| Author | Message | ||
     Newfie_buell |
OK, After many years of threatening to buy one I am now considering a URAL. Once again I have to get something different where there is no retailer near for 1600km and if I don't go ride it back then its got to go on a truck. I am wondering if anyone here owns one - if so what kind of problems are to be expected. The one I am considering is a 2005 Model with the better 750cc motor, Denso Altenator, and other upgraded bits compared to the older ones. Opinions Wanted - good and bad. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Never had any hands on with one of these items, but in general, I have found the quality of state produced Russian goods to be on a par with American products of the 1940's. Stuff didn't work very well in the good old days:-) Maybe there have been some improvements, I just don't know. | ||
| Bomber |
rumor is that great strides in functionality and QC have been made -- contact Rocket for the scoop, as he seems very knowledgable | ||
| Whodom |
I had a bud that was very interested in one a few years back so I read up on them. I definitely wouldn't rely on one for my only means of transport and I wouldn't get one if I was scared of wrenching, but I can definitely see where it would be kind of a fun bike to own. Break-in of engine and transmission is supposed to be critical- like Gentlemen_jon said these things are manufactured and machined (relatively crudely) like American products of the 40's were. A LOT of metal parts have to wear-in to fit during break-in. It does seem like the critical items (brakes, electrics, ignition, and carbs) have been upgraded to quality internationally sourced components, so that stuff shouldn't be a worry. Just be prepared to have to regularly tighten bolts, adjust things, and deal with minor oil leaks. | ||
| Glitch |
Newfie, check this out. There's a Newbie FAQ that looks promising. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
>>>>>Just be prepared to have to regularly tighten bolts, adjust things, and deal with minor oil leaks.<<<<< Ummmm. No comment LOL | ||
| Glitch |
Russian Iron Motorcycle Club | ||
| Bcordb3 |
If you have a need for speed that may not be the machine for you. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Thats funny, Regularly tighten bolts, adjust things and minor oil leaks!!!!! As for speed its a big chunk of Russian Metal, of course its not gonna go fast, but the places I'm thinking I could put it. I'm looking for something even more different than the S1. It will also be bike #4 to add to the garage. I want something comfortable for a passenger to go for a quick spin in the country, off road, etc, etc...... | ||
| Daves |
Just come down and get a ULY from me! | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Newfie, I too have been looking at a Ural. The 2003 and up were much improved over earlier models. Kim and Cheryl in Colorado have an older one (2000 if memory serves). It is a hoot! Ping Kim and I'm sure he can give you lots of info. My wife says she would ride if I got one... | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Dave, I thought we weren't supposed to talk about the secret new Buell factory sidecar outfit until they made the announcement at Homecoming. Oh well, better to spill the beans prematurely than to have a brother buy some Russian Iron, am I right? Guess it won't do any harm to show how it looks, now that the cat is out of the bag............  | ||
| Glitch |
Good one G_J! | ||
| Ezblast |
LOL  | ||
| Grndskpr |
After many years of threatening to buy one I am now considering a URAL I think you will be fine Newfie, i mean there are only 3 roads on the island, so when it implodes, at least it will not be hard to find you and tow you home If memory serves me, the last Ural to do an iron butt, was disqualified and had to have its engine replaced about 1/2 way through the 11,000 mile trip, i belive it did finsh, but records are not keep for bikes that dont enter specific areas in a given time frame What about a BMW GS with a ural side car???? or a GS with a Ural side car??? Let me know how it goes, i am still thinking about a side car for the HD R | ||
| Slaughter |
Don't the Ural's ALL have driving axle in the rear? Is their sidecar even removable? If so, I'd bet they could be adapted to a "normal" ride | ||
| Buellgrrrl |
If you wanted a reliable hack for less money I'd go with a BMW airhead ($2000-3000) and a decent low price sidecar ($2000-3000) like Ural, Velorex, Texas, etc. If you want both back wheels driven you are stuck with Ural though. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Slaughter, Not all Ural's have 2 wheel drive. The current Retro, Troyka and Tourist are rear wheel only. The Patrol and Gear Up are rear wheel and side car wheel. You can disengage the side car wheel, if memory serves, you have to be stopped to make the switch from 1 to 2 wheel and back. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Apparently its shift on the fly from what I have been reading. I do want the two wheels driven thing. | ||
| Steveford |
Newfie, a Urinal? I know a few people who have them and the two lines that stick out are, "I expected it to be a POS so I wasn't disappointed!" and "I run a Ural high performance shop which is an oxymoron". If you can laugh at what you own, you'll probably enjoy it. | ||
| Rocketman |
It's kinda funny listening to Buell owners rag on about a Russian built motorcycle. I use to think Buell was 'the' most ragged on bike, especially by the Japanese wrecking crews, but now I know us Buell owners are no better than those ragger's and I also know now after reading this thread that Buell are ONLY the second most ragged on bikes - after Uranus  Rocket | ||
| Spiderman |
Get one, there cool as shiznit! If you can keep your Buell runnin you can keep a Ural runnin! | ||
| Oddbawl |
I agree with Buellgrrrl, get yerself an airhead BMW. I just rolled over 185000 miles on my 72, original bottom end, top end was ok when I put 900cc boobs on it. It's getting buried with me when I die. Ural sidecar would work fine on it. | ||
| Erik2 |
Newfie, My father had one a few years ago complete with sidecar. He purchased it brand new, and as stated, the break-in is critical on them. The engine and transmission got progressively smoother as more miles were put on. The top speed improved too! Although it topped out at about 65-70mph. Operationally, the bike was fine. My father didn't put a lot of miles on it, and didn't have any serious problems with it. The fit and finish quality is definitely lacking in some areas. I always thought if somebody had the time, they could really make the bike a standout. As it was, he had to stay on top of the cleaning and cosmetics to keep the various lower quality parts and unfinished bits from looking too ratty. The only other issue he had was tire pressure always bleeding off as it was parked. Didn't really have issue with stuff requiring continual tightening. I rode it a few times and could see some fun in it. Slower, more relaxed rides in areas less traveled would be its calling. EG | ||
| Imeazy |
These links may be of interest. http://www.badmothercycles.com/acatalog/Steiff.html http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Other-Makes-2005-Dnepr-MT11-kit-copy-of-BMW-R-Ura l_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6719QQitemZ4588605497QQrdZ1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4589042717&ssPageN ame=MERC_VI_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT | ||
| Chris_mackay |
I have one of these. Less than 1/2 the price of a Ural. Got this one off Ebay with 25 Kilometers on it for $2600.00  www.dneprworld.com Top speed is supposed to be 55MPH but I've never been brave enough to get it going that fast. It DOES get a lot of attention! Sidecar wheel drives also, but keep another bike close by if you want to ride a lot! | ||
| Tom_b |
I owned a 1952 bmw r-51 with a sidecar. it was a very reliable. It was my only cycle for a number of years. I could remove the sidecar in about 20 minutes.I agree with going with an old beemer instead of the ural. Unless you off road or something the driven wheel is more novelty than anything | ||
| Court |
 One of my favorite Ural pictures . . . | ||
| Grndskpr |
How about this Bill buy this one: http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/4/6/79752846.htm wait till after jan(i will have more room than) I will pick it up, and me an Mr. Grumpy will drive it over to Nova You pick it up, and Grumpy can ride on the back of the BDB He will have to hold on tight though BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA R | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Grndskpr, You might just consider bringing a bag of tools for Mr . Grumpy and yourself. A careful reading of this ad uses the word KIT to describe the bike. It could very well look like this when you go to pick it up:  That could make any passenger feel kinda grumpy, know what I mean?  |
