Why the Ural Sidecar is Ideal for Us *Now Acquired*

[R Doug]

Because it was going to be in the mid 90's today here in the foothills of NC, Sheri and I decided to go spend the day in Charlotte, NC and take in a few touristy things instead of doing something outside.  There is a big BMW/Ducati/Triumph/MV/Ural dealer just south of town and I wanted to check out a few items they may have had in stock (mostly riding gear and a tank bag).  

Secretly, I wanted Sheri (my wife of nearly 20 years) to see a Ural up front and in person.  I wanted her to sit in the sidecar and get a feel for it.  She is absolutely petrified of motorcycles.  She's not interested in being a pillion with anyone nor riding a motorcycle of her own.  However, when we would see a Ural going down the road, she would say, "now that's something I would consider."

Given my long-time fascination with the hack, I always thought it would be nice to own one. Traveling on a Ural would be such a 180 of how I travel on a bike.  I literally SPORT-tour.  I don't stop to smell the roses much, it's about getting in as many fun-packed miles the day and my butt will allow.  But, with a sidecar, it's a totally different ride.  First, there's no leaning nor counter-steering.  You drive this rig more than ride it.   The only similarity is the seating position.   The bike is for taking very relaxing low and slow rides through the country.  And, if I'm able to do that with Sheri, that makes it all worthwhile.  

As we were looking around in the dealership showroom, one of the employees (turns out it was the owner Mark) talks to us about the Ural Tourist in front of us.  He asked me about my experience with one as I was sure he was sizing me up for a test ride.  Well, they don't offer test rides to just anyone because of the nature of the rig and the fear that a noob would fly the cart unintentionally and crash the thing.  When he found out the biggest reason we were looking at one is to see if Sheri would be scared of riding in the sidecar, he offered to take her for a long test ride.  I graciously accepted and off they went.  

Before they departed, I got them to pose for me.  My apologies for the crappy iPhone pic.



What was about 20 minutes later, Mark and Sheri came back to the dealership and Sheri was grinning ear to ear and giggling. SHE LOVE IT.  She walked back into the showroom with Mark and told me I could get one anytime I wanted.  She's ready for a road trip!  Whoot!!!!

Since i just used a good bit of my dry power (i.e. cash) on the RT, I'll need to start saving.  Mark told me to come back anytime and he'll let me take one for a test ride.  I'm going to start saving now.  There is a VERY good chance I'll be getting a Ural (Patrol or Tourist) sometime soon!  

The one major question I have right now from experienced Ural owners is, is the sidecar more comfortable in the Tourist v. the Patrol?  We were told it was and since passenger comfort is the #1 criteria, I would be willing to give up the 2WD option.  

[stromgal]

The sidecars are identical. The Tourist simply has a windscreen, which can be ordered for a Patrol should you wish the 2-wheel drive. Honestly, unless you're going to be climbing loose rock scree or muddy river banks, the regular drive can get you most everywhere.

[R Doug]

Thanks for the feedback.  I would rather have a 2WD because I do tend to get a big adventurous off road so it would be handy.  For the most part, I agree that the Tourist would be just fine.  

Regarding the sidecar, if you look at the image above, the sidecar on the Tourist had a padded liner on the inside and a more comfortable seat.  Perhaps the Patrol she took her test ride in was an older model and they have revised the interior of the sidecar since?  

[Papa Lazarou]

I had my Cossacks, Urals and Dneprs years ago, so I'm not much help. Except for this: it doesn't really matter what the padding is like, as you can always add a cushion.  

[stromgal]

Ah, I thought you were referring to size or somethin'.  The Tourist has has more bells and whistles on the sidecar, as you noticed. But if Sheri was happy with the accommodations in the Patrol, all you might need is a windscreen. And a nice blanket for cool days/nights.

[camaroz1985]

Thanks for the feedback.  I would rather have a 2WD because I do tend to get a big adventurous off road so it would be handy.  For the most part, I agree that the Tourist would be just fine.  

Regarding the sidecar, if you look at the image above, the sidecar on the Tourist had a padded liner on the inside and a more comfortable seat.  Perhaps the Patrol she took her test ride in was an older model and they have revised the interior of the sidecar since?  

