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Say what you like about the CJ but it was definitely a nice looking classic bike. That 70's attempt at modernising the look was just laughable. Horrible looking thing and not surprising they are often seen full of leaves and rubbish rotting away behind police stations.
I dunno, I actually prefer 70-80' design over 60's or earlier design. That modernised CJ looks totally horrible, has gone a bit over the edge, but I still like it.
Dnepr makes these still, evidently they are upgrading their factory currently. The Dnepr have a 650ccc engine.
That's cool, I did read somewhere Dnepr has closed the doors. People seem to think that Dnepr is more military robust than Ural.
The Dnepr hasn't changed it's design for decades the Ural has been made to be more road worthy and to meet demands in the west being heavier and better put together than a utility vehicle, I've yet to see a Ural newer than 2000 on the roads in Russia
DNEPR's current offerings are still rooted in the past, that will likely change, they offer a three wheeled trike/truck. The factory also offers stain glass fabrication, so obviously times are tough. They also are servicing and restoring.
What is Hualin doing in China? What are they selling are they advertising restored bikes out of one of these shops operating in Beijing, it’s just not clear, is there still Boxer engines being manufactured in China?
I am not very familiar with the evolution of the Boxer engine, I understand that all of these exist due to war reparation in that they are based on a circa 1940 technology and add to that whatever each has done since. The DNEPR has a 650cc and the other I believe are all 750cc, but I am seeing different valve heads?
The culmination or advancement of that engine layout is in the BMW R9…
I feel that there is a respectable opportunity here for the development of a model line off that engine, URAL has already proven that through its existence.
I would like to see some really cool solo versions and some engineers working on the engines to make them better. to start off they could make something simple and basic, like this:
http://www.basinmotorcycleworks.com/...oween%201b.jpg
Is this the factory in the Ukraine?
http://dnepr-moto.com.ua/templates/g...es/glavn/1.jpg
This looks to be basically a chinese version of a BMW R75/65?
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...40755f1947.jpg
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...eft-side-1.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....mw-r90s-75.jpg
Concept 90 Motorcycle
I guess they refer to these as the "Plastic Chang-Jiangs", even though their body part are mostly metal.
These are a M15 model,
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...5J-4-Seats.jpg
I have yet to find any information that would make me think that the Boxer engines are still in production in China.
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...4_SEATS_a2.jpg
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...Seats_.jpg.jpg
Darn that M15 have enormous fron light :D
Notice the sidecar have two seats, rather awesome for a bike: one driver and three passengers :D
BMW kept developing that engine, it culminated in the R90, from what I understand.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...2/Green90s.jpg
The DNEPR 650cc could be made to specs, if it was made well it would last, it has 32hp and 40lbft of torque, nothing compared to modern engines of the size. Ural improved the 750cc’s cam shaft and added an oil filter and EFI. Chang Jiang had two versions of the engine the original and a later version.
In an alternative reality, they could begin with the 650cc and make it to tolerances, if it was made well it could be a starting point to develop it, bring it back and in classic style bikes.
BMW presented a modernized retro concept last year that is very cool, it takes that head light and brings it up to date.
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...a1d64bdf5c.jpg
They call it Concept 90...
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...3ddac009d9.jpg