Our 2nd Russian in the workshop. - 'Workshop Session' February 10th 2024
Another Russian:
Dave has been working with Annabelle and on 10th February was helping test out Phil James's 6 volt system to 12 volt conversion. It looked to be working well - with Dave making some bespoke spanner alterations to ensure everything was put back tightly.
Due to the increased heat generated by the increase in power, a zinc plate has been inserted into the adapted power system. Zinc is a highly heat absorbing material.
Interestingly, the MT-10 was the first Soviet motorcycle to feature 12 volt electrics. Annabelle’s Dnieper is obviously an earlier model - and benefits, as most classic bikes do, from tax exemption!
Annabelle also took off the carburettor and gave it a good cleaning.
The ignition timing was done. The Dnieper has points ignition and a manual advance and retard unit. Annabelle found the correct timing mark on the flywheel, set it to full advance and at this point, the points should just be opening - the 'fag paper method'!. Provided the contact points are free from pitting, placing a fag paper between the points and gently pulling until it can be pulled out, is a great way of determining when the contact points start to open.
To start the bike operating the ignition manually, one must retard the lever on the handlebars, then manually advance the ignition timing with the lever as you pull away. So you set the timing as you are riding according to the terrain and speed you are doing. Russian engineering, amazing! You dont see it anymore on modern bikes!
ieve that Dave and Annabel were also able to check and set up the bike's ignition timing.
Interestingly though, the MT-10 was the first Soviet motorcycle to feature 12 volt electrics. Annabelle’s Dnieper is obviously an earlier model - and benefits, as most classic bikes do, from tax exemption!
Annabelle also took off the carburettor and gave it a good cleaning.