Name three Soviet cars from World War II. This quiz question is easy to answer - a Polikarpov biplane, a T-34 medium tank and an M 72 (Dnepr-Ural) motorcycle. It was the M 72 that marked the beginning of the history of two cars - Dnepr and Ural motorcycles.
Soviet Dnepr Ural motorcycles with sidecars won the love of millions of people around the world. There were enthusiasts even in Vietnam! (photo of a Dnepr motorcycle with a sidecar)
Can any fan of military or classic motorcycles not hear the names M 72, K 750, Irbit, IMZ, Ural or Dnepr?
Impossible. Soviet cars with boxer engines are classics today, although they are still in production. For several years now, both Russians and Ukrainians. Russian motorcycles have tens of thousands of fans around the world, connected to hundreds of clubs. Many such clubs operate on other continents; these cars have enthusiasts even in Vietnam! What was the birth of this legend? To find out, we must go back in time.
History of creation
In the post-war years, against the backdrop of general devastation, it was necessary to restore the production sector. The Kiev Motorcycle Plant was among the first to restore the production process and, despite enormous difficulties, new equipment began to roll off the assembly line.
In 1947, the Dnepr motorcycle plant began to develop new three-wheeled motor vehicles. Production expanded and after 2 years the plant’s staff was joined by hundreds of representatives from another company, which was very useful when planning the production of M-72 motorcycles. This equipment was equipped with a four-stroke two-cylinder engine. It became very popular, and therefore the decision was made to create a new, improved model, the M-53.
M-72 motorcycle with a DP machine gun in the motorcycle museum
Since 1956, production of the modernized K-750SM and M-53S motorcycles began. They were produced until 1970.
Since 1967, the plant began producing the first batch of Dnepr motorcycles. It was equipped with a two-cylinder engine with a capacity of 650 cc. cm and power 32 hp. Large production volumes gave rise to the expansion of production facilities and their re-equipment.
In 1974, a more modern model, the Dnepr MT-10, began production. After 3 years, MT-10-38 motorcycles were produced with increased engine power, they were more comfortable and practical.
The popularity of the motorcycle, including abroad, contributed to the start of production of the Dnepr 11 and Dnepr 16 motorcycles in 1985.
Popular models and their technical characteristics
The basis for the creation of the Dnepr motorcycle plant was an armored tank plant. The motor vehicles produced were not very maneuverable, but were popular among citizens. During the existence of the enterprise, various modifications of Dnepr motorcycles were produced.
The first Dnepr motorcycles appeared in 1967. The K-650 model was equipped with a powerful 650 cc engine, and thanks to the good sales dynamics of the motorcycle, its widespread production was established.
Dnepr K-650
The beginning of the 70s was marked by the release of modifications MT-9 and MT-10 . Their seats had modernized shapes, the fuel tanks and gearbox were improved.
Dnepr M-9
Since 1976, the Kiev Motorcycle Plant began producing a limited version of the MT-10 with chrome parts, which is still popular among connoisseurs of Soviet technology. This modification has become faster (up to 130 km/h), while providing reliable traction even in winter thanks to powerful studded wheels.
Since 1977, the previous version has been replaced by improved modifications MT10-36 and MT-12 .
Dnepr MT-10-36
The more popular models Dnepr 11 and Dnepr 16 had a more impressive load capacity (up to 260 kg), sidecar brakes, excellent maneuverability and speed performance. Motorcyclists still use this technology to travel around rural areas and in the city.
The Dnepr-11 model was equipped with a four-stroke two-cylinder engine, and the engine power was 38 hp. This motorcycle could reach speeds of up to 125 km/h.
Watch a video review of the Dnepr-11 motorcycle:
The Dnepr-16 motorcycle was based on the MT-10 vehicle model with additional modifications. The engine became more powerful and the maximum speed increased. The Dnepr-16 had a lower speed than the MT-11, but the sidecar wheel was equipped with a drive. The reduced speed indicators were not critical, because the motor vehicle was not considered a racing vehicle. Versatility and endurance deserved more attention.
Dnepr-16
In 1991, they released the Dnepr Solo Motorcycle (KMZ-8.157-01) - a single version, used without a sidecar, with a power of 23.5 hp. With. It was equipped with a two-cylinder engine with a capacity of 649 cc. see Speed indicators - more than 125 km/h.
Dnepr Solo
In the early 90s, there was a decrease in production volumes of Dnepr motor vehicles. However, new motorcycles are still appearing now in the form of road single motorcycles, endurros, choppers, three-wheeled heavy motorcycles and other varieties.
Dnepr MT 10
Heavy-duty motorcycles are quite rare today, but in Soviet times they were produced in a huge range. Consequently, the Soviet motorcycle Dnepr MT 10, which is available with a sidecar included, is considered one of the best representatives. The presented model is distinguished by excellent power and the ability to transport a driver and two passengers in a stroller. Also, the dimensions of the stroller allow you to transport cargo weighing up to 260 kg. The manufacturer of this miracle is considered to be the Kiev Motorcycle Plant, but the motorcycle cannot be called completely unique. Its design and design features were borrowed from a German model produced during the Second World War.
- Huge power;
- Load capacity;
- High build quality;
- Simple design;
- Affordable price.
