FACTORIES continually amaze riders with the speed and power they extract from tiny engines. For example, punch for the Sachs 80 S is supplied by a humble two-stroke single-cylinder engine of only 73 cc. Yet it has the heart of a lion. Power output is 7 bhp at 8000 rpm and this, coupled with five well-chosen gear ratios, makes the Sachs a sporty roadster with a top speed of around 70 mph.
The Sachs also represents an important step forward in the design of motorcycles of under 100 cc. The combination of oil injection and five ratios is common enough on larger machines, but is a new and welcome luxury on those in the Sachs’ class.
The gap between the 4.60:1 first gear and the 2.73:1 second on the 80 S is wide. But from then on, the ratios are delightfully close, and offer the rider the proper gear for any situation. Remaining ratios are, from third to fifth, 1.95:1, 1.50:1, and 1.24:1.
The Sachs engine is slightly oversquare, with a bore and stroke of 46 mm by 44 mm. The crankshaft is carried on three bearings, with two on the drive side. Piston port induction is through a Bing 18-mm carburetor.
Ignition is by a Bosch magneto. There is no battery, which makes the Sachs illegal in states where a machine must be able to show lights when the engine is not running.
A tank for the oil injection system is incorporated into the body of the gasoline tank. The heart of the frame is a large backbone-type main tube, which arcs downward from the steering head to the swing arm pivot, with the engine slung underneath. A huge hole pierces the main tube, and carries the air intake from the air cleaner box to the carburetor. This unusual feature is also used on Sachs’ tough little K-80 GS “Boondocker” enduro/trail bike, so it obviously does not interfere with handling qualities.
On curves the Sachs can be thrown about with a high degree of ease and safety, the Continental tires providing a sure-footed grip. Tire dimensions, at 2.75-21 in., are identical for both wheels. Hairline steering adds to the machine’s excellent handling. In fact, the Sachs runs and steers so effortlessly that it is easy for the rider not to appreciate its qualities.
Front suspension is by the now-familiar Sachs leading link unit; the long rear swinging arm pivots on needle bearings and is cross braced. Both units combine to give a smooth, effortless ride.
The Sachs is a no-nonsense starter. One or two prods at the pedal bring the engine bustling to life, even if the machine has not been used for two or three weeks.
Gear pedal movement is crisp and positive. The engine is very willing, also is very tractable. Fifth gear can be used down to approximately 20 mph. The Sachs quickly settles down to a cruising speed in the 50s, and speedometer readings of more than 60 mph are frequent. The clutch, light in operation, is a multi-disc unit running in an oil bath.
The brakes, of 5.3-in. diameter front and rear, are as impressive as the rest of the sturdily-built Sachs. In an emergency halt, they slow the machine swiftly and smoothly, and only light lever and pedal action is needed. While the brakes are powerful, they are not dangerous; it is impossible to lock the front wheel on a dry road.
A measure of the Sachs’ brisk performance is that in city streets it will often pull away from huge-engined, but sedately-driven, Detroit-built automobiles.
Clearly, Sachs designers are thoughtful people. Behind a cover under the seat rests a comprehensive tool kit and a tire pump. This comes as a pleasant surprise, after some of the skimpy kits supplied with many larger machines. The Sachs kit even has a spare chain link.
But the Sachs owner will not need those tools very often. Recommended servicing intervals, once the 600-mile break-in period is over, are at 1900 miles, 3800 miles, and then as required.
The Sachs Boondocker already has earned a reputation for strength and speed among rough country riders. The 80 S should repeat that feat among street motorcyclists.
Uses of the 80 S streetster are far greater than its 73-cc engine would suggest. The combination of safety and reliability make the 80 S an excellent introduction to motorcycling for a youngster, and admirable shopping transport for a wife. The 80 S also earns respect from experienced motorcyclists who use the Sachs as a short-haul machine.
