I tell folks during UDF,”A Ural is the most maintenance intensive motorcycle I’ve ever owned and hands down the most fun I’ve ever had on a motorcycle.” I’m on my 2nd. one, racked up well over 100,000 miles of smiles between the two. Met so many great folk through Soviet Steeds and an awesome Ural dealer (Holopaw Ural) which I’m blessed that he’s only fifty miles from me. Life is good!
I need to learn the maintenance aspect of it better. My storage conditions are less than ideal. If you're ever passing up through the DC-area, look me up and I'll get you lunch.
We have a 2013 Gear Up, it has 34,500 km on it we do the service required regularly, ride the bike as it is meant to ridden, our bikes sweet spot for speed is 55 mph. We have met so many people because of this machine, and our dog loves it. One change we made was going to a 2 spring Harley cop seat, it makes the ride much better and easier on my back.
I like the bench for now, partly because I have a lot of room to move around on it. I'll need to service mine soon, so I'm trying to gather the greases, oils and such to make it work.
I have a 2014 Gear up, I live in the mountains of PA and so far it has been a blast. Mine likes 55-65 mph, I use the speedometer on my GPS because the motorcycle speedo is horribly inaccurate. The key to loose or muddy terrain is a little more speed. I can get a campstove, sleeping bag, sleep mat, and dishes in the trunk, leaving the sidecar open for a passenger or my pup. I have been on two wheeled bikes for 40 years, I bought the Ural for camping and grandkids. I have owned it less than a year but I believe it is a keeper. I am too impatient to ride on a very long trip at 60 mph so I will trailer for longer trips. So far I love it. Not being able to run 75 or 80 for sustained periods is the only drawback to the Ural for me. I have heard rumors about a larger displacement engine and a 5 speed gearbox, that would probably be enough of a reason for me to trade up.
I haven't heard these rumors but gat dang would being able to run 75 sustained would be great without feeling like I'm beating the machine to death. I'm hoping that in the coming wave of electric vehicles they break out the Zero / Ural cooperative model they did the prototype on. You could absolutely get more power out of that and keep a sled full of battery for long distance. I've only been riding 10yr and I love my almost-perfect Valkyrie but frankly the Ural is just more fun. I'm slowly working on a 1k mile review video (everything but baby stuff has been put aside for now) and want to talk about it more. Thanks for watching! If you're ever passing through the DC area, look me up and we'll get lunch!
@@bikerbobcat I took a ride from PA down to the Outer Banks on my Ural, the DC beltway was terrifying. You seem to like the Hondas, I think I would like to get ahold of a VLX 600 to customize a little. I don't think e bikes would work for me, too many miles and travel at the drop of a hat.
I take the beltway twice a month for a meetup and it's... not great. if you're ever coming back through this area, look me up and I'll buy you lunch. I live JUST off the beltway so I'm easy to get to.
Great video, real world, hands on info. Thanks. Always wanted one. Realize it's got some constraints...have to love it for what it is and not hate it for what it's not. But that's the charm (hopefully).
I'm working on my 1000mi review video now (very slowly, I'm sorry) and yeah, you're right. There are faster bikes you can put a sidecar on (most of them, ha!) and bikes that can off road even better, maybe even with a little bit of cargo. That's not at all what this is. Thanks for watching and if you have money to get one, I really would recommend adding it to your fleet.
Ok on country roads. I have ridden a 2020 ural on my share of highways. 70 mph is ssscreaming and unsustainable. It’s happy at 50/55. Brakes are light and it’s heavy. It’s also a lot of fun, but let’s remember what we have here.
I actually got it up to 65 today for about 30 min and thought that was enough but you're right about 55 being ideal. I definitely want to change out the tires when they wear out, probably to the Duro 308. Thanks for watching!
Once you go hack, you’ll never go back. My ‘12 GU continues to trundle along without issue. 20,000 kilometers and counting. Do regular servicing, ride the bike within its design parameters, and a Ural 7:29 will last and last and last.
