So You Want to Buy a Ural, eh?

[@spiritwalker6153]

I have a 2015 Gear up that my wife and I took out to the Badlands of South Dakota this past summer. We motored along at a steady 55 mph all the way without any trouble for over 1000 km. I did have to downshift for some of the longer hills but otherwise no problems. I don't find any faults with this particular bike. If there is one fault, it is the UDF that accompanies us wherever we go. That is easily handled by starting out a bit earlier and anticipating it.

[@Sig721Tau]

Ted Larson UDF...?

[@nilesingalls]

what the video. "Ural delay factor"

[@MrCODEmaster00]

@@Sig721Tau "Ural Delay Factor" People talking to you, asking if it's from WW2, etc.

[@iRMacMan]

Good overview. Thanks. I have a 2014 Ural Patrol. I mostly agree with your review, especially about the tranny. Mine was so bad that at the end of my first riding season my dealer put in a new one under warranty. Shifts MUCH better, though still kind of primitive and clunky. But after all, it is old technology so it works like old technology. Oh; two things you didn't mention: first, the reverse gear. Absolutely excellent option. Especially for a bike this heavy. Maybe the top "pro" in my opinion. Then there's the handbrake: A useless device. It won't hold except on near-level surfaces and it is very easy to drive off with the brake still on. You won't even notice. But it will sure burn down your rear brake pads. These days I just put mine in first gear when I park. The only "con" I'd question is regarding the sidecar. Sidecars definitely have "cons" as well as "pros"; but that's because they are sidecars, not because they are Ural sidecars. The Ural sidecar is actually pretty civilized, as sidecars go. And rear tire wear is no worse than other sidecar rigs experience. I'll get almost 10 000 km out my rear tire. If you are getting much less, might be a good idea to have the sidecar alignment checked out. And yes, they are a shed-load of fun. They don't go fast, but they do go everywhere. Even main highways. Just don't expect much over 100 kmh. I'm in my upper seventies; my wife is three years younger. We love our Ural. It will be our last bike I expect, and I'm sure glad we didn't miss having one.

[@sunghyunjeon6974]

Man, it was fun to read your explanation N it won't be your last one Hope you could ride motorcycles til you turn 100 yrs young

[@peglegjim57]

A a fellow Ural rider, I give your comment a 10 out of 10. 😎

[@glenpierce777]

Great honest review. I love motorcycle sidecar combinations, I had a JAWA 350 and sidecar for years. They are great fun as you say, and people ALWAYS want to stop and talk about them. Peace out for the UK.

[@collins7640]

Thanks Glen! Do you own a Ural over in the UK now? I've always been interested to hear if there are any differences in the bike other than the side the sidecar is on, haha.

[@michalbartko8739]

I have ural/dneper from 1968 ! :) motocykle.bazos.sk/inzerat/67012158/KMZ-K750M.php It is for sale ;)

[@wasekoliver9973]

Glen Pierce You are from Uk and have Jawa 350?? :D

[@glenpierce777]

Wasek Oliver Yeh back in the early 80's I had one. It was black with a red side-car. I loved it.

[@pukavita]

I wouldn't have thought the 2-stroke JAWA 350 would have made it's way to UK. My Father had one around 50 years ago but without a sidecar. He later had an IJ (also 350 2-stroke) with sidecar. It shows how old we are! :)

[@peglegjim57]

I ride a 2016 Gear Up Ambassador, and I have to say that this video is well done, and spot on. It’s refreshing to watch a Ural video by someone who actually KNOWS the machine, rather than a Harley or Sport Biker comparing it to other 2 wheeled machines. Urals & other sidecar hacks may LOOK like a motorcycle, & have the same controls, but that’s where it ends. These machines are NOT for the faint of heart, and a very physical workout once you turn off the paved roadways and head into the woods! Like a lot of you folks, I’ve been riding since the late 60’s, on & off road, and this machine is my lifetime favorite. UDF is a real thing! 😂😎

[@bugoutstuff5840]

My husband and I own a DNEPR, old school, but she rocks!!!!

[@luangbamak]

The real EMP proof bike..Pre Electronics are the best..