The padded liner is an add on, not standard.  It could be added to any of them.  From what I'm told the 1WD models have the sidecar lower than the 2WD models, and therefore handle on the road a little better.

I have a 2WD model, and I got it much for the same reason as you, my wife wouldn't ride a motorcycle and I wanted to be able to take trips with her.  I am happy to say that she too loves it, and it is the only motorcycle she is actually excited about.  To top it off, I love riding it, and it is very useful in the utility it offers vs. a two wheeler.  I almost never need the cage.

You can look into used models to save yourself some money.  In general, most people say to look for a 2007+ model based on the revisions that were introduced that year.  If you search for Ural changes by year, you can find a good list of everything that changed and make that decision for yourself.  Also, if you haven't already, look at Soviet Steeds and Russian Iron forums for lots and lots of good info.

Edit: Here is a site that lists the changes for a few recent years.

http://www.uralnw.com/ural/yearlychanges.html

There are other more comprehensive lists, just haven't found the one I'm thinking of.

[R Doug]

Thanks camaroz1985, that's great information.    

[Rincewind]

Very cool story, Doug.  Did you get to test ride one for yourself yet?  

I hope she waives that $750 bet when you pick one up.    

[sammyseaman]

Very cool story, Doug.  Did you get to test ride one for yourself yet?  

I hope she waives that $750 bet when you pick one up.    

  I forgot about that

[R Doug]

That bet was only if I sold or traded in the RT.  

Acquiring a 2nd bike is fair game and expected.  

[Justin]

You do realize they are slow right? If you plan on traveling, I think 55 MPH cruising speed on the hwy will get old quick. I was originally looking at Urals, and chose an old airhead instead.

[Mr.Black]

I would love a Ural TWD for the snowy times here.

I could bring Mrs. Black on rides as her hips rule out a standard two up situation. Hell, I could even give the Mominator an occasional fly in the chair to test her old heart!


 Congrats all around.

[sammyseaman]

I would love a Ural TWD for the snowy times here.

I could bring Mrs. Black on rides as her hips rule out a standard two up situation. Hell, I could even give the Mominator an occasional fly in the chair to test her old heart!

 Congrats all around.

   

[sagerat]

Got here a bit late.

As others noted, the 2WD models handle a bit more squirrely than the 1WD models as the hack is slightly higher and a skoosh forward.  The 1WDs also get a bit better mileage.  In terms of handling, the leading link models (Tourist, Patrol, Gear Up) are easier to steer IMHO than the Retro, which has telescoping forks.  Also the Tourist, Patrol, and GU have 19" wheels rather than the 18" of the Retro, which makes better off-pavement.

As for the speed, they are like old airheads in that they run better once you get about 15,000-20,000 kms on them, but it's going to be a marginal improvement.  My '04 Tourist now has ~35,000 kms on it and will easily cruise all day on level ground at 60-62 mph.  Yeah, they are slower, but if the gf is along I'm will to make that trade every day, all day.

And if you've been married to Sheri for almost 20 years, from that pic she was a senior in high school?!    If yo want more thoughts on a Ural let me know.

Bottom line:  it's the best $8,200 I've ever spent and it's the last bike I'd ever sell.  Period.

[R Doug]

Thanks for the info!  The more I've thought about it, a 1WD model will suit us just fine.  The only off roading I'll be doing would include well maintained gravel roads.  I believe a 1WD will be just fine.  Plus, I'll get the hack at a lower price and it will handle better.  That sounds like the best option.  

As for Sheri, we married just out of college.  She's getting ready to turn the big  4 - 0 and gets comments about how young she looks all the time.  I did good, no?    I'll let you know how old you *thought* she was.  

[sagerat]

Before we all got KLR's, the four Foilheads used our Urals as dual sports through the BLM and USFS lands.  Three were 1WD ('02 Bavarian Classic, which is akin to the Retro they have now; an '04 Tourist and an '05 Tourist; and an '06 Gear Up).  We could go just about anywhere the GU could go.  We did everything from gravel roads to sketchy two-tracks.  The challenge with the Ural on two-tracks is twofold:  your wheelbase never matches up with the ruts on the road and on a rigid-mounted sidecar the camber of the road can be spooky, when the chair side of the trail is higher than the bike, it's not a nice feeling.

