Ural Opinions Requested

[Black and Blue]

Have gone from drooling over the BMW to looking at the Ural Patrol.
Has the 2 wheel drive option for dirt, a side car for the dog, and lots of room to pack camping stuff.
But I know nothing about them, other than what Motocentaur posted last May.
Any opinions, other than they aren't really a motorcycle as I know it (with the three wheels and all)?
They seem less expensive than the BMW and would solve the issue of getting off road, taking the dog, and packing camping stuff.

[Mr. Guy]

Try this one:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=354338

Of course, you could always put a side car on your V-Star.

http://www.dauntlessmotors.com/index.htm

Guy

[Capt_Gruuvy]

My buddy has one. It rides like a torture device. Sluggish a bit and it pulls in directions not really "motorcycle-ish".

But, that is the nature of that beast. It pulls to the right on acceleration and pushes to the left when braking. It rides OK when loaded up. Personally I dig it.

Packing that thing is good too. Lot's of room in the hack for the dog or the Mrs. (take the dog) and a big trunk too.

It's a real motorcycle to me. It leaks, it whines, it needs attention and it will run forever (as long as you do not exceed 65) provided you do your part.

I think it would be a great adventure bike for certain. Commuter .... no way.

It's for sale BTW. $7k. Has 450 miles on it. In Redlands.

[Black and Blue]

Sounds perfect!:rolleyes:

[Ironheadziggy76]

One of the magazines has one reviewed this month. I think it was either Road Bike or Motorcyclist. They listed the top speed at about 60, but said it was more comfortable at about 50. Sounds great for cruising the back roads and with the two wheel drive and reverse you could get yourself out of some sticky situations. They also liked the fact that the sidecar tub was built out of steel instead of plastic or fiberglass. As far as the engine goes, think 50's or 60's BMW tech. That can be a good thing if you like simple easy do it yourself maintenance like I do. From what I have read and the few people I know that have them, you just can't beat the old Airheads. They seem to run forever with just a little TLC.

[Black and Blue]

Hey, Ironheadziggy76
This was your idea. Remember our PM. It was the only way to take the dogs motocamping with us:D We are meeting with Ski from TriQuest Motorcycles from Santa Clara, CA. He will actually deliver them (two) to us (over 400 miles) as part of the deal (late November):eek: The Patrol is what we're looking at, because of the two wheel drive. I contacted a guy from Canada who has one and just loves it. He told me just remember it's a Ural not a motorcycle:D

[motomac]

There was a guy at Dust to Dawson in Dawson City in June that had the two wheel drive side car model. He lives in AK and his advrider handle is spicey mchaggis. I'm sure if you PMed, him he would fill you in on all the things he has done with his. I know he did the Top of the World Highway with it and I think he did the Dempster.

[Black and Blue]

There was a guy at Dust to Dawson in Dawson City in June that had the two wheel drive side car model. He lives in AK and his advrider handle is spicey mchaggis. I'm sure if you PMed, him he would fill you in on all the things he has done with his. I know he did the Top of the World Highway with it and I think he did the Dempster.

Thanks, I think we will.

[motomac]

Spicey is looking forward to telling about his Ural.

[Trailace]

I know nothen about these bikes but I take it you can still buy one new. What kind of $ we talking about because my dog would love it. :D

[Black and Blue]

There was a guy at Dust to Dawson in Dawson City in June that had the two wheel drive side car model. He lives in AK and his advrider handle is spicey mchaggis. I'm sure if you PMed, him he would fill you in on all the things he has done with his. I know he did the Top of the World Highway with it and I think he did the Dempster.

Hey, Motomac
I read this guy's story and that was a pretty neat trip he took. Thanks for the info. I also read Mr. Cob's story also. He did a trip with a Gear Up around the country. If you are interested go to the Ural website and it's posted down to the left of the front page.:)
www.imz-ural.com

Hi, Trailace
Depends on what you want, the Patrol (which we are looking at) msrp for about $12,999.00 for the 2008, but I don't know what a 2009 goes for. As far as the dog is concern, that's why we are looking at them. We want to take our Aussie motocamping and go out to the back country where we live. This is the only way we can do it. Here's a pic of the Patrol and Gear up. These models come with 2WD.