[@BaberJacks]

i read they were slightly better then the ural. wouldbe nice to get one.to bad KMZ went bust and shut up shop

[@hubifornia]

good video, I have a 2013 gear up and total agree especially the gear box grip, also like to add that Ural seem to need a little tinkering to keep them up, also I like the fact that the sidecar seat lifts out for extra room (ice chest, dog) I would recommend a ural to a Diy kinda rider that is ready to slow down and enjoy the ride. they are loveable.

[@hckie]

rotate the tires for more even wear. Also weight shifting is the key for right hand turns. Empty parking lots are great for practise on the feel when the wheel wants to lift. I have a -89 Dnepr MT-11.

[@MC-qi9dw]

I like your video. I test drove one and found it to be fun. It's not a motorcycle like a street bike it made to be the jeep of motorcycles. And your correct about it being the adventure. I live in the Lake Meade area of Nevada. And this will be fun to take to the lake for the day. Thanks for your video I found it very good. And to the negative people out there go buy a rice burner.

[@drifter2341]

"the jeep of motorcycles" - spot on!

[@MrTurbocobra]

Great vidio, keep them coming. So close to getting one of these.

[@JamesAllmond]

I have 3 Urals! Your front fender "bumper" is actually a handle, to assist when stuck (really). Have the sidecar bumpers front and back on all 3 of mine, you probably have hit something, just don't notice. Wish my experience with EFI was as good as yours, but so far it isn't. Off idle it sucks. Check your owners manual, I do believe that have doubled the interval on the EFI models. Call or write IMWA to verify. BTW, traded a perfectly good Harley for my 2010, and sold an airhead Beemer to finance my 1995... Sidecar is an "option", can come off 2 of mine (Retro and M70), never has. The leading link fork is not adjustable like a BMW /2, geometry not really good as a two wheeler like the M70 and Retro are. I also have +200K miles on sidecars (little less than half on Urals), practice more, flying sidecar stops being a problem. Those "skinny" tires were the norm for ages! Stop using crappy Duros, mileage will go WAY up!!! Fat tires will not clear the driveshaft. Street tires are not for snow and mud (307 or 308 Duro) use knobbies on snow and mud! On pusher and sidecar. HUGE difference. My gear boxes are wonderful on all 3 (1 Russian, 2 are Herzog, like yours) your's is not adjusted right. It should NEVER grind. Adjusting the thing is an art, not a science, but MUST be done by the book, literally. My M70 and Retro have no such problem, the Sportsman did at first with NOS gears. Adjust the gear box EXACTLY by the book, will take more than one try. On my Sportsman, took about 7 tries. Enjoy, and keep the videos coming. About the gearing, with 4.61 to low for the street and off road types say it is too high already, with 3.91 final drive, great on highway, dismal off road. Overall honest review, but geez, sidecar being a negative? Wasn't that the point in buying it to start with? It's got 41 HP and a sidecar, you did expect to down shift going up hills, right? I am BIgJames on Soviet Steeds, if you ever go over there.

[@collins7640]

Hey James, thanks for the details. That's all good info. For good measure, the sidecar really isn't a negative. This is a review for people who've never even ridden a bike with a sidecar. They look cool, but a potential buyer needs to know the facts about the sidecar itself, many of which could result in someone not appreciating the drive as much as the aesthetics of the motorcycle's looks. I'll definitely need to adjust the gearbox. Honestly, it seems like the clutch will need to be adjusted to disengage more when pulling it. I'm going to join the Soviet Steeds forum and will talk more there! Thanks!

[@JamesAllmond]

Cool and understand, they are different! Rally different. You will find all sorts of info and, uh, personalities on Soviet Steeds and its older brother Russian Iron.

[@skru2b]

The skinny tires are obviously for highways, good roads - where this kind of motorcycle was supposedly meant to ride - and not for racing or offroad riding. Also one does not tilt a bike with a sidecar in the curves of the road like a racing bike so 'fat' tires are not really needed for stability or anything. "Overall honest review, but geez, sidecar being a negative? Wasn't that the point in buying it to start with?" That's really funny. Buying a sidecar motorcycle and then pointing out the sidecar as a downside of the bike is like buying a 4WD car and then pointing out the all-wheel drive like something unnecessary. Even more so, since the sidecar is detachable. Lol. The guy looks like someone who does not precisely know what he wants (to think).