Not a good review. Every video about the Ural says it's unreliable but, no one says why. So tell me...electrical, mechanical, fuel, abuse, skipping regular maintenance, what?? I know many that have had no problem with their Ural with over 30K miles. Of course, they don't do stupid shit on the bike either. Modelled after the 1938 BMW R-71. These 85 year old designed bikes require constant maintenance. Filters, greasing, oil changes, adjustments, etc. These were designed for men in combat who were self reliant. Carrying men, heavy loads and towing small trailers/canon were the Military requirements. Not comfort. These are not bikes that after 5-7 years are discontinued. No other bike has lasted the test of time than the Ural.
It's not meant to be a review. Fourtnine addresses the reliability issues in his much more popular video on Urals. I'm slowly doing my 1000m review on it.
Mine had 10,000 km on it when I bought it, I have about 25,000km on it now. It is a 2014 so it is fuel injected and electronic ignition. I have changed fluids per recommendations of the owners manual. So far, my only real maintenance has been changing fluids and greasing the universal joints of the driveshaft.
We have a 2018, it was sort of an early ownership challenge because of a local dealership issue (we don't do business there at all now). However... You cannot measure the level of glee we get each and every time we jump on and ride. We built a rack for the dog that sits behind me (dog is too big to sit in my wife's lap) and we explore endlessly. Fl to WA and all parts between. These things are simple to work on provided you have some basic mech skills. If you are worried about breakdowns, buy a Zoleo or a Spot. Worse breakdown we've had while riding was a flat tire wayyyy out in the hills in CO. But we have a spare so wasn't a big deal. Folks, these things are just plain fun. Lots of get together's on the east coast as well as the annual National Sidecar rally. We have a strict no highway rule, back roads only so seldom do 55. You will make lots of new friends, as everyone wants to talk about the bike so plan on being late. We just leave a little early usually. I did upgrade to the 2:1 exhaust as we used to rate our trails by the number of times we knocked the muffler off. New bikes come std with the 2:1. Also did some seat foam mod as the original is just way to stiff. We've got about 25k miles (40k km) so above is based on some seat time. Best dealer out here on the east coast as far as my experience is Heindle Engineering (In Ohio). They always have the parts I need and do pretty much only Ural so they are focused.
What is a Zoleo or a Spot that I should be looking out for? I'm about 2000 miles down on mine and still nervous about reliability. I'm not shy about mechanics but still under warranty. I'm a little on the fence still. HOWEVER, it's still a really fun time. Took it on some gravel back roads over the weekend and had fun keeping up with giant trucks. Never lost confidence, even with no ballast. If you're ever passing through DC-area, look me up. Thanks for watching!
Yes Agree with all pro-cons. I have a2004 Ural Troyka. Been a blast to drive totally different from a regular M/C. Mine is in the middle of prehistoric Ural compared to your Ural of the future. Have disc brakes on front to drums on rear and sidecar. Spare tire/wheel only fits rear and sidecar. The Russian ignition failed several years ago. Now its a Ducati / Ural, lol But it's been fun. If you don't like people talking to you and approaching you about the bike.......Dont buy one lol
2004? That's practically ancient! It gives me hope that my expensive Donkey will be around long enough to embarrass and entertain my kid. I usually don't mind people asking about it because I want more people on motorcycles in general, not just sidecars. Thanks for watching!