Still, the Urals went everywhere and when I started to get stuck, I'd stand on the passenger pegs.  Downhill they can start to plow and the compression braking from the engine is not very much, particularly when you figure the rig weighs ~740 pounds unladen.  Still, it was a ball on gravel roads although I never was as nervy as my buddies who routinely did three-wheel drifts around every corner.

Sher, my gf, has fallen asleep in the hack on more than one road trip.  Also the newer models have more passenger amenities available for the hack, including a plug for heated gear.

I'd say get a Tourist and be on your merry way as it comes with a luggage rack and a spare tire.  Urals are similar to Guzzis in the respect a lightly used one the previous owner will likely have sorted through any and all teething pains.  Urals also have an excellent warranty.  

[camaroz1985]

I did a 400 mile trip a few months ago with about 300 off pavement (gravel road, unmaintained road, and even some dual sport trails).  I never once needed or even thought about using 2WD.  I got the 2WD for two reasons: to ride in the snow, and most importantly, it was used, and priced right (cheaper than most 1WD models of similar age).

I love putting miles on, and can't wait for winter to get here.  I am going get the tub and underside of the fenders rhino lined before the winter to help ward off any rust that may come from the insane amount of salt they use on PA roads.

[Cablebandit]

The upside is the roads are pretty much clear a couple hours after it stops snowing.

[sammyseaman]

I did a 400 mile trip a few months ago with about 300 off pavement (gravel road, unmaintained road, and even some dual sport trails).  I never once needed or even thought about using 2WD.  I got the 2WD for two reasons: to ride in the snow, and most importantly, it was used, and priced right (cheaper than most 1WD models of similar age).

I love putting miles on, and can't wait for winter to get here.  I am going get the tub and underside of the fenders rhino lined before the winter to help ward off any rust that may come from the insane amount of salt they use on PA roads.

   

[nevinfs327]

   

+1

Ride report???  What is it with Ural guys and an inability to take pics?  

I'm very intrigued by these, though probably wouldn't own in the city as it gives up many of the benefits of being on 2 wheels...

[sammyseaman]

+1

Ride report???  What is it with Ural guys and an inability to take pics?  

I'm very intrigued by these, though probably wouldn't own in the city as it gives up many of the benefits of being on 2 wheels...

They're probably having too much fun to stop long enough to snap a few pics  

[camaroz1985]

I'll work on it.

[sagerat]

Hey my ride report to Couer d'Alene had pics; not Mister Smooth or kurtw quality, but at least no pics had my thumb in the foreground.

And we Ural guys don't take pic as do you know how much flashpowder and wet glass plates cost these days?  

[Andrew]

Hey my ride report to Couer d'Alene had pics; not Mister Smooth or kurtw quality, but at least no pics had my thumb in the foreground.

And we Ural guys don't take pic as do you know how much flashpowder and wet glass plates cost these days?  

Speak for yourself, I upgraded to Flash Bulbs and getting my film developed on slides (that way I can force all who come to visit to sit and in dour hours of slides on the pull down screen)  

[nevinfs327]

Speak for yourself, I upgraded to Flash Bulbs and getting my film developed on slides (that way I can force all who come to visit to sit and in dour hours of slides on the pull down screen)  

Is this the one instance where a Guzzi guy is more modern?  In full disclosure I messed up a digital transfer last night.  Had a beautiful ride up the coast, along the Russian River and through wine country, with many pics, but deleted them from the camera faster than they uploaded to Photobucket.  Got 3 which I offer as trade for a Ural report  

[R Doug]

On my way home from business related travel, I picked up the most recent copy of Motorcyclist Magazine for something to read on the plane.  I didn't know it contained a road trip article about a dad and his daughter traveling on a Ural.




Sheri and I are currently putting away money to save up to acquire a Ural based on her test ride last year.  The Ural read re-enthused me to stay committed to our savings plan.  I gave the article to Sheri for her to read.  I asked her if we should stay the course in our savings to acquire a Ural.  Based on her Facebook post today, I'd say the answer is yes.  

[Windblown]

 

In the first pic I figured she was your daughter.

 

 

[R Doug]

 

In the first pic I figured she was your daughter.

 

 

   I get that a lot.