[@joevanerp3227]

skru2b the side car is detachable, but the weight distribution is meant for the side car. Without it you will tip and crash

[@joevanerp3227]

skru2b the side car is detachable, but the weight distribution is meant for the side car. Without it you will tip and crash

[@jamessullivan7296]

I have a 98 Valkyrie with a Hitchhiker sidecar and I had to go to a car tire on rear and a Harley Dresser rear tire (reversed the rotation) on front. Otherwise I was spending $300 on tires every 2,000 miles. Other than that I love sidecaring! My wife and I have been all over the United States on it, over 20,000 miles.

[@dawnrobb8809]

thanks for an honest review by an owner talking about the cons

[@pastorraudel1261]

Very honest, thanks so much, still encouraged to get one, I’m glad you mentioned the negatives

[@mikenuttall302]

Never mind I came home tonight and for whatever reason I had a lot more luck. I must not have been rolling on the throttle well enough with releasing the clutch. I had a nice end of day ride. Was a lot of fun. Still getting used to the side car.

[@valvegeek]

What Ted L said. I have just acquired a terracotta color cT and love it to bits. Have no trouble with the gear shift at all. Honestly it's better than my previous 850 Moto Guzzi. Have never got on with the heel shift, so do it all as toe shift. No problem at all pull clutch and the pedal up simultaneously, snicks in, honest. (NB: for best results clutch lever play must be correct, 5 - 8mm.) OK it's a bit noisy about it BUT you can FEEL things moving around inside the box thru the lever, I never had that before as have only used shifters via a pedal linkage, which take that feedback out so that was a nice surrpise. No false neutrals yet. (Had lots on the Guzzi!) I don't rev it out just change up early, it's got the torque to do it. On the open road usually in top quickly, unless on a hill, then keep 3rd gear, let it rev more for that. Right on about the ballast, I was told even when you get more experienced, always have some weight in the car if there's no actual person in there. The whole thing works properly with something like the correct sort of weight in it, including the suspension. The disc brakes are good but they do have to work hard, as they are trying to stop several 100's of lbs! So always allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front. HTH

[@milgeekmedia]

Cheers, bud. Nice down-to-earth overview...And cute dogs! ;)

[@kwakkers68]

These look great fun! +1 for the home maintenance too.

[@amishguy54]

metzler still makes there K block hard rubber compound for side car use them for long mileage,own a bmw r60/2 since 1970 with a hack great fun

[@slamboy66]

I know I am late to the party, but I paint the chips and scratches the contrasting color.👍

[@michaelm.7389]

Thanks for the information. Thinking hard about buying a Ural Gear Up.....currently own a H.D. Road King....

[@eddiecaplan1908]

20 years ago i had a 70s dnepr 650 with right hand chair, fitted with leading link fork, It was imported from poland, in the 2 years i owned it, the only real problem i had was the timing gear stripping the teeth, needing a pain in the butt strip down, other than that, great bike!, if you are used to older harleys or british bikes, you will appreciate them!, i fitted an m72 headlamp with the speedo and switch built in, a complete rewire, using heavier guage wire, dyna coils, deeper sump, cleaned and rebuilt the carbs, fitted a bigger gas tank, from an old b.s.a, i had heard about holed pistons and other disasters, so was careful to keep fairly standard type air filters, and although had home made pipes and silencers, they had baffles, so were loud, but didnt flow too much,

[@stitchergary]

I threw a bag of cement in the sidecar when I first started riding, but shortly after felt confident enough to remove it...Used to practice in a school parking lot riding with the sidecar wheel up in the air.. 2009 I rode my Patrol through 30 states, 13 National Parks, and completed just over 14,000 miles in about 3 months... Will be retiring later this year and thinking of taking the Ural from New York State to Panama... People who would be intimidated to approach someone on a regular motorcycle have no problem coming over to look at and ask lots of questions about a Ural....thanks for the video..

