Getting Started With Dnepr
So you've just bought yourself a Dnepr motorcycle, lets go for a
ride !
Here is a checklist for your first Dnepr pre-ride inspection to
guarantee succes, with all steps illustrated.
- Find out if there is oil inside (link)
- Check spark (link)
- Check engine compression (link)
- Clean the carburetors, as required and add fuel (link)
My articles above give details specific to the Dnepr motorcycle, with both a basic and advanced methods. For a 5 minute video of how to get any bike working, see Fortnine's video (link)
Now that you have basic operation, take the bike out, see how it feels, find out if anything else needs doing.
My advice to everyone is to ride the bike, get accustomed to it, have fun and begin taking it to pieces when you are more familiar with the bike. If your bike came in pieces, assemble them as best you can and then go for a ride before attempting any serious repair.
Basic Maintenance Tasks
No matter if it is your first trip on your Dnepr motorcycle or your 100th, maintenance is the key for a succesful journey.
- Valve Clearance Check (link)
Checking the valve clearance is critical for correct operation of the engine.
On heavy Soviet motorcycles the clearances must be checked as often as one maintains the chain on a regular motorcycle.
As you get more experienced you will learn to recognise when the valves need adjusting from the sound and feel of the engine, it is also possible to modify and improve the valvetrain to make checking less frequent. - Oil Level Check (link)
Dnepr motorcycles