Hail The Minsk - MINSK Repair Manual

The Minsk is the only remaining Eastern Bloc 1950's designed two-stroke
scrambler still in production on the planet and the only dirt bike in the world with
the option of a user friendly touring seat. It is designed for difficult roads, slippery
goat tracks, forest paths, mountain inclines and for where there aren't any roads at
all. Minsks are imported into Vietnam as farm machinery, not vehicles, and form
the backbone of the nation's rural economy. At different times Minsks have been
seen hauling up to 15 dogs, three huge pigs, one cow, one buffalo, seven people,
three other Minsks or 20 bicycles. The Minsk is a beast that will get you where
you want to go. No wonder the Vietnamese call it the "con tr©u gi " (old
buffalo).
The Minsk is a practical and pragmatic bike with no flash or sharp design. It is
made of steel not chrome and prefers to be greased not polished. It is a war-horse
which carries its wounds and scars well and can be repaired with just a rock and a
stick. The Minsk is cheap to buy and maintain, there are mechanics everywhere, it
is a snap to repair by yourself and it is incredibly robust, inconspicuous and gutsy.
That is why the Minsk is easily the best motorcycle to travel with in Vietnam. Just
ask anyone who has toured on one.
This manual is about showing you how easy it is to repair your Minsk. If you
understand only half of the advice herein then you will still be in a strong position
to explore the back roads of Vietnam with confidence and ease. This manual is
designed to get people out into the mountains so they can have a good time safely
in this special part of the world. The more you know about the basic running of the
bike the easier it will be to not get stressed if something goes wrong out on the
road. Simple problems like faulty sparkplugs, loose wire connections or scum in
your filter can stop the bike and leave you stranded. However, with just the
slightest of know-how you can fix these yourself and be back on the road in a
flash.
It is satisfying touring on a Minsk because the bike makes you think for
yourself. It is very rewarding to have your Minsk die on you out on a mountain
road with a nice view and then be able to fix it in under five minutes. Have
problem, no worries! Expect to have some fun improvising with gaffer tape, wire,
sticks, rocks and tractor parts. On one trip a cracked front mudguard was replaced
by two pieces of bamboo and a towel. On another the front wheel was stopped
from falling off with rubber straps made from inner tubes tied to the wheel and
handle bars. One Minsk Club member even used his brake cable to strap the frame
together when the main bar under the petrol tank snapped on him.
Northern Vietnam is an incredibly beautiful region, so get on your Minsk and
get out there. Good luck!
©Digby Greenhalgh 2000
Minsk Repair Manual
Hail the Minsk
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