[@ohwell2790]

Get a girl and throw her in there. If she is a little fat, that would be even better. Better yet if she could crawl in and out that would draw a cow or two.

[@jdr8050]

Just saw your video, really enjoyed it. I'm looking at a Gear Up as well and have heard about the shifting too. I appreciate the honesty and will take your comments as intended. Looking forward to the next video. Thanks.

[@richardmoore6295]

i have a 2013 gear up and i will agree with most of this video i will also say the gear box is'nt that bad,its not a honda or yamaha but its not sold as one.its more rural gear than urban gear,mine is powdercoated not painted and i have no chips ,but, i've been told it can rust under the powder coat without showing ,definitely the most fun i've had going slow

[@syristalaruk]

I've been eyeing the Urals for a few years and think that I'll finally get one when the 2017 models roll out. Great review!

[@collins7640]

Good choice, Sean. The new models look dope! If they come out with another Mir model for 2017, I think I'll have to trade mine in...

[@BigFiveJack]

I enjoyed your informative video very much!

[@claycollins8869]

Thank you for watching!

[@jimwortham8634]

Thanks so much for posting I am lucky to live 50 miles per hour dealer in Florida I just wish Honda made something similar I would stand in line to get it

[@charlesboone263]

This was a pretty fair video. I have a 2005 with few issues over those years. the gearbox is reminiscent of a 1940:s tractor. It works, just not like something from this century and it does loosen up as time goes on.

[@RoryAnderson]

Thanks for the video. I was hit by a car on my Honda Shadow,with some pretty bad leg/foot injuries and this is probably going to be my next bike due to my injuries.

[@richardmoore6295]

not a freeway bike but hand shifter controls are readily available

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I got my Ural sidecar outfit to have something different I'm a beamer Airhead guy and I like the Airhead BMW they have a lot more reliability than what people give them credit for I have over 40000 miles on my I paid less than $4,000 for it for the price you pay for a used bike it's like buying the sidecar and getting the motorcycle for free I run Duro 308 tires the 40 bucks apiece from Dennis Kirk I get 5,000 miles out of every one of them or more I change the oil and filter tranny fluid I have a big car battery in the trunk so I don't have to do any battery maintenance whatsoever doesn't even use water it goes and goes and goes like the Energizer Bunny and I love using the kickstarter to show the Harley guys how to start a real motorcycle women love riding in the chair because they can use the phone they can eat they can read taking snooze and they feel much safer in the chair once I convinced them that the chair just become separated from the motorcycle that only happens in the movies I go day-tripping 50 55 miles an hour bike runs nice and cool with the carburetors stainless exhaust system is nice to have but from what I see the older bikes are much better value than the newer ones I feel the company is going in the wrong direction not supplying parts for older by considering its read a half-million bikes on the road and the Russian parts are not as bad as what they makes them out to be they may not be perfect but they sure are illogic less-expensive for instance the Russian electronic ignition is $79 as opposed to do to Tecate electronic ignition which is $553 my Russian exhaust pipes and mufflers might have some Rust considering you're 25 years old but you still holding up perfectly good for me and all of the idiot lights on my gyro still work after being hit by the car on my other bmwe has become my only means of transportation because of my leg injuries I enjoyed the extra stability of the third wheel

[@Tricity_155]

Great video..thanks for sharing..i used to ride a BMW R 51/3 with sidecar so i can give you a tip for balancing the bike without passenger..put a couple of sandbags in the sidecar, when you dont have a passenger. ;)

[@revolution51]

Ural has always paid more attention to the bling than to the sting.

[@theeminitrader]

Hey Urban, Thanks for the video. Yes it is a monster you learn to love as you add KM. in 3 weeks I will be visiting the Ural HQ in Redmond WA and hope to get a good feel for the organization and its future. I hope to get a demo ride also, why not! going through the Utube videos, the gear box is one of the major complaint by users. have you tried using synthetic oil with modified Teflon additive? might be worth the try. see ya later

[@wangy01]

Ural looks really nice!