 



(she's 2 years younger than me. She just ages at a rate about twice as slow as me)

[sagerat]

Just make sure you buy from a decent dealer.  Urals are like Guzzis in that intial set-up is critical.  Look forward to seeing you on three wheels next year.  

[R Doug]

Just make sure you buy from a decent dealer.  Urals are like Guzzis in that intial set-up is critical.  Look forward to seeing you on three wheels next year.  

You bet.  I believe I've found a good dealer in Charlotte based on my research.  The owner Mark is a good guy to boot.  The nice thing about me waiting is the dealer just picked up Ural early last year.  I'll give them a solid two years and find out how they're doing via some of the local forums.  But, the owner has taken a love to the hack as he's acquired one himself.  

Sheri and I are going to take their sidecar class this summer.  That way, I can get some seat time on them and even qualify to test ride so I'll be able to make a more educated decision.  

[nevinfs327]

Nice - I eagerly await your ride reports with pics unlike these other Ural guys  

[sagerat]

 

[Mr.Black]

Nice - I eagerly await your ride reports with pics unlike these other Ural guys  

 

 

I look forward to them as well.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 


I thought that the Ural would be awesome to have, but then I looked at the service intervals and that held me back. But I can definitely see where there are many, many benefits that overshadow that  

[camaroz1985]

Nice - I eagerly await your ride reports with pics unlike these other Ural guys  

It's coming don't worry.  Only 4 months since the ride.  I think I have a 6 month window.

Oh, but I did get to ride in some snow, and even with the roads covered in 1-2 inches no need for 2wd.  I even stopped in the middle of the steepest hill I could find and it slipped a little, but rode right up.  This is on the factory Uralshina tires.  Wish it would snow more here in south central PA so I could try it out.  The looks you get while riding in the snow are priceless.

Glad your wife is so excited about the Ural.  Mine wasn't initially, but she has come around to the point she asks to go for rides, just not when it is so cold.

[R Doug]

Maintenance?  

Old School E-Z

[Stripes]

   I should've bought one before winter hit...  

[camaroz1985]

   I should've bought one before winter hit...  

Yeah you should have.  Today when I left for work I thought to myself "Oh, I didn't check the weather, wonder if its going to snow or be icy."  Then I remembered it doesn't matter.  With the Ural I can ride whenever, wherever.  Though the one one place I have been avoiding is the local (less than half a mile from my house) Kawasaki/Ducati/Suzuki dealer.  I have been really wanting a Ninja 300 lately.

[Stripes]

Yeah you should have.  Today when I left for work I thought to myself "Oh, I didn't check the weather, wonder if its going to snow or be icy."  Then I remembered it doesn't matter.  With the Ural I can ride whenever, wherever.

Rub it in why don't ya!  

[R Doug]

We're very close to UAT (Ural Acquisition Time).  But, there are some things we need to do in order to get ready.  First, there is no room in the main garage for the Ural unless I want to keep my car outside.  I've done that for too long in the past and won't do it again.  So...

Step 1:  Acquire garage door open for utility garage in basement.  The door is a 7' x 7' and there's plenty of room down there to park a Ural. ** done **

Step 2:  The gate to our back yard is only 5' wide.  We need to order and install a 6' gate in order that the Ural can fit. **  done **

Step 3:  Acquire moto gear for spouse who is the primary reason behind obtaining a Ural.  ** done **

Step 4:  Contact dealer and purchase bike ** pending **  

[Virginian]

Nice Doug. Looking forward towards your new addition to the family. An adopted Russian child is always a good deed.

Eric

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 

[camaroz1985]

Looks like you have all the bases covered.  What model are you looking at?

[R Doug]

Looks like you have all the bases covered.  What model are you looking at?

Sheri REALLY likes the Yamal.  It'll be interesting if we can find one.

I'd like to have a Patrol or Gear Up.  I don't care for the blue with white on the Patrol, all other colors are fine with me.  We both actually like the orange.  It provides a little more visibility.  

[sagerat]

I believe Ural sold out all of its Yamals already.  IMZ imported 50 and they were gone in a few weeks.

I can't remember the width of a Ural, but I'm sure you found a test case and did all the appropriate measurements twice before doing the home improvements.  Just kidding.  

