DNEPR MT-9 (1968-1974) Specs, Performance & Photos

Dnepr is an Ukrainian motorcycle producer formerly known as KMZ. In 1967 the company rebranded using the more poetic name of the river that is crossing near Kiev, Dnieper.

The launch of the Dnepr MT-9 represented an upgrade from the previous model, the K-650, because it could be used either as a standard bike or as a sidecar.

The transmission had an overhaul, changing from the classic chain driven wheel to a drive shaft, including a reverse gear in order for the sidecar to be as enjoyable as possible. Nobody likes pushing around bikes, especially a heavyweight sidecar.

The engine is a boxer style with 2 cylinders and a 649 cc displacement, developing around 32 HP (23.4 kW) at around 5000 RPM. The brakes fitted on the bike are considered ancient technology by today's standard, as it is fitted with expanding brakes both in front and rear.

Weighing around 210 kg (463 lb), it is famous for its off-road capabilities, mostly because it has a drive shaft and the maintenance was lower than lubing a chain every time you got off-road. By far its main skill was found on the specially equipped ones (used by the army), which had two-wheel drive so it made traversing the mud puddles a breeze.