Hi. I have been interested in the Ural motorcyles for the past 5 years. I've ridden in one and gotten to drive one for a short distance. I'm looking at taking a sidecar class through Marcus Renfroe at the Pineywoods Riders Academy over in Lufkin, Texas (got this info. from Lee Coltharp of USCA). I'd be interested in a used one if I can find a good deal. My question is: What do you all think? Is the Ural (750 engine) a good rig to start with? I'd mostly be doing some short highway riding and then city riding with it. I'd likely use it to go to work, into town for errands, maybe fishing. I like the Tourist but if a good deal appeared for a GearUp or Patrol, I'd consider that too. I've ridden 2+ years now, a Shadow and then a VTX 1300. I took the MSF Riders class when starting 2 years ago, really enjoyed the class and think it was a major benefit in helping me to enjoy my start in riding. I would think taking the class to learn how to ride sidecar bikes would be good prior to buying one. Any further advice on buying or learning? I'm excited about becoming a member of the sidecar nation! Thanks.
None of the URAL sidecar rigs are freeway capable. The late Tourists are secondary hiway capable, the Patrols (2 wheel drives) are for off-road-back-road.
If you want something carefree that will get down the freeway and the backroads or firetrails try a Jap cruiser with a hack of your choice. No wrenching, lots of power, great parts availability, good suspension, disc brakes, great performers and most any shop can work on them if needed.
Cost is about the same.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
The Ural is a 55 mph rig. Here in Maine where there is light traffic I would consider short hops on the highway, but if you are in a Urban environment where people drive aggressively you might be taking your life in your hands. Just my thoughts. I had a Ural for 2.5 years and liked it, and it is a great starter sidecar rig, but there are a lot of set up rigs that might be better for what you need.
Thanks for the input. Do you have any suggestions for cruisers (is there a particular one you are thinking of?) What should I look for in power if I go that route?
I don't have the experience that some of these guys have but I can tell you what I've got.
A Kawasaki Vulcan 900 with a Texas Sidecar. I like the rig but if I knew I was going to attach a sidecar to it when I bout it I would have bought a 1500 or larger. My rig isn't bad for what I need it for (mostly commuting and some back road trips) and it'll easily do 70mph. But I wouldn't dare take it on a large freeway where the posted limit is 70 and the actual traffic speed is closer to 85. At least not for more then a 5-10 mile stretch.
So I think it depends on what you want to do and the traffic you intend to face. From what you described I think you'd need a bigger bike. If you like the off road aspect but need to get on the highway occasionally, I've seen some nice BMW rigs. Look at Beemerchef's rig, he posts here on the "On the road with ... " forum, and has his own website at http://theoasisofmysoul.com.
Rob
Roy, here's some food for thought. You may already have a workable bike. If I understand correctly, you now have a VTX1300. I've seen photos of VTX1300's mounted to Velorex, Texas & Champion sidecars - steering modifications may also be available as well. A fellow here in the neighborhood has a Kenna double mounted to a VTX1800. Attached is a recent photo of the VTX1800/Kenna rig along with Jena's Burgman/Texas rig. Also, there is a dealer/installer in NW Louisiana: www.jnjsidecarsandtrikes.com.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
If'n I've done this correctly, here is the link to a recent lenghty discussion re: Ural rigs, FYI:
http://www.sidecar.com/megabbs/thread-view.asp?threadid=6804&start=1
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
I learned a lot in Marcus's last class several months ago. I live in the country and everyone here drives seventy or more. Being "too pokie" can get you run-over. Be sure you think it thru, as to how you will use your rig. Buy accordingly.
Good point, as others have voiced as well. I would require something that can maintain a speed of 65 at least, as Hwy 171 that I have to travel to/from work is posted, so you know most people are going 70. The more I read about this subject on this site, the more I learn. Thanks.