[bigTom]

1st off, I am a stinking, lurking newbie:) BigTom Wacker, at your service...from STowners, STlist and others

I have looked the Ural over pretty carefully. It's pretty darn crude, no other way to say it. I know a guy here in Yuma that has one (it's for sale), it looks good until you get inside 10 feet or so. He doesn't own a car, uses it for light hauling...

I have another friend that has a KLR and a side hack with a 200L plastic box on it. He does some traveling with it, I've seen him a couple hundred miles from home on it. With a 200L box, I promise he can haul some stuff.

Another buddy is looking for a hack to put on a 1st gen Bandit. The possibilities are endless, do a google search on hacks before you buy a Ural. I don't think it'll make you happy. IMHO.

Anyway, I am glad to be here. I live in Yuma, AZ, so can stay outside most of the year. I do so about once per year. Glad to be here.

[Trailace]

1st off, I am a stinking, lurking newbie:) BigTom Wacker, at your service...from STowners, STlist and others

I have looked the Ural over pretty carefully. It's pretty darn crude, no other way to say it. I know a guy here in Yuma that has one (it's for sale), it looks good until you get inside 10 feet or so. He doesn't own a car, uses it for light hauling...

I have another friend that has a KLR and a side hack with a 200L plastic box on it. He does some traveling with it, I've seen him a couple hundred miles from home on it. With a 200L box, I promise he can haul some stuff.

Another buddy is looking for a hack to put on a 1st gen Bandit. The possibilities are endless, do a google search on hacks before you buy a Ural. I don't think it'll make you happy. IMHO.

Anyway, I am glad to be here. I live in Yuma, AZ, so can stay outside most of the year. I do so about once per year. Glad to be here.

Welcome Tom and thanks for your input.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Hey, Ironheadziggy76
This was your idea. Remember our PM. It was the only way to take the dogs motocamping with us:D We are meeting with Ski from TriQuest Motorcycles from Santa Clara, CA. He will actually deliver them (two) to us (over 400 miles) as part of the deal (late November):eek: The Patrol is what we're looking at, because of the two wheel drive. I contacted a guy from Canada who has one and just loves it. He told me just remember it's a Ural not a motorcycle:D


I told you this site would make you spend money! :p

Let us know if you get them, we will need pics too! The kids will be thrilled.

Are you all going to keep your other bikes also? Happiness is a garage full of bikes. Everyone NEEDS at least three bikes in my opinion. If I could just sneek in a Honda XR650L or a BMW 650 like Rick's I would be a happy camper. :D I think that would be the thing that would drive the wife right over the edge. :eek:

[motomac]

Good Golly, BT's here!!! Welcome Buddy!!!

[Black and Blue]

[QUOTE]I have looked the Ural over pretty carefully. It's pretty darn crude, no other way to say it. I know a guy here in Yuma that has one (it's for sale), it looks good until you get inside 10 feet or so. He doesn't own a car, uses it for light hauling...

I have another friend that has a KLR and a side hack with a 200L plastic box on it. He does some traveling with it, I've seen him a couple hundred miles from home on it. With a 200L box, I promise he can haul some stuff.

Another buddy is looking for a hack to put on a 1st gen Bandit. The possibilities are endless, do a google search on hacks before you buy a Ural. I don't think it'll make you happy. IMHO.[QUOTE].

Thanks, bigTom
We'll take your advise and look at it carefully. We (S/O) have read alot about the Urals. I even contacted a guy in Canada and asked for his opinion. He loves his, but told me its not a motorcycle. I already have it in my mind that it is sort of crude, but as long as it stays together (like their stinking AK47:mad:) I'll be happy. The thing I keep in mind is that its' not replacing my bike, just transport for our dogs. Believe it or not that is the main consideration.

Hi, Steve
Yeah, your right about spending money:D We'll let you know:) Of course we'll keep our road cruisers:p I still like a smooth ride,well, almost a smooth ride:D

[Ironheadziggy76]

1st off, I am a stinking, lurking newbie:) BigTom Wacker, at your service...from STowners, STlist and others

After reading that first sentence my first thought was, "I'm really going to like this guy!" :D

Welcome bigTom!

