Before I set to the BMW R65 project, I dipped my toe in the restoration game with another more unusual Bike – a Dnepr 650.
These things were designed in Russia and then moved to the Ukraine during the war to build 100’s of them first for military, then civilian use.
Based on the wartime BMW R71 design, the Dnepr and sister bike Ural, were hardy and capable machines, designed with the farmer and family in mind.
The one I found was special in that it was a 2 Wheel Drive version – meaning it had a differential spinning of the shaft driven rear, across to the Sidecar or Chair wheel.
It was designed with mud and offroad conditions in mind, of the type often found in rural Russia or the Ukraine.
It hadn’t been on the road for 30 years when I had it delivered and wasn’t running, but it was all there and I set to it.
I did a lot of work to get it roadworthy and tested again – one for another post, but just wanted to introduce it here for those interested in this type of machine.
Here’s a Video on YouTube of the complete project with some interesting materials from the time of it’s sale.