I've been a fan of URALS ever since my kids were little and I pulled up next to one at a gas station. The first time I caused somebody else to have UDF... I kept the poor guy talking for 20 minutes. I've seen hundreds of YT videos, test drove them at dealers, go to URAL Demo Days at 2 different dealers. They're impractical, mechanically unreliable (although they're a hell of a lot better than they used to be) and I've have been reading folks on Soviet Steed call them RPOCs for decades. But, heaven help me, I LOVE the damn things. I even have a drawer full of URAL T-shirts and a set of URAL coasters. So why don't I have a URAL? Because, cc for cc, they're the most overpriced motorcycles in the world! I went to the local URAL demo day a couple months ago. New Gear-Ups, after accessories (and ALL dealers throw on a crapload of add-ons) are north of 30 grand. In some cases, way north. For a 750 cc bike you can't take on the freeway and requires 92 octane fuel. If I were wealthy and just wanted a new toy, I'd go for it. But I'm not. Even the used ones are off-the-wall expensive. My local dealer had a 12-year old Patrol that he wanted more than 10 grand for! So I watch YT videos and drool... 😭
First off, thanks so much for watching and commenting. And you're right: It's an over-priced, under-powered donkey. And I love it. It's the dumbest, most expensive thing I've ever bought. The FortNine video on Urals is what really sold me. That said, the absolutely only reason I bought this was because I got a TREMENDOUS deal from Kissell Motorsports in Tyrone, PA. The one I have, with all the upgrades, retails for about $30k brand new. I got it "used" with only 600 miles on it for about $20k. That's still a lot, but it's still got a year under warranty and this particular dealer has treated me really well with service. There's something strangely compelling about that motorcycle. As much as I love my 1800cc Honda Valkyrie, this is arguably more fun to ride.
Funny, I don't see @tomfisher47 on any of my donation lists. You're welcome to contribute to me making sharply shot and edited videos with a pro studio instead of whatever I make on my laptop in my free time. I guess you get what you pay for. Except for the Ural, you're right they are very expensive for what they are. I do want the Changjiang sidecar too but I'm sure that's even harder to get and maintain here. Thanks for watching!
Ha! Thanks for watching! Blew the video for sure. Blew the purchase? Not so sure. It's fun for sure, and maybe even more fun than the Valkyrie. Would I buy it again? Time will tell. Depends on how much my kid likes it. I absolutely love the utility vehicle aspect of it. Cheers!
I tell folks during UDF,”A Ural is the most maintenance intensive motorcycle I’ve ever owned and hands down the most fun I’ve ever had on a motorcycle.” I’m on my 2nd. one, racked up well over 100,000 miles of smiles between the two. Met so many great folk through Soviet Steeds and an awesome Ural dealer (Holopaw Ural) which I’m blessed that he’s only fifty miles from me. Life is good!
I need to learn the maintenance aspect of it better. My storage conditions are less than ideal. If you're ever passing up through the DC-area, look me up and I'll get you lunch.
We have a 2013 Gear Up, it has 34,500 km on it we do the service required regularly, ride the bike as it is meant to ridden, our bikes sweet spot for speed is 55 mph. We have met so many people because of this machine, and our dog loves it. One change we made was going to a 2 spring Harley cop seat, it makes the ride much better and easier on my back.
I like the bench for now, partly because I have a lot of room to move around on it. I'll need to service mine soon, so I'm trying to gather the greases, oils and such to make it work.
I have a 2014 Gear up, I live in the mountains of PA and so far it has been a blast. Mine likes 55-65 mph, I use the speedometer on my GPS because the motorcycle speedo is horribly inaccurate. The key to loose or muddy terrain is a little more speed. I can get a campstove, sleeping bag, sleep mat, and dishes in the trunk, leaving the sidecar open for a passenger or my pup. I have been on two wheeled bikes for 40 years, I bought the Ural for camping and grandkids. I have owned it less than a year but I believe it is a keeper. I am too impatient to ride on a very long trip at 60 mph so I will trailer for longer trips. So far I love it. Not being able to run 75 or 80 for sustained periods is the only drawback to the Ural for me. I have heard rumors about a larger displacement engine and a 5 speed gearbox, that would probably be enough of a reason for me to trade up.
I haven't heard these rumors but gat dang would being able to run 75 sustained would be great without feeling like I'm beating the machine to death. I'm hoping that in the coming wave of electric vehicles they break out the Zero / Ural cooperative model they did the prototype on. You could absolutely get more power out of that and keep a sled full of battery for long distance. I've only been riding 10yr and I love my almost-perfect Valkyrie but frankly the Ural is just more fun. I'm slowly working on a 1k mile review video (everything but baby stuff has been put aside for now) and want to talk about it more. Thanks for watching! If you're ever passing through the DC area, look me up and we'll get lunch!