- Difficult to manage;
- Huge weight of 335 kg;
- High fuel consumption;
- Weak light.
As a result, the motorcycle became almost ideal for the domestic consumer; the Dnepr MT 10 could move along the road with any surface and transport heavy loads, even of a voluminous type. The main feature of the new model was the installation of reverse gear in the gearbox. Unfortunately, the motorcycle’s enormous weight of 335 kg does not allow it to move quickly, so the maximum speed is limited to 105 km/h. The MT motorcycle also had quite high fuel consumption; on average, it consumed 8 liters per 100 km. The MT 10 model has become one of the best in the Dnepr motorcycle line, the previous MT 9 model was produced since 1971, the newer Dnepr 11 began production only in 1985.
Advantages and disadvantages of a motorcycle
The advantages of the motorcycle include:
- comfortable seat: even during long trips it is very comfortable to sit in it, your back will not become stiff and tired;
- in frosty weather the engine starts easily (if everything is prepared);
- reverse gear, which is very useful if you have a stroller;
- four-stroke engine;
- presence of thick tires;
- spare parts available for replacement;
- high power;
- cardan drive;
- unpretentiousness;
- road stability;
- simplicity of design;
- reliability, durability.
The disadvantages of the motorcycle include:
- the front brake is not enough for such a large weight of the equipment;
- poor ignition (weak spark);
- high fuel consumption;
- inconvenient brake system on the stroller;
- heavy weight;
- the engine overheats;
- the engine cylinders are low and can be torn off when traveling over rough terrain;
- noisy.
Tuning options
Due to the closure of the Kyiv Motorcycle Plant, the modernization and modification of this motorcycle equipment has been suspended. In this regard, all improvements have to be done with your own hands or contact private specialists.
Tuning areas
The exhaust system, front fork, roll bar, footrest, and windshield are most in need of replacement. Forks, footrests and other body parts are replaced with chrome-plated counterparts.
When the exhaust system is modernized, they often install nickel-plated elbows and a direct-flow muffler. Such replacements will improve engine performance and make it sound better. Some motorcyclists, instead of reverse gear, provide the device with an additional gear in order to increase the dynamics of the motorcycle.
In the video below you can see step-by-step instructions for converting a standard gearbox into a five-speed one:
The ignition system requires modification. For this purpose, the motor vehicle is equipped with an electric starter for automatic engine start and contactless ignition. The most effective effect will be replacing the engine with a new, more powerful one. Such changes will cost a significant amount because the new engine comes with additional parts and equipment.
Appearance
Due to the large dimensions of the motorcycle, in order to give it dynamism and update its external qualities, they resort to replacing some parts of the body in the form of standard shock absorbers, steering gear, footpegs, forks and other parts with lighter analogues. Often, to update the appearance, parts are repainted in a different color.
Engine tuning
During the modernization process, the motor must be thoroughly cleaned. The exhaust system is equipped with various nickel rings and a forward flow system. These actions are important not only for aesthetics, but also for engine performance.
If it is not possible to buy nickel-plated parts, then you can contact a specialist to coat the metal parts with nickel.
Appearance
The Kiev plant decided to improve the appearance of the MT 10 36 motorcycle; technical characteristics now suggested the presence of levers at the end, the passenger footrests now reclined, and union nuts appeared on the exhaust pipes. Next, the manufacturer decided to improve the existing MT 10, the modernization took place in 1985 and received a number of changes in technical terms. Today you can buy MT 10 in the following sizes:
- length 2430 mm;
- width 1680 mm;
- height 1080 mm;
- wheelbase 1500 mm;
- ground clearance 125 mm.
Externally, the Soviet heavyweight was restrained and did not have a special design; then it was not customary to install plastic and other decorative elements; the main emphasis was on quality and simplicity of design.
It was in 1985 that the motorcycle received major changes; the MT 10 engine increased power from 32 to 36 horses. Since then, the device has become officially known as the Dnepr MT 10-36. In order to improve the motorcycle, the manufacturer began to produce it in accordance with GOST, as a result, safety was significantly improved and external noise was reduced. Safety has improved in particular due to changes to the front brake, which now has two pads. The use of clamps on gas hoses helped provide additional fire protection for the motorcycle.
Now the Dnepr MT 10 with a sidecar was used with a different oil change system. It is directly added to gasoline after each refueling. This helps directly provide lubrication to the internal components. Electrical equipment receives a huge advantage; the manufacturer was able to install self-oxidizing wires, which ensure stable and durable operation of all electrical devices. Also, a special wiring system made it possible to refuse the installation of other unnecessary devices.
The gearbox is set to 4 speeds, there is a reverse speed, and a dry clutch with two discs helps ensure smooth and sensitive shifting. At that time, all Soviet motorcycles were equipped with air cooling, so the MT 10 was no exception. The suspension of the motorcycle is of quite high quality, the excellent design makes it possible to get good handling on the road and cross-country ability over uneven terrain. In particular, this is due to the presence of a sidecar, which will prevent the motorcycle from turning over at high speed.
Despite the fact that the Dnepr motorcycle with a sidecar is no longer produced, many still actively use the existing samples. They show good quality, the engine is durable and easy to maintain. If desired, you can notice many changes in appearance and design, which is called custom Dnepr MT 10.