[@keetmankeetmanaa7704]

Maintenance interval is 5000 km. Pusher tire should last a bit more than 5K km. You didn't mention reverse as a plus. It is. As far as handling I suggest you get Driving A Sidecar Outfit as it has a lot of tips. Shifts get better as you and rig get more time together and you get the feel of when best to firmly heal shift for up-shifting, toe for down. It will never be quiet but should be a "clunk" rather than a grind.

[@malcolmmathers2690]

5k ? trippin

[@garydunn3037]

Just one thing puzzles me with these 3 wheelers. How do you replace a flat tire? Does it come with a Jack? to lift the offending wheel off the ground?

[@LeoTheComm]

The designers sent the wheels to sensitivity training to make them less offensive. Many Ural owners put a bottle jack in the trunk for changing the tire, you need to be sure to remember when you're done to "jack off"

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

When I get a flat I just called Geico Road Service unlimited road service $20 added to my hundred dollars a year full coverage policy Babyface Geico pays better than AAA do drivers get there faster

[@TR5T]

When I cannot hold a bike up any longer I'll look at one of these. The new ones are beauties.

[@rodrigocarrillo6906]

thank´s very helpfull, love your Gear -up

[@mattr6499]

Nice video man, good info. Maybe a short vid sometime from the sidecar point of view? One of the concerns for me would be how the sidecar rides, how much leg room, etc for my wife.

[@collins7640]

Hey Matt, thanks for the comment. My previous video of my girlfriend and I going up to Sandia Peak is shot from the sidecar, so that might give you a good idea of how that would be. In terms of leg room, there is PLENTY. My father, who is 6'2", fits easily and can stretch his legs out. Hope this helps.

[@gcprost]

Thanks for doing this. Thanks for you honesty. Gerry in Calgary

[@seanmcaleavy2369]

This should have been shot outdoors. I couldn't even really see what the bike looks like.

[@collins7640]

I have a few more videos of it in better lighting. Hopefully that'll give you a better idea.

[@aladinfox4098]

Why would you want to shoot it,- it's not that bad!

[@stupollock6851]

Great vid. Saw it a year ago and again today on rewind. I am expecting my gear up in a month. I too have had exact same concerns and perhaps even more but seem powerless to not want to have one. Ha ha

[@amandamcleod2528]

My dream bike, thx for great review.

[@classicbikeesprit]

Did I hear that right that you bought a shim kit for the valves? There are no shims just an adjuster..

[@edisona.543]

yes, i want to buy and Ural!

[@collins7640]

Do it, Edison. You won't regret it!

[@ohwell2790]

Do you have $20,000 US, Go buy one!

[@lexkantoor6514]

Edison Alvar

[@JessicasMotorWorld]

the question is where can I buy those bikes?

[@jboy2621]

I have the same gear box issue with my Buell Blast.

[@jntroisi]

I miss my 2009 Gear-Up. Great bike for adventure riding and day to day vehicle but lacks speed to make up good distance in a day. I would likely buy another once I have more leisure time. On a tour bike for now.

[@MrRunner]

I'm > 70 and have been riding for 54 years. Without question, the best gearbox bar none, better than all the Japanese, Germans, Italians and Spanish - the Velocette. Just creamy smooth. It isn't a fair comparison here as the Ural clutch rotates at engine speed, but I worked on a Beemer once (R69S) with a similar problem. Its a similar design so I'm not surprised. The clutch was not disengaging properly to take the load off the box and allow a smooth change. It took a lot of buggering about to correct it, but might it work here ? Beemers have lovely boxes, let down by clutch throw. Haven't ridden one in years so maybe they've fixed it . Still, I'll throw it out there for you mechanicals to ponder.

[@collins7640]

Hey guys, a new video will go live this weekend! I'm going to focus on the world-famous UDF (Ural Delay Factor). Stay tuned!

[@mikenuttall302]

I just bought the same rig from the same dealership. I'm trying to go up a hill from a dead stop in my neighborhood and it Boggs down and died twice. I have to take a running start at it. You made a comment about resetting a MAP sensor and the bike runs great now. How do I do that? Thanks for the help I just got bike this past Saturday.

