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Neval Dnepr (1974-2000)

Detail	Value
Engine size	749cc
Power	45bhp
Top speed	80mph
Insurance group	8

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

The Dnepr/Ural machines are a real antiques roadshow, which can trace their roots back to the 1940s. First seen as a Cossack 650cc, the Neval Dnepr is basic two - or three - wheeled transport. OK, it isn't the most fashionable, fast or reliable bike in the world, but you can get it repaired by a cobbler in Uzbekistan for 68p. The Ural Moto 650/750 is remarkably similar to Neval Dnepr and still available today.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Most Dnepr models suffered from quality control issues which were typical of Soviet Bloc machines. Carbs were especially rubbish. The post 2001 Ural 650/750 motors have another 10bhp and are likely to last longer, but still basically designed for burbling about lanes at 60mph all day long. Clunky gearbox as you'd expect.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The modern Ural machines are a vast improvement on the older Cossack/Neval machines with reasonable suspension and a better seating, although the Custom design doesn't really work as well as the retro Red Star classic in terms of riding experience.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The later Ural Moto bikes have a front disc brake, carbs that work, 12 volt electrics and indicators that actually work - Nasdrovya! Otherwise, all the Neval/Ural bikes offer basic, no-frills transport which is solidly built, but boasts few 21st century components. Sidecar outfits have reverse though...

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Anything still running from the 70s/80s/90s will probably have been rebuilt eight times. The 2001 onwards Ural Moto generation machines are better made, but this is still a motorbike from the 1940s, dragged reluctantly into the next century. It needs TLC in the same way a classic Norton or BSA might do.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Brand new, with warranty, the Ural Moto models cost £3600 upwards, which is hefty tag for something so obviously outdated. Buying a used Neval can be a better bet, especially if you find an enthusiast who is retiring from biking and has spend years keeping his 650 twin chugging along. Buy his spares too.

Insurance group: 8

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1974: Cossack 650 arrives in UK, solo and sidecar. 1989 Now known as Neval 650. 1993: Neval Dnepr Phoenix custom launched.
2000: Ukraine factory ceases production.

Ural Moto 750 Wolf Custom variant Ural Moto Roustabout sidecar outfit Red Star with chair Ural Moto Dalesman sidecar outfit 2 wheel drive off-road outfit Ural Moto Charnwood outfit Brit Charnwood sidecar attached Ural Moto Red Star/Retro Old school commie chic Chiangjiang 650/750 Basically a Dnepr, made in China

Specifications

Top speed	80mph
1/4-mile acceleration	22 secs
Power	45bhp
Torque	0ftlb
Weight	245kg
Seat height	650mm
Fuel capacity	23 litres
Average fuel consumption	45mpg
Tank range	230 miles
Insurance group	8

Engine size	749cc
Engine specification	4v, flat twin, 4 gears
Frame	Steel tubular
Front suspension adjustment	none
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	280mm discs
Rear brake	260mm disc
Front tyre size	3.00 x 19
Rear tyre size	in

Owners' Overall Rating (0 reviews)

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FarmerGiles says

I owned one of these in the 80's, mine was a Neval (Cossack) 650 (not a 750) and I'm pretty certain it had drum brakes, seem to remember a really effective twin leader on front. I used it to go to work on, and it never let me down once. It was one of the most reliable bikes I've ever owned, and always started first or second kick whether hot or cold. The only little quirk was the kickstart was on the left, and it had no stand. It was an heavy beast and felt more like 650 lbs rather than the 550lbs (245 Kg) quoted in this review. I was using it solo having removed the sidecar. I had the wheels rebuilt with new rims & spokes & balanced, plus new steering head bearings, and it handled well enough, though could have benefited from better rear suspension. Mine had a car alternator sticking out bolted to a bracket by the previous owner, and a large BMW-type battery, so electrics worked fine.

27 November 2011 19:50

DavidF2says

Not an acurate review

I don't get this review at all, It says Neval Dnepr. but they were 650 not 750. then you say the Ural moto 750 is remarkably similar to a Dnepr. But hold on. There are no common engine parts, they are made in different countries, You must mean remarkably similar in the same way that a Austin Montego is remarkably similar to a BMW 316 because they both have the same number of wheels and cylinders. It is simply not appropriate to compare Dnepr quality with Ural quality. One is a domestic market product from a factory that is closed and the other is an export product with huge western investment and quality control.

The truth is here www.f2motorcycles.ltd.uk

16 November 2009 16:42