@@bikerbobcat I took a ride from PA down to the Outer Banks on my Ural, the DC beltway was terrifying. You seem to like the Hondas, I think I would like to get ahold of a VLX 600 to customize a little. I don't think e bikes would work for me, too many miles and travel at the drop of a hat.
I take the beltway twice a month for a meetup and it's... not great. if you're ever coming back through this area, look me up and I'll buy you lunch. I live JUST off the beltway so I'm easy to get to.
Great video, real world, hands on info. Thanks. Always wanted one. Realize it's got some constraints...have to love it for what it is and not hate it for what it's not. But that's the charm (hopefully).
I'm working on my 1000mi review video now (very slowly, I'm sorry) and yeah, you're right. There are faster bikes you can put a sidecar on (most of them, ha!) and bikes that can off road even better, maybe even with a little bit of cargo. That's not at all what this is. Thanks for watching and if you have money to get one, I really would recommend adding it to your fleet.
Ok..I Love it. If I had the space I would get one in a hart beat!
Mine lives in the yard under a car cover. Helps keep the weeds down, too. XD
Ok on country roads. I have ridden a 2020 ural on my share of highways. 70 mph is ssscreaming and unsustainable. It’s happy at 50/55. Brakes are light and it’s heavy. It’s also a lot of fun, but let’s remember what we have here.
I actually got it up to 65 today for about 30 min and thought that was enough but you're right about 55 being ideal. I definitely want to change out the tires when they wear out, probably to the Duro 308. Thanks for watching!
Once you go hack, you’ll never go back.
My ‘12 GU continues to trundle along without issue. 20,000 kilometers and counting. Do regular servicing, ride the bike within its design parameters, and a Ural 7:29 will last and last and last.
I'm trying to find the right grease mentioned in the manual. What do you use for yours?
Not a good review. Every video about the Ural says it's unreliable but, no one says why. So tell me...electrical, mechanical, fuel, abuse, skipping regular maintenance, what?? I know many that have had no problem with their Ural with over 30K miles. Of course, they don't do stupid shit on the bike either. Modelled after the 1938 BMW R-71. These 85 year old designed bikes require constant maintenance. Filters, greasing, oil changes, adjustments, etc. These were designed for men in combat who were self reliant. Carrying men, heavy loads and towing small trailers/canon were the Military requirements. Not comfort. These are not bikes that after 5-7 years are discontinued. No other bike has lasted the test of time than the Ural.
It's not meant to be a review. Fourtnine addresses the reliability issues in his much more popular video on Urals. I'm slowly doing my 1000m review on it.
Mine had 10,000 km on it when I bought it, I have about 25,000km on it now. It is a 2014 so it is fuel injected and electronic ignition. I have changed fluids per recommendations of the owners manual. So far, my only real maintenance has been changing fluids and greasing the universal joints of the driveshaft.
We have a 2018, it was sort of an early ownership challenge because of a local dealership issue (we don't do business there at all now). However... You cannot measure the level of glee we get each and every time we jump on and ride. We built a rack for the dog that sits behind me (dog is too big to sit in my wife's lap) and we explore endlessly. Fl to WA and all parts between. These things are simple to work on provided you have some basic mech skills. If you are worried about breakdowns, buy a Zoleo or a Spot. Worse breakdown we've had while riding was a flat tire wayyyy out in the hills in CO. But we have a spare so wasn't a big deal. Folks, these things are just plain fun. Lots of get together's on the east coast as well as the annual National Sidecar rally. We have a strict no highway rule, back roads only so seldom do 55. You will make lots of new friends, as everyone wants to talk about the bike so plan on being late. We just leave a little early usually. I did upgrade to the 2:1 exhaust as we used to rate our trails by the number of times we knocked the muffler off. New bikes come std with the 2:1. Also did some seat foam mod as the original is just way to stiff. We've got about 25k miles (40k km) so above is based on some seat time. Best dealer out here on the east coast as far as my experience is Heindle Engineering (In Ohio). They always have the parts I need and do pretty much only Ural so they are focused.