[@collins7640]

Mike Nuttall the dealer loaded the map when I bought it. You should definitely take it back to them. It should be free.

[@mikenuttall302]

UrbanGear it runs awesome! Love riding it even in the Edgewood snow. When weather gets better will drive to Albuquerque.

[@SpectrumSurvivalist]

You are riding the clutch on take off right? Slip it.

[@noonsight2010]

Interesting video. I am looking to buy a Ural soon. I may go mad and buy a new 2017 model. Three months wait before any reach the UK though! One point. The rear tyre wear is probably related to weight. To optimise grip tyres need to get warm. Overly wide tyres on a low power machine will not get warm enough to give good grip. A basic which you seem to have missed in all your biking experience. Do you really think that after around sixty years Ural have not found the optimum tyre size?!

[@vincentsantamaria484]

Like the video. Valve shims? Don't need them on a airhead. I have a 2015 cT and had a 2012 Yamal.

[@zippysoper]

I have had my ural for five years didn't run very well when I got it it's a 94 had sit outside for 10 yr, rebuilt the engine put a new set of mic, carbs, on it some new seals and I ride it daily it had 409 klics. on it tires still had the rubber tits, on them I know have 3500 on it I found that getting the sidecar lined properly was a big benefit to the handling of the bike.

[@TimurF350]

You can find neytral easy, Just use revers lever in right of Gear box.

[@eddiecaplan1908]

If you are a competant mechanic, and love old school rides, you need to try the k750, or m72 sidevalve!!, or even the later 650 mt9 dnepr etc, they need a fair amount of regular maintenance, but thats part of the fun,

[@ohwell2790]

No it is NOT!

[@Hindukushsailing]

I am looking into buying a used 2011 Gear Up with 1900 kilometers on it. 2011 do you know of anything that was a problem for that year? Also tires what size are they and how much are they? Just asking because oil filter etc not a big off the shelf items? Guess asking where do you source parts for these machines. Thanks enjoyed watching the Ural videos you posted.

[@collins7640]

Thanks for the comment! Would you mind me asking how much they want for it? I tend to see that the newer [2010-on] Urals are still priced in the $10k-13k range. If you're going to pay that kind of money, I'd get a used or new 2014-on with fuel injection and disc brakes all-around. I'll never go back to a carb.

[@Hindukushsailing]

In that price range. Other than better fuel economy why efi?

[@SpectrumSurvivalist]

Engine also runs smoother, and has more power. Better, smother torque curve too.

[@zipdedoda6532]

Love the style.

[@theeminitrader]

Hey Urban, Philippe again. have you thought about using ballast when you're riding solo? Oh also I changed my channel name, aha.

[@collins7640]

Hey Philippe, sorry about the delayed response. With my experience, a ballast really isn't needed; just don't drive like a hooligan haha. Right turns are tricky, but just go slowly and get used to the sidecar lifting off of the ground. It's not as bad as it sounds. I got used to it within a ride or two.

[@STUDIO-pj3qx]

I do also want a Ural too! What is the weight limit for the Ural? There is nothing small about me.

[@chriskucharski1631]

I believe is 1200 lbs so you should be good there.

[@collins7640]

Haha,. Chris, that Jr Bigcat guy is someone I work with. He's just trying to troll my videos.

[@chriskucharski1631]

UrbanGear haha. Cool. anyway... It will be a good info for potential ural buyers. good vids! keep em coming.

[@tim7527]

1000 mile oil change ?

[@505197]

What do you mean by "I bought a shim kit for the valves"? I'd be floored if you needed anything besides a wrench, a screwdriver, and a feeler gauge or two. I own 4 BMW bikes, one airhead 91 GS, which is my favorite. I'm going to have a Ural in here to get running after sitting a few years. I've never ridden a side car motorcycle, and I'm looking forward to seeing if it's everything I believe it isn't. To me the lean of a motorcycle is what makes it enjoyable. But who knows, maybe I'll fall in love with the ugly under powered Ural....but I doubt it.

[@Sig721Tau]

Geesh, quit shaking the dam camera. It's making my eyes hurt and me dizzy. Otherwise, great info on this unique bike.

