People and motorcycles: Java as phenomenon of the Soviet motor-culture

Abstract

Article is devoted to history of the Java motorcycle as thing, cult for Soviet motor-fans.The author allocates two stages in development of the domestic post-war motor-movement. In 1950–1970 in the conditions of deficiency of cars in the USSR motorcycles became the popular vehicle suitable for distant travel and for family departures to the dacha. During this period motorcycles of Czechoslovak production won popularity among the population as favourably differed from products of the domestic motorcycle industry both on appearance, and on technical characteristics. The popularity of the Java model was promoted by the simplified purchase conditions (without making an appointment) and service (the network of guarantee workshops was created, and spare parts could be ordered by post). At the same time in article difficulties which the Soviet motor-fans met are noted: deficiency of both motorcycles, and their accessories, the shortage of the equipped places for the parking. By the beginning of the 1980th in the Soviet cities Java became not only the main vehicle for youth, but also fashionable attribute. In the years of «perestroika» the motorcycle was for the younger generation a symbol of freedom, changes and new opportunities that led to emergence of the movement of «rockers». The author shows that this movement had the main signs of subculture (symbols, rituals, folklore). To be «rocker» in the USSR meant to be «nonconformist», but the movement in general had no openly illegal character. The protest of most of its participants was shown in the aspiration to break a social framework, to tear with the narrow-minded environment, to overcome the formal bans. Java, being allocated with high-speed characteristics, maneuverability and sports appearance, was suitable for this role as any other motorcycle from available to the Soviet youth.