[Ironheadziggy76]

Black and Blue, if you are going to keep your cruisers, and you realize up front that the Urals are built using older technology, I think you will grow to love them. I have a 1976 Harley Sportster that I ride on country two lanes that I love. When I got it, it was in bad shape. It had a bent and stuck valve and some transmission issues. I rebuilt the top end of the engine, and despite my best attempts at balancing (both pistons, wrist pins, and ring sets assembled weigh exactly the same, measured on a scale that goes down to 1/10,000th of a gram) it's still a shaker. It's far better than a stocker, but at 70 mph you can still watch your feet vibrate back and forth on the highway pegs! Up to 60 it's pretty smooth. Still I love riding this old bike. It has a very mechanical feel that most bikes including my Road King don't have now days. Reminds me of riding my old Honda SL350, of many years ago, and my uncle taking me for rides on his 1950 Panhead when I was just a little guy.

[Black and Blue]

Black and Blue, if you are going to keep your cruisers, and you realize up front that the Urals are built using older technology, I think you will grow to love them. I have a 1976 Harley Sportster that I ride on country two lanes that I love. When I got it, it was in bad shape. It had a bent and stuck valve and some transmission issues. I rebuilt the top end of the engine, and despite my best attempts at balancing (both pistons, wrist pins, and ring sets assembled weigh exactly the same, measured on a scale that goes down to 1/10,000th of a gram) it's still a shaker. It's far better than a stocker, but at 70 mph you can still watch your feet vibrate back and forth on the highway pegs! Up to 60 it's pretty smooth. Still I love riding this old bike. It has a very mechanical feel that most bikes including my Road King don't have now days. Reminds me of riding my old Honda SL350, of many years ago, and my uncle taking me for rides on his 1950 Panhead when I was just a little guy.

Thanks, Steve:)

[G wizz]

We bought a new Ural in 1998, just for the fun of it. We didn't get the two wheel drive model, but found that as low geared as they are, even single wheel drive would take us anywhere we wanted to go. We used ours for everything from a grocery getter around home, to back country camping trips. We even took it out on quad trails in upper Michigan.
Yes, they are a bit slow, and yes you do have to maintain them like an old Harley. but the trade off is worth it. No matter where we went people flocked around it to look at it and ask questions about it. Kids, (and women) would beg for rides. Besides that, it was just fun to drive, actually I enjoyed the ride in the sidecar as much as driving it.
I would not recomend one for expressway riding, but for two lane roads, back country dirt roads and two tracks, that is where they really shine.
If you do get one, I'm sure you won't regret it, EXCEPT if it's somthing you arn't going to maintain. I don't know about the new ones, but the older ones like ours, did leak a bit of oil. If you don't keep it up, it may let you down.
If you like to tinker, you will love it.
Although we don't have it now, it is still in the family. My daughter now owns it, she loves it, She uses it to haul her kids around with. And yes, it's still going strong.

G wizz

[Black and Blue]

We bought a new Ural in 1998, just for the fun of it. We didn't get the two wheel drive model, but found that as low geared as they are, even single wheel drive would take us anywhere we wanted to go. We used ours for everything from a grocery getter around home, to back country camping trips. We even took it out on quad trails in upper Michigan.
Yes, they are a bit slow, and yes you do have to maintain them like an old Harley. but the trade off is worth it. No matter where we went people flocked around it to look at it and ask questions about it. Kids, (and women) would beg for rides. Besides that, it was just fun to drive, actually I enjoyed the ride in the sidecar as much as driving it.
I would not recomend one for expressway riding, but for two lane roads, back country dirt roads and two tracks, that is where they really shine.
If you do get one, I'm sure you won't regret it, EXCEPT if it's somthing you arn't going to maintain. I don't know about the new ones, but the older ones like ours, did leak a bit of oil. If you don't keep it up, it may let you down.
If you like to tinker, you will love it.
Although we don't have it now, it is still in the family. My daughter now owns it, she loves it, She uses it to haul her kids around with. And yes, it's still going strong.

G wizz

Hi, G wizz
We have had ours for a week now. They are 2008 Patrol Models. They have improved them since 2006. New inners (better metal gears and such). Better front brakes and a more powerful alternator. The russian tires/and rims, I suspect, are probably the same quality as the 1998s. Not precision made cast wheels, but they'll do for now. We agree with you about the expressway. We have had them up to 65 on the flats (no head wind) and a little over 70 on a slight downgrade. I don't think I care to go any faster on them with our pups in the cars/chair. The Aussie loves to ride in the car/chair w/his doggles on and loves all the attention he's getting from people. I'm not too sure about the doxie. She's not happy unless she's sitting on your lap:D
Thanks for the reply and take care.