[@gec343]

Excellent!

[@ronanrogers4127]

Great info, thank you. Have you thought about changing to Heidenau K60 Scout tires? They get great mileage on big KTM Adventure bikes, 9000-10,000 Miles easy. Maybe a sidecar setup will get less, but they’re a really good, tough tire and come in a decent size range

[@moldoveanudragos9306]

Why change the tire. Just put the back tire on the side car and the sidecar tire on the back since they are interchangeable.

[@gittys1982]

Great bike. If you like offroad adventure - ride it and you can drive everywhere.

[@plaid13]

Might consider rotating the tires on a bike like this. Every other oil change or something just flip them all around. You dont need great tread on that side car tire.

[@nvs-nvs]

Nice bike! He likes off-road. Tanks are not afraid of dirt

[@donaldjones3580]

The last segment audio isn't there, other wise nice video.

[@gcprost]

Thanks for doing this.

[@ronernst3991]

Give the clutch a proper adjustment.

[@dennism103]

they are very cool.

[@watchandknock607]

Great Video, thanks!

[@tp6498]

As someone who's never owned a motorcycle but is considering the Ural as my first bike, I'd like to throw this question out to you and your subscribers. Am I wrong in assuming that because it comes with a sidecar and is two wheel drive and has reverse that it's easier to learn on? I've had friends who ride tell me that a bike and sidecar combination has a very awkward steering and cornering feel to it than a traditional motorcycle. You feel like your arms are in the position of hugging an imaginary barrel, especially in a turn, is how one friend described it. Me personally, well I just can't get past that classic, old school look of the Ural. What do you guys think? Thanks.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

You can go and check out the driver's ed class at the Harley shop because they have special sychar classes and try classes but you have to find them

[@AndyGMattson]

I want buy a Gear Up with all the acc.

[@NSander]

Why don't you just put some wider tires on it ? :)

[@collins7640]

Haha, that's easier said than done. Sure, I could roll with some thicker tires, but that would affect every aspect of handling and this thing needs every advantage it can get. Wider tires=more rotational weight and less speed.

[@NSander]

I'm not sure what tires you run now, but i have 4" on mine, and haven't noted any significant change. But of course, it will always be a compromise. :)

[@luangbamak]

Wider might look good, but in Off road and snow conditions you are better off with the original tire size 4.00 - 19" to fit the rim properly and you'll never get stuck.. I use these on and off road tires; maskindack.se/smadack/mc-cross-enduro-off-road/19/400-19-duro-hf313/ About $200. for a set of 4.

[@necmettinovacik9288]

thin tires are for off road and deep mud, it's a requirement for the purpose they were built.

[@Zetetic_Method]

I see in your garage you have the forerunner as well...solid white American taste. well done, sir!

[@wild6496]

Aw shit! Look whose in my feed! 👀 sweet vid mang!

[@ccorey183]

Do you still have this bike? How has the reliability been over the long term.

[@haroldbevins393]

Just a thought, aren't the wheels all interchangeable? If that is the case, then you can rotate them as you do on a car so the tread lasts longer..

[@sageotime]

Suggest using a tripod for STEADY shots. Edit close-ups into video.

[@tyki7915]

i'm sold. the tires are a compromise from every angle. they are purely utilitarian. i'm saving up for this trike.

[@dawss]

Why would you waste your money

[@GLOB4LP4ND3M1C]

The moment I say goodbye to my car I'm saying hello to this bike.

[@AndreaHasenhöhle]

can you ride it without sidecar?

[@michalbartko8739]

Yes, you can :)

[@collins7640]

Polárka Zlo you really can't. The rig is cambered to operate with a sidecar attached. I wouldn't recommend it.

[@citizenq9307]

Can't say about this version but it was possible to ride original Ural without a sidecar. Russian road police in 70--80th used Urals without sidecar often.

[@siriofabrizio2495]

Hello! i love your bike! can you ride it whitout sidercar?

[@michaelcarrigan2513]

Sweet 4-Runner!

