German vs. Russian commuting

[sagerat]

So I throw on my new Rally 3 suit and push the GSA out of my 41F garage down the drive into the street.  Hit the starter button and the Beemer will spin but not fire.  "Hmm, kill switch is OK.  In neutral so not sidestand kill switch issue. Geez, I just rode it two weeks ago for three hours." After about eight tries, the engine begins to spin more slowly so I decide to stop while I'm only slightly behind.  Push that beast back up my drive into the garage.

Pull the Ural out of its midden of loads of towels, sheets, pillow cases, and whatnot that got tossed out during the house remodel.  Haven't ridden the hack for at least six weeks.  Push it out of the garage, pull the enricheners out, second stab and that 750 is sitting there just idling happily.  I imagine the Rooskie sneering at the Beemer "I've got this, you Bavarian pantywaist.  You still can't stand the cold, just like in 1941."  Change into my older riding gear because the Ural will fling a little oil on you every now and again.

Gotta laugh when an $8,200 Russian bike that's now eight years old and has its original battery shows a $23,000 BMW how it's done.  

BTW threw the GSA on the battery tender and it started fine tonight.  If it doesn't snow, maybe I'll try again with the GSA tomorrow.

[Andrew]

 
Gotta laugh when an $8,200 Russian bike that's now eight years old and has its original battery shows a $23,000 BMW how it's done.

Priceless

[Oxblood]

Remember, that Russian bike is actually a German bike.

[ksann]

I still want a Ural.




ken

[Baz]

Remember, that Russian bike is actually a German bike.

You can't prove that...  

[Ralf]

Remember, that Russian bike is actually a German bike.

And the Bavarian bike is actually a Berliner.

Saupreißn!  

[ConPilot1]

I think Ural's are the shit. I'd love to have one for the winter around here. Snow wouldn't be an excuse anymore not to ride,  

I'd love me a Ural hacker.

[Mr.Black]

I still want a Ural.




ken

Me too.


john

[Rogue]

That Russian bike is so antiquated, it probably has zero electrical draw while it sits.  Meanwhile the German bike's myriad electronic brains is sucking the life out of your battery every minute it sits.  

[sagerat]

Remember, that Russian bike is actually a German bike.

A more accurate assessment would be "That Russian bike is what a German bike used to be."  Yeah, it's essentially an airhead BMW.  

I rode the Ural again into work today and will use it for lunchtime errands despite the fact the rains here are making people imagine they've seen an ark floating down Third Street (Bend's main drag).

And yes, a Ural is a ball in the snow.  A hack really expands your riding season, especially when you add a lap robe and heated gear.  I've been out in 0F and been fine.  Main issue is fogging on the visor and/or my glasses.

[crispiegee1]

If I found one for a real steal, I'd love a Ural. Preferably army green with a red star on the tank.  

[Cablebandit]

 Main issue is fogging on the visor and/or my glasses.

... because it doesn't move fast enough to blow air into the helmet vents.  

[jfurf]

The only benefit problem with commuting via Ural is that by the time you get to the office, the workday is almost over.  

[sagerat]

On the bright side, that really keeps the buffeting down.  

The National Cycle flyscreen I stuck on it keeping the air off of my helmete is a more likely factor.

Classic UDF (Ural Delay Factor) at lunch today.  Couple of older guys stopped by my table and began asking about the Ural (they ride TW200s).  They left after a bit and my lunch buddy starts laughing and pointing out the window.  The two gents are now snapping pics of the Ural with their cell phones.  Then as I was leaving a third guy asked if "this was one of those Canadian bikes, you know, a Norton."  

[sagerat]

The only benefit problem with commuting via Ural is that by the time you get to the office, the workday is almost over.  

You say that like it's a bad thing...  

[BIWOZ]

I always wanted a Ural outfit with the drive to the 'car wheel as well. However, since the power take-off is on the RHS, and we have to have the 'cars on the LHS, we can only import the single wheel drives here.  

I want this one:

[Max Wedge]

This one is still for sale. Owner hasn't tried to sell it very hard (obviously)   and I would hazard to say an offer within $1000 of his asking price would probably nab it. Maybe even less if you are good negotiator.

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,65781.0.html

[sagerat]

I always wanted a Ural outfit with the drive to the 'car wheel as well. However, since the power take-off is on the RHS, and we have to have the 'cars on the LHS, we can only import the single wheel drives here.  

I want this one:

Ahh, the Ural Gear Up in the Gobi paint scheme.  My fave as well.  

[falconati]

ST.N Guzzi 1200 Sport-a-thon 2011
ST.N Uralgate 2012

[ConPilot1]

I always wanted a Ural outfit with the drive to the 'car wheel as well. However, since the power take-off is on the RHS, and we have to have the 'cars on the LHS, we can only import the single wheel drives here.  

I want this one:

Ohh.

That paint is soooo hot. I loves that paint job.