IIRC around 2007-08 or so Ural imported an orange camo GU which polite Foilheads refer to as Pumpkin Gear Ups while impolite Foilheads call it the vomit and piss paint job.  Pictures really don't do that orange and yellow paint job justice.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 IIRC around 2007-08 or so Ural imported an orange camo GU which polite Foilheads refer to as Pumpkin Gear Ups while impolite Foilheads call it the vomit and piss paint job.  Pictures really don't do that orange and yellow paint job justice.  

Oh god - that IS hideous!  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Then there's always this use for the sidecar...  

[Virginian]

Good gawd that orange camo is terrible!  

[R Doug]

You guys are cracking me up.  

Step 4:  Contact dealer and purchase bike ** DONE **  

Step 4 has been completed.

The Ural Warehouse in NJ had two 2013s in stock, one black T and one orange w/ silver Patrol.  Now it only has the black T.  The Patrol is being shipped to us (since we put a deposit down on it).

It'll look like this.

[nevinfs327]

 

Step 4 has been completed.

It'll look like this.

[sagerat]

Schweet!      You'll appreciate that black cover on the instrument panel on sunny days unlike the chrome signal mirror I have which blinds me, periodically.  "Aack!  Must turn south or east immediately!"

Now go join Soviet Steeds.  I'm sagerat over there as well.

[Virginian]

Congrats Doug!  

Eric

[R Doug]

 

Sheri is still jumping for joy!  That, more than the Ural, makes my day.  

Apparently, this is what the bike looks like as it sits in the NJ warehouse:

[camaroz1985]

Awesome.  That is my favorite color.

[Virginian]

Love the color!  

[R Doug]

Now go join Soviet Steeds.  I'm sagerat over there as well.

I just tried to join.  I wasn't able to answer the spam prevention question which is, "What is holding a tool in its mouth in the logo at the top left side of this page?"

I tried... steed, soviet steed, horse...

I maxed out and now it won't let me join.  

[stromgal]

A lovely and eye-catching color scheme.    It'll likely contribute to an even more powerful case of UDF (Ural Delay Factor).  

[GerryPetrecca]

 

Sheri is still jumping for joy!  That, more than the Ural, makes my day.  

Apparently, this is what the bike looks like as it sits in the NJ warehouse:

congrats on teh new bike.  REALLY love the color.  Wouldn't mind having just the bike in that color.

Wher are you located??

[R Doug]

 It'll likely contribute to an even more powerful case of UDF (Ural Delay Factor).  

As new Uralists, Sheri and I have leared about this phenomenon but haven't experienced it yet.  

congrats on teh new bike.  REALLY love the color.  Wouldn't mind having just the bike in that color.

Wher are you located??

Thanks.  We're in central NC.

[sagerat]

Just out of curiosity, any reason you didn't try Holopaw Gene down in Fla?

Those orange/silver Patrols are very classy looking.

[mugwump58]

That is a good looking bike

[Max Wedge]

Love the color!   congrats and post lots of pictures!

[R Doug]

Just out of curiosity, any reason you didn't try Holopaw Gene down in Fla?

Those orange/silver Patrols are very classy looking.

He's nearly 700 miles from me.  I prefer to deal with a more local dealer.  

[Stripes]

Congrats!  I'm jealous...

[Justin]

Congrats   - Those Orange ones looks great!

[Mastros2]

Congrats Doug! Beautiful bike.  

[SprintRSrider]

Wow, man that is sweet!  Congrats Doug!  

[DkKnight]

Congrats - have fun keeping the wife smiling !!

DK

[R Doug]

 

Delivery now set up and documentation has been completed.  The rig should be in my possession tomorrow, March 29, by 1PM.  Pictures to follow.  

Our first ride should be this Saturday.  Ride report to follow.

 

[R Doug]

 

[viffergyrl]

Oh my. That is hawt.    

Wait... can I say that about a Ural?   Looking forward to the ride report....  

[Scratch33]

Congrats, Doug.  Looking forward to action shots.  

[stromgal]

замечательный!  

[sagerat]

Don't be surprised if the RT doesn't get ridden that much now that you've got a Ural.  It's a known pattern.  

[Mr.Black]

замечательный!  

То, что она сказала!

[R Doug]

замечательный!  

СПАСИБО

[camaroz1985]

Now you need a Ural license plate for the wall.

[Virginian]

  X 1 brazillion!

Eric