We first wrote about this bike six years ago. Doctor Robert Harms bought a 1983 Dnepr Neval (Neval, I believe, is a UK variant of the Dnepr, though some Dnepr experts may be able to clarify) as a $500 basket case, primarily as a test bed for some development work for some aftermarket parts he planned to sell. Since he was having conceptual problems with another complex build at the time, he decided to focus on this bike for an upcoming show instead, giving his mind a chance to collect itself for the other project. The Dnepr turned out to be an amazing creation all on its own.
The Dnepr engine was converted to use a single VW Solex carb and a Geo Nippon Denso alternator. He converted the frame to use tapered roller bearings in the head and installed Suzuki trees, Harley Sportster forks, a Honda wheel, Gold Wing rotor and Buell caliper. The exhaust uses no muffler but exits through gutted Harley dresser cans. The Doc said it was quiet anyway due to the Dnepr’s low compression. The gas tank is Honda Rebel, he fabricated a jockey shift and it uses a 1915 Model T headlight with a new headlight inside.The toolbox on the side is a drive in movie speaker housing. There were over 200 hours of TIG welding in this project plus many hours on the Bridgeport! He must have had the most incredible parts pile!
It’s kick start only and at the time of our article he said it ran great and was dead reliable, though the current seller says it’s not running now and from the photos, it appears some of the original parts are missing. My information differs slightly from the seller’s, however, mine came directly from Robert Harms when the article was written so I stand by my description. It’s still an incredible motorcycle in every way and would be a real prize for whoever buys it. Maybe you?
Doctor Robert Harms Dnepr Bobber on eBay
marc says
uuhh, uuhhh , sorta like that mouse trap game? not sure what the heck but hay what the heck!!!
Mule says
How many different themes can this guy assemble into one lump? I imagine him wearing a purple pimp hat with a huge plume and pointy green elf shoes while riding around a big circus tent. My eyes are burning. But I mean all this in a positive way of course.
Paul Crowe says
I had the pleasure of talking to him on the phone some time back, he seemed to be extremely knowledgeable and pleasant. I think builds like these were just an enjoyable exercise for his mind and skills and I would imagine he rode them wearing jeans and a t shirt. I can also imagine him parking at a local bike night, fading back into the crowd and listening to comments with a smile.
david blankenhorn says
It’s art. Outsider art.
Fred says
I wish I could … that bike is quite the beaut!
Dave says
NEVAL was not the make of a russian motorcycle, the name NEVAL is made by the christian names of two men NEVille & ALan and started importing Cossack m/c’s starting around 1974 – 1990’s to their premises in Hull UK they later imported nearly every russian m/c make including the ‘minsk’ which started in 1979 after taking over from SATRA who were the main ‘minsk’ importers….
any job on the farm can be undertaken by a russian m/c except ploughing this task requires two russian m/c’c..
ps refrain from buying any form of russian m/c or car or be prepared to pay the consequencies !!
Paul Crowe says
Thanks for clearing up the origins of the NEVAL designation.
Though Russian motorcycles are not to everyone’s taste, there are those who seem to like them a lot.