What is a Zoleo or a Spot that I should be looking out for? I'm about 2000 miles down on mine and still nervous about reliability. I'm not shy about mechanics but still under warranty. I'm a little on the fence still. HOWEVER, it's still a really fun time. Took it on some gravel back roads over the weekend and had fun keeping up with giant trucks. Never lost confidence, even with no ballast. If you're ever passing through DC-area, look me up. Thanks for watching!
Yes Agree with all pro-cons. I have a2004 Ural Troyka. Been a blast to drive totally different from a regular M/C. Mine is in the middle of prehistoric Ural compared to your Ural of the future. Have disc brakes on front to drums on rear and sidecar. Spare tire/wheel only fits rear and sidecar. The Russian ignition failed several years ago. Now its a Ducati / Ural, lol
But it's been fun. If you don't like people talking to you and approaching you about the bike.......Dont buy one lol
2004? That's practically ancient! It gives me hope that my expensive Donkey will be around long enough to embarrass and entertain my kid. I usually don't mind people asking about it because I want more people on motorcycles in general, not just sidecars. Thanks for watching!
Yep, someone approached me and said my Ural was the cleanest he had ever seen. Also it has been mistaken for a BMW.
I've been a fan of URALS ever since my kids were little and I pulled up next to one at a gas station. The first time I caused somebody else to have UDF... I kept the poor guy talking for 20 minutes. I've seen hundreds of YT videos, test drove them at dealers, go to URAL Demo Days at 2 different dealers. They're impractical, mechanically unreliable (although they're a hell of a lot better than they used to be) and I've have been reading folks on Soviet Steed call them RPOCs for decades. But, heaven help me, I LOVE the damn things. I even have a drawer full of URAL T-shirts and a set of URAL coasters.
So why don't I have a URAL?
Because, cc for cc, they're the most overpriced motorcycles in the world! I went to the local URAL demo day a couple months ago. New Gear-Ups, after accessories (and ALL dealers throw on a crapload of add-ons) are north of 30 grand. In some cases, way north. For a 750 cc bike you can't take on the freeway and requires 92 octane fuel. If I were wealthy and just wanted a new toy, I'd go for it. But I'm not. Even the used ones are off-the-wall expensive. My local dealer had a 12-year old Patrol that he wanted more than 10 grand for!
So I watch YT videos and drool... 😭
First off, thanks so much for watching and commenting. And you're right: It's an over-priced, under-powered donkey. And I love it. It's the dumbest, most expensive thing I've ever bought. The FortNine video on Urals is what really sold me. That said, the absolutely only reason I bought this was because I got a TREMENDOUS deal from Kissell Motorsports in Tyrone, PA. The one I have, with all the upgrades, retails for about $30k brand new. I got it "used" with only 600 miles on it for about $20k. That's still a lot, but it's still got a year under warranty and this particular dealer has treated me really well with service.
There's something strangely compelling about that motorcycle. As much as I love my 1800cc Honda Valkyrie, this is arguably more fun to ride.
@@bikerbobcat I get it. I love 'em! Want one! One of these days, I'll get one, Lord willin' and I don't get too old to ride.
Another bad video on the unreliable ural.cant believe the price for them
Funny, I don't see @tomfisher47 on any of my donation lists. You're welcome to contribute to me making sharply shot and edited videos with a pro studio instead of whatever I make on my laptop in my free time. I guess you get what you pay for. Except for the Ural, you're right they are very expensive for what they are. I do want the Changjiang sidecar too but I'm sure that's even harder to get and maintain here. Thanks for watching!
Bad bad and bad video
You get what you pay for. Thanks for watching anyway!
All you talked about is how much the thing sucks! Looks like you blew it.
Ha! Thanks for watching! Blew the video for sure. Blew the purchase? Not so sure. It's fun for sure, and maybe even more fun than the Valkyrie. Would I buy it again? Time will tell. Depends on how much my kid likes it. I absolutely love the utility vehicle aspect of it. Cheers!