Not sure if this is the right sub-forum to ask, but....

Used to ride an R1150GS. It getting smashed in a crash, and us getting a dog having moved to Estonia, has meant that in addition to my little XR400, I have bought a Ural Sportman (aka Tourist Deluxe) outfit with engagable sidecar drive. I hope that this will continue what we started on the GS, and be our trip bike in the future, particularly as we would like to take our new canine friend with us.

So, the question is: are there any Ural riders on the HUBB? If so, where have you been and what problems have you encountered with the bike, whether its mechanical or terrain that it suffers in, or weather that it dislikes.

I'd like to know what I should be wary of!

Thanks

Wot? Seriously? I'm the only one on here?

Its not often I end up being the first, so I'm going to relish it.
No stealing my thunder... no on else allowed to buy a Ural now...

Mate of mine has one... a combination... Its had so many mods and repairs it probably no longer qualify's as a Ural

It only does European jaunts and then, only with full breakdown/recovery membership.

Buying one... probably

John

Too late, already bought.

Actually, I'm told they are pretty bullet proof:especially the more recent models, of which mine is a fab example!! All this provided you check clearances and do the oil/filter chage every 1500 miles or so.

I'm not too worried. Good thing too as it will hopefully take us to the Cape in a few of years...

Warthog I think Indu from Oslo Norway uses a Ural for winter use, got to say i think your right in that the late models are far better built with jap carbs, electrics and bearings, and they are really easy to work on - it will be interesting to see how you get on with the bike. I have been considering buying one myself however in the uk we can not get the two wheel drive system. Cos the chair is on the wrong side and the law does not let you drive a left hand drive combination any more.

__________________
If it is good to have one foot in England, it is still better or at least as good, to have the other out of it. jake

Hey! Cheers for the endorsement!!

I got the Sportman with sidecar drive by buying one here, in Estonia, although I had planned to also look in France and Germany. That said tht a look at MPC and if you call, ask for Mick. He knows a lot about all this stuff, and he seemed to think that I could have got the same model in the UK and that there were not the registration problems people seemed to think. Otherwise, its easy to live without the side-drive, really. Especially in the UK. If you've never had a go, Mick also does a 1-2-1 training for newbies. I did it: really gives a great insight and saves you from crashing (always appreciated). Also the most motorised fun I've had below 50mph!!

Next week I will go to Morocco with a friend who drives a heavily modified Ural 650 (the old one).

Extended swingarm, Kawa fork, Acerbis tank and mudguards, AT-seat, BMW-pegs, titanium exhaust, Ducati ignition and much more.

I love to see some pics when you are back!

I really like personalised bikes, where everything on it is for a reason: often shows real imagination and ingenuity!!

Warthog ... Urals seem reliable these days - based on my web research at least.
What are your opinions about "breaking-in" a new Ural? Some say work the first 500 and 1000 km to find the "sweet-spot" while others say the warnings in the Owners Manual are just over cautious manufacturer blurb.
I am waiting for a Ural Retro to arrive in May. I will keep riding my 1963 Dnepr K750M until then.

Well, the retro looks really nice, IMO.

As for running in, I got the bike with 400 miles on the clock (600 KM) so its almost there, and I have to hope that the guy who sold it to me (the only Ural rep in Estonia) had looked after it, but he seemed a reasonable guy so I think it should be fine.

There are few open roads here, in Tallinn, so varying engine speed and not running at high revs are not a problem. Over-loading the engine, or lugging? Not a problem either as the carbs need new jets so if I let it drop below 2000, it splutters!! Racing? Hmmm. Seeing as my first full 80 km riding an outfit after 15 years of solos has seen me end up in a ditch and also a field, because of the different riding approach, I can safely say that racing is not a huge likelihood!!

In short, I'm taking it nice and easy!! Manual overkill? Maybe so, but I'd rather hold back for the first 900 miles than risk weakening the engine.

Post some pictures when you can!!

That means I think, its bullet proof in regards that you won't get shot while waiting for 'recovery' ! just joking? I have read the Carla King book of her Urine exploits link here.. and good luck, enjoy . The Original American Borders Dispatches by Carla King

__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'

BTW, before I am questioned about my experiences with Urals, in the early 80's 2 friends and I went to the Elefantreffen at Salzburg, They went by Ural and I on my old R100/7 BMW, I was getting 63mpg from where I was travelling so slow behind them, they were getting about 30mpg but they were 2 up, so that could be seen as 60mpg! every 150-200 miles they had to stop to use a 'squirty' oil can to lube the rockers, and on the way back they had to change rear wheels as all the spokes were either loose or broken! Eh, we had a great trip tho'.

__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'

Had a Ural, but got rid of it. Traded it for a Watsonian sidecar. At least it's easier to push... Anyway: I used the Watsonian to build myself a Guzzi sidecar rig for winter use. Works great! Doesn't have the sidecar wheel drive, but neither did my 93 Ural. My Ural was, in short, a piece of crap (was screwed by the seller, we found out later). But I understand newer Urals are far better. Maybe I will try again sometime.

__________________
HansP

Minutes of a Motorcycle Addict
Learn how to travel in Norway the inexpensive way!
Your Guide to Winter Motorcycle Riding!

Veterans and regulars, give a newbie a clue ... I would like your help to explore a new thread in the Baltic States and new Schengen roads ... but I cannot figure out how to start a new forum thread.

Think of the Baltic-Soviet-Baltic-Schengen as having been a filp-flop of border barriers on cross border roads. Between the Baltic States many small roads (bridges) which were open during the Soviet Union should open again in the European Union of spring 2008. The border road network has gone through many distortions and I plan to explore the new crossings from Estonia to Latvia this year.

Anyone able to comment on the relative merits of a Urinal and its Chinese equivalent.

The Urinal quite frankly, sounds like an abortion. Are the Chang Jiangs any better or worse?

Garry from Oz.