[Motocentaur]

One of the most significant upgrades on the '08 Urals is the price.:eek: If that is a bit much for your wallet, look around for a used one. Stay with '05 or newer, since those have the most important upgrades and improved build quality. I paid about $6000 for mine last year and it only had about 2000 kms on the (metric) odo. A lot of people get one and decide it's not for them; the guy I bought mine from seemed to have a phobia about wrenches . . . that's a problem since they do need frequent (but simple) tinkering and maintenance.

A fellow who goes by the name Mr. Cob just rode one HARD around the whole country last summer with few problems. Another guy rode one up through the Yukon to the Arctic Circle with no problems. If you are careful with the break-in and routine maintenance, and if you operate it as intended, they can be a pleasure to own and drive. If you just want to gas and go, keep your hands clean, and blast down freeways at 75 mph, then stay away - they're not for you.

My '05 hasn't given me one bit of trouble, and it is easily the funnest vehicle I've ever had. My poor Concours spends a lot of time just sitting around now.

[Black and Blue]

One of the most significant upgrades on the '08 Urals is the price.:eek: If that is a bit much for your wallet, look around for a used one. Stay with '05 or newer, since those have the most important upgrades and improved build quality. I paid about $6000 for mine last year and it only had about 2000 kms on the (metric) odo. A lot of people get one and decide it's not for them; the guy I bought mine from seemed to have a phobia about wrenches . . . that's a problem since they do need frequent (but simple) tinkering and maintenance.

A fellow who goes by the name Mr. Cob just rode one HARD around the whole country last summer with few problems. Another guy rode one up through the Yukon to the Arctic Circle with no problems. If you are careful with the break-in and routine maintenance, and if you operate it as intended, they can be a pleasure to own and drive. If you just want to gas and go, keep your hands clean, and blast down freeways at 75 mph, then stay away - they're not for you.

My '05 hasn't given me one bit of trouble, and it is easily the funnest vehicle I've ever had. My poor Concours spends a lot of time just sitting around now.

We have had ours since Nov. '08. We bought two '08s and the prices were very reasonable, especially when the dealer dropped off $1,500.00 per rigs for buying two and delivering them 400 plus miles to us.:) As far as the rigs themselves, we love them. We know they are not speed demons, but hey, we have two cruisers if we have the need for speed.:D We have been riding around in them and have been taking our dogs with us. So far so good. We now have over 2000 kilometers or 1200 miles now. We took a trip out to Death Valley and had them loaded up. They did real good. Rode them thru heavy rains, strong winds and even extreme cold. They do very well in snow too.P^ We are experimenting on tires. Trying to figure out what tire brand gets the most miles on the pusher. We are currently trying out the Duro tire. I read on other forums this is a good tire. Hopefully. Thanks for the imput.:)

[Motocentaur]

Wow - it sounds like you got a great deal on the '08's. My nearest dealer was not willing to do anything but MSRP. I got lucky and found mine listed on eBay, but with the seller only 20 minutes from my home.

I got 5300kms out of my pusher Uralshina, with just a bit of tread left, which is pretty good. I swapped it with the spare 'shina, but will move to the Duros when that one wears out.

[Black and Blue]

Wow - it sounds like you got a great deal on the '08's. My nearest dealer was not willing to do anything but MSRP. I got lucky and found mine listed on eBay, but with the seller only 20 minutes from my home.

I got 5300kms out of my pusher Uralshina, with just a bit of tread left, which is pretty good. I swapped it with the spare 'shina, but will move to the Duros when that one wears out.

I believe, communicating with other Ural owners, you getting about the average miles out of the Uralshina for the pusher. Glad to hear that your '05 is going great.P^ We have been going over ours with a fine tooth comb. We are learning as much as possible about the rigs. We like the fact that they are your basic machine and can learn how to fix them and being able to get to different parts without stripping off plastic.:) The cruisers we have are not easy to work on. Too much plastic. Can't get to parts without stripping the them. Take care.:)