Top Twenty frequently asked Questions with answers.

[airspro]

Thanks for the new guy write up . Been helpfull .
best <S>
spro

[ARozanski]

I think a separate Top 20 for the Dneprs would be quite helpful, focusing mainly on differences and part availability, perhaps?

Also, personally, I'd love a pictorial graph of the various year/model availability, maybe with models across the top, years on the left, bars showing what was available (or most likely to be available, I guess). This might help in identifying potential models, if you know the year of manufacture.

There is a huge amount of knowledge in these forums, and from my perspective, alot of initial questions deal with what machine might this be, and where do I get parts for it (I know these are my main questions )

[rivers]

Don't know how much info is out there on Dneprs. I like'm but don't own one yet and try to find what I can. So far I've found Weav's "Useful Information and Technical Guide to Antique Russian Motorcycles and Sidecars" 2nd Ed. Lotsa good info in there. It's a PITA to use though. For the cost of the book it would have been handy if the printer would have included page numbers. I like to keep notes on location of topics I know I'll be returning to. After getting fed up with a zillion scraps of paper as bookmarks labeled 'ign switch', '12v conversion' etc I finally took the time to take a sharpie and number all the pages. Now I can make a note "Ign switch, page xx". It's NOT an end all everything you'll ever need to know book but other than the lack of page numbers it's an informative and fun resource worth buying.

[ARozanski]

Don't know how much info is out there on Dneprs. I like'm but don't own one yet and try to find what I can. So far I've found Weav's "Useful Information and Technical Guide to Antique Russian Motorcycles and Sidecars" 2nd Ed. Lotsa good info in there. It's a PITA to use though. For the cost of the book it would have been handy if the printer would have included page numbers. I like to keep notes on location of topics I know I'll be returning to. After getting fed up with a zillion scraps of paper as bookmarks labeled 'ign switch', '12v conversion' etc I finally took the time to take a sharpie and number all the pages. Now I can make a note "Ign switch, page xx". It's NOT an end all everything you'll ever need to know book but other than the lack of page numbers it's an informative and fun resource worth buying.

Is that the book that gives an overview of the Russian motorcycle industry in the early 1900s, goes through discussion about the BMW connection, talks about the Urals and Dnpers, and has some technical/humor stuff at the end? IF so, I have that, useful, but I was thinking more detailed tech stuff, if possible. Just an idea.

[MartyL]

I think a separate Top 20 for the Dneprs would be quite helpful, focusing mainly on differences and part availability, perhaps?

Also, personally, I'd love a pictorial graph of the various year/model availability, maybe with models across the top, years on the left, bars showing what was available (or most likely to be available, I guess). This might help in identifying potential models, if you know the year of manufacture.

There is a huge amount of knowledge in these forums, and from my perspective, alot of initial questions deal with what machine might this be, and where do I get parts for it (I know these are my main questions )

All sounds great. How about creating that thread and I'll make it into a sticky.

[ARozanski]

I think a separate Top 20 for the Dneprs would be quite helpful, focusing mainly on differences and part availability, perhaps?

Also, personally, I'd love a pictorial graph of the various year/model availability, maybe with models across the top, years on the left, bars showing what was available (or most likely to be available, I guess). This might help in identifying potential models, if you know the year of manufacture.

There is a huge amount of knowledge in these forums, and from my perspective, alot of initial questions deal with what machine might this be, and where do I get parts for it (I know these are my main questions )

All sounds great. How about creating that thread and I'll make it into a sticky.

I'm more of an idea man

Honestly, the problem I have is that I don't know the information, that is why I would like such a thread. Let me think about it.

[motoleo]

I think a separate Top 20 for the Dneprs would be quite helpful, focusing mainly on differences and part availability, perhaps?

Also, personally, I'd love a pictorial graph of the various year/model availability, maybe with models across the top, years on the left, bars showing what was available (or most likely to be available, I guess). This might help in identifying potential models, if you know the year of manufacture.

There is a huge amount of knowledge in these forums, and from my perspective, alot of initial questions deal with what machine might this be, and where do I get parts for it (I know these are my main questions )

All sounds great. How about creating that thread and I'll make it into a sticky.

I'm more of an idea man

Honestly, the problem I have is that I don't know the information, that is why I would like such a thread. Let me think about it.

Hope it happens as I do not know Dneprs at all and I have a MT-11 I'm working on.

[ARozanski]

Hope it happens as I do not know Dneprs at all and I have a MT-11 I'm working on.

The best suggestion I have, based on my experience with my Neval, is to post here and over at Russian Iron, put up pics and ask detailed questions. There is a lot of knowledge between these two sites, and also start searching Dnepr forums and sites, there are a handful out on the Web with good info.

[uraline]

Great post, thank you, help me a lot...

[Yamaller]

Great post indeed!! Thanks.

[Bpatz]

Thank you to whoever wrote this - great information !! Does anyone have an opinion on whether I should buy new or used for a first Ural ? I have owned 3 other bikes just not one with a sidecar before .

Thank you

[rivers]

Thank you to whoever wrote this - great information !! Does anyone have an opinion on whether I should buy new or used for a first Ural ? I have owned 3 other bikes just not one with a sidecar before .

Thank you

Opinion only: Depends on your financial situation. Sidecars aren't for everyone especially if you're used to going fast and canyon carving. There is a learning that can't be skipped it takes seat time and km's. Part of the learning curve requires forgetting everything you learned about riding two wheelers, getting used to slower speeds and longer trip times and learning new skills but IMHO the more you learn the funner it gets. I'd suggest for a daily rider get a "good" used one. In case you decide hacks aren't for you, you won't take as big of hit financially if you sell it. I started with used after 40 years of two wheelers and there were times when I thought holy crap what have I gotten myself into. But it all just got better and better and I later sprung for a brand new one. Odds are great you too will love it but then maybe not?

[gflapg]

Thank you to whoever wrote this - great information !! Does anyone have an opinion on whether I should buy new or used for a first Ural ? I have owned 3 other bikes just not one with a sidecar before .

Thank you

Opinion only: Depends on your financial situation. Sidecars aren't for everyone especially if you're used to going fast and canyon carving. There is a learning that can't be skipped it takes seat time and km's. Part of the learning curve requires forgetting everything you learned about riding two wheelers, getting used to slower speeds and longer trip times and learning new skills but IMHO the more you learn the funner it gets. I'd suggest for a daily rider get a "good" used one. In case you decide hacks aren't for you, you won't take as big of hit financially if you sell it. I started with used after 40 years of two wheelers and there were times when I thought holy crap what have I gotten myself into. But it all just got better and better and I later sprung for a brand new one. Odds are great you too will love it but then maybe not?

+1

[spiritwalker6153]

Thanks for the great amount of information in this post.

[MartyL]

Here's a new suggestion ....ALWAYS AT LEAST PUMP THE KICK STARTER A COUPLE OF TIMES BEFORE USING THE ELECTRIC STARTER! NEVER JUST USE THE ELECTRIC STARTER FIRST BY ITSELF. Why? http://sovietsteeds.com/forums/viewtopi ... =5&t=29656