Hi, I'm seriously interested in joining the world of sidecars and have been looking at the Ural models. There are many things about them that appeal to me. I was hoping to get some feedback from Ural owners about the pros and cons of these rigs, specifically the daily dependability. I've heard these are great rigs if you don't mind wrenching (which I don't) but I am looking for my sidecar rig to be a daily commuter vehicle and would like to know if a Ural is up to it.
Thanks for any and all feedback,
Turtle
Best place for this are URAL Chatlines. You'll get the good, bad and the Ugly.
Ask your questions at The Russian Iron Motorcycle Club:
They are a very helpful group.
Dave
I think it would depend a great deal on what yur commute might consist of.
I wouldn't be comfortable taking my Retro on the California freeways on a commute to/from work on a daily basis.
1. It is more comfortable at 55 mph and slower
2. Brakes are average
However, If it was a more rural type ride, I would be comfortable using mine. I presume you already have experience comuting on a motorcycle, so the issues with weather, rain, etc are already known. I ride a mc nearly every day of the year, but SoCal weather isn't the worst.
greg
My commute is rural, 8 miles the short way and 13+ the better way. I mc commute now close to every day so I'm prepared for that. I'm more concerned with the bike firing up and running every day I guess. Thanks for the feedback.
Turtle
Originally written by TurtleZ on 9/25/2006 3:10 PM
My commute is rural, 8 miles the short way and 13+ the better way. I mc commute now close to every day so I'm prepared for that. I'm more concerned with the bike firing up and running every day I guess. Thanks for the feedback.
Mine has never failed to start. Its slow, the tranny clunks like all get out, brakes are so-so. BUT, it looks relly cool, its fun, and , so far, always starts (I have 2200 miles or so).
Turtle
Turtle,
I’m in Nokesville (between Manassas and Warrenton) and have two Urals ( http://members.verizon.net/allofusmorrows/650750.htm ).
One is a 2000 Deco with a 750 engine upgrade. The other is a ’98 Tourist that I’m currently running solo.
You’re welcome to come by and look them over and test ride the sidecar rig if you’re interested.
If you haven’t already found this forum, it’s a good one. It’s sponsored by IMWA (the mfr/importer):
http://imzwa.secureforum.com/login
-matt
2000 Ural Deco/750 Upgrade/LL Front End
1998 Ural Tourist Running Solo with Forks
Ural Maintenance and Rebuild Information
The Ural guys I've met can tear down and put together their carbs in about 10 minutes in the dark. Much faster if they remember to take their gloves off.
Or it can take up to half a day depending on how many people are there and how much coffee is left.