[@ohwell2790]

I priced one at over $20,000 US. There is no way I would buy at that price. So you have a tool kit, what about parts? And on the road mail order parts from were?

[@MrEye4get]

What's the top speed with a passenger? I read 70mph? The have them for sale in Thailand but outrageously expensive!

[@collins7640]

I can't believe they cost so much to import over there! Insane. But, to answer your question: it depends on the conditions. If you're just taking a passenger and no gear, you can expect 60-65mph comfortably. With some gear for camping, you're looking at about 60mph as a top, depending on the elevation :)

[@eddiecaplan1908]

I found 55-60 was the absolute max you would expect, even fully loaded,

[@SwordsmanXB12Ss]

I had a 2010 carb model, and I could just touch 65mph solo, but it felt like it was about to self destruct. Not recommended, imho. FI model may be a totally different animal...?

[@sharp_shopper_prophet1453]

Dude! Is that a 1st gen 4Runner? I have an 84!

[@collins7640]

540SpaceCowboy sure is! It's an 86 Turbo model.

[@sharp_shopper_prophet1453]

+UrbanGear that's pretty badass man!

[@tx2sturgis]

Wait...a 'shim kit' for the valves? Dude, these use screw type adjusters...no where to put any shims. As far as the gear box, it shifts fine IF you dont rush it. Use the heel shifter and push down firmly to upshift AFTER the rpms have dropped...about 1 or 2 seconds after you pull in the clutch. On downshifts, slightly 'blip' the throttle and toe shift it down...it will shift with a nice 'thwack'....if you get grinding noises or false neutrals you arent doing it right. The 'skinny' tires will last much longer than you think...as they square off they will go many thousands of miles further. And, for serious off-road tires, just put an aggressive knobby on the pusher wheel.

[@collins7640]

tx2sturgis eaaaasy there tiger. I'm sorry I said shims instead of feeler gauge, but everyone seems to know what I meant except you. Also, the gear box does suck. There's no denying it. This review is FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER RIDDEN A URAL AND ARE THINKING OF BUYING ONE. Coming from a smooth gear box to a clunky one could be a big issue for new Ural riders. Having to treat it like the moody bastard it is kind of takes away from the rest of the bike that's rugged and requires zero finesse.

[@tx2sturgis]

I just wanted you to be aware of the fact that maybe a dealer had somehow sold you a 'Ural shim kit'... And yeah, it DOES require a different skill set to ride the Ural..compared to any average and refined UJM....no denying it. I like it that way. The URAL gearbox is STRONG, it has to be, and there is a LOT of flywheel effect to control...an yeah, its not buttery smooth. Its like shifting a tractor. If you took a pilot from a modern Learjet to an old Piper Cub, its going to be a bit raw and in your face...and hey what's up with this damn tail-dragger? But it is the nature of the beast. And most likely he will enjoy it, once he figures it out.

[@agoodun]

Because changing coolant is sooooo hard

[@MichaelSmith-qw3is]

Question, Did you forget to say the side car can be detached and Ural can be driven solo or I was not listening you well.

[@coffinman5007]

Needs a different gearing then

[@mikematthews7166]

But is it reliable? Everything thing else is bells and whistles.

[@GTPLewellen]

How's the URAL these days? Do you regret your purchase yet?

[@TomvdHeuvel]

I always thought about buying an older 70's Dnepr k750 Not the same bike, but a lot of stuff in similair.

[@logoseven3365]

Full time 2wd on the Dnepr. Works great on road too. I own a CJ750. One wheel drive. The differential makes a world of difference. Parts however...

[@TomvdHeuvel]

i'm from europe, parts are more plentyfull out here. have a good day!

[@thomasdesantis5562]

what year is your URAL?

[@terrystravels834]

Did you hear about the guy that trashed his URAL because of reliability problems.

[@TheRumbles13]

Nice 4 runner

[@grlygirl1264]

I have a Ural...and a Harley. I got my Harley first. Completely different animals.. I love both of them.. but the Ural is HOOT! In fact, I refer to my Harley as my thoroughbred and my Ural as my donkey.

[@dvaal]

ive got 1987 utral... its younger me for 2 years xD... best regards from russia