1991 Neval Soviet Knight 650
1991 Neval Soviet Knight 650
Dressing up a boxer
The Soviet Knight 650, a Russian bike with American styling, was created when the manufacturer’s British importers, a firm called Neval, modified the basic 650cc flat-twin with a selection of custom parts. The result was crude but had a certain style and charm.
Cut-Price Custom
Launched in 1991, when glasnost was headline news, the Knight seemed almost a rolling symbol of improving East-West relations. It had a further claim to be the bike of the age, too, for its price was less than half that of the cheapest Harley-Davidson, making this the perfect machine on which to ride out the worldwide recession.
Unchanged Decision
Russian factories had been building bikes based on 1941 BMW flat-twins since shortly after WWII. Quality had gradually improved, but the basic design remained: an air-cooled, shaft-drive boxer model producing just 32 hp, in a heavy steel frame, with old-fashioned cycle parts including drum brakes and square section tires. To create the Knight, Neval added “California pullback” running lights and chromed parts, including a headlamp nacelle. The modifications transformed the look, and although the Russian machine was extremely dated, it was good fun. Crude suspension and ponderous slow-speed steering took some getting used to. But the ride was comfortable, the brakes much improved and the engine remarkably smooth. For custom style on a budget, the Soviet Knight had much to offer.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 649cc air-cooled flat-twin
Power Rating: 32 hp @ 5000 rpm
Valves: pushrod 4-valve
Fuel System: 2×28mm carburetors
Transmission: 4-speed, shaft final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks (front); twin shocks (rear)
Brakes: drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 19 inch wire (front & rear)
Weight: 462 lb
Maximum Speed: 80 mph
Beneath the Soviet Knight’s high handlebars, saddlebags and numerous touches of chrome is a basic Russian flat-twin motorbike whose design has barely changed since the 1940s.
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