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Junior Member
 
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/23/2008 9:04:18 AM
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| I'm considering a hack for daily commutes and cagelike errand running . My power needs are minimal , I'm quite content chuffing along at 55 -60 MPH on the superslab . My question : Will a Ural 750cc fill the bill ? I have read postings on this thread recommending a more powerful BMW hack . The sidecar will be for groceries and the girlfriend ( not necessarily in that order ). I love the seasonal wet weather that we have here , riding in it daily isn't a concern for me . Are there any of you hackers out here who have replaced your day to day cage use with a sidecar rig , and if so , what did you experience ? Motormule 2005XL1200c Seattle , Wa. " A vacant mind is a terrible thing to waste " .
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Junior Member
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Last Login: 10/23/2008 9:24:20 PM
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| That's a good question. I have zero experience with a hack...but I have also been looking at the Ural gear up model. I like the idea of two wheel drive (when needed) and reverse. I assume that you have visited the Ural web site and viewed the videos. Looks like that vehicle is more capable than a quad off-road. (and you can ride it there to get it there!) I too would like to see some feed-back from owners. I have seen some good buys on E-bay---those being sold had extremely little milage on them.
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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/1/2008 8:46:30 AM
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| I have been using a BMW/Velorex sidecar outfit as my only means of transportation for about three years now. My wife, however, has kept her car so that is available for when the rig is not appropriate. Ninety percent of my driving is on the city streets in and around the Coachella Valley, near Palm Springs, California. I usually have a 35 pound dog in the chair. The rig is perfect for runs to the store, the dog park, as well as to and from work, etc. There is really only one drawback that I can think of and that is the fact that you can't lock items in the sidecar like you would an enclosed vehicle when you park the rig in a public parking lot. (That's when the dog comes in handy.) My tug is a 1974, 750cc bike that can manage 65 miles an hour on the freeway (going downhill with a tail wind.) That is more of a problem than you might think since, at least around here, the trucks are going eighty on the freeway and the rest of the traffic, faster than that. I take a chance at giving someone road rage because I am seen as an obstacle to get around as quickly as possible. Obviously, I spend as little time as I can on the super slab. The trouble with that is about the only way to get out of this valley is by using the freeway. The only other advice I can give you (remember, free advice is usually worth every penny) concerns the need (or lack of it) for a reverse, as is found on some Ural rigs. My outfit is very easy to back up without reverse. I just stand in front of the rig, facing it, and grab the handlebars and shove. It backs up very easily, even up a gentle incline, and I feel I have complete control. If you are serious about piloting a sidecar outfit, I would strongly urge you to read the few books available on how to operate them. Also, you are lucky that you live close to a wonderful location that offers on hands sidecar training. Go to www.esc.org/sidecar for more information on that and.....GOOD LUCK!! Lawrence
DEDSLED "Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're not all out to get you."
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Senior Member
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Last Login: 7/6/2008 10:52:54 AM
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I am quite fond of my BMW/Ural rig and have been using it instead of my truck unless I need the room of the truck or towing capability.
However, I'd be reluctant to run a Ural on the slab as I like to be able to keep up AND get out of the way with a bit of throttle. If it tops out at 55 or 60 then count on roll on from 40 or 45 to be incredibly slow. If you're in a head wind it'll be even worse.
My recommendations on eBay are to proceed with caution. Be certain it is an upgraded version brought in via the US distributor rather than one just imported from Russia or elsewhere that has the Russian market valves, carbs, etc. Bear in mind that some of the older ones marketed in the US didn't have those upgrades. I can't recall the years changes were instituted so you may need to do a bit of research.
I'd also look at the seller's history and reputation. If he's made a good reputation selling trinkets then beware, the big ticket items may be ripoffs waiting to happen. Use whatever safeguards available in the transaction.
I'd want to look at the thing before buying it too. That ain't always possible with eBay.
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Average Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/14/2008 10:08:58 AM
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Bwana's advice is dead on corrrect. Stay away from the earlier Ural bikes. There were too many issues of sub-par parts and quality control. The last couple of years Ural in Russia and Ural dealers in the U.S. have upgraded the brakes and other parts for better performance and reliablity. They have also increased the horsepower slightly.
I did a lot of research a couple of years ago on the Ural sidcar rigs. The quality control was the biggest issue I had and was the number one reason I did not get one. The horsepower issue was another. Originally, they offered a 34 or 36 hp model. Way too underpowered for today's superhighways. The horsepower issue is not top speed - going 85 mph on any sidecar rig is not easy - it's being able to merge into traffic or be able to get out of harm's way by accelerating.
However, the rigs are solidly built for rugged use (think of how solid things were made in the late 1930's). For around town and off road (they offer a model with the gear driven sidecar wheel) they are probably a lot of fun.
Bottom line - I would stay away from the older ones and if you plan on long trips you may want to get an old BMW, restore it and marry it to a used Ural sidecar. New Ural rigs cost $10,000 or more - that's a lot of money that could be put towards restoring an older BMW.
Now, let me get this right - is it one down, four up?
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/23/2008 9:04:18 AM
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| Wow ! Lots of valuable info in the responses . Thanks ! I am on a mission . And I will get my hack......THE RIGHT ONE..... Keep those posts coming....an open mind is a terrible thing to waste . Motormule
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/23/2008 9:24:20 PM
Posts: 233,
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| Motormule I really am seriously considering the Ural--just because it is so unique--(to the U.S.A.) and because of its features. The gear up model with the camo paint wouldn't even need to be washed very often--and never waxed. I even thought of adding either a faux rocket launcher or machine gun to add more "realism" to its military heritage. I wonder if anyone has checked to see if the transmission will bolt up to a BMW R90 or R100 engine....wouldn't that be neat? Maybe I'd have to break out the tools--torch and hammer and squeeze in a Subaru engine---you know the one...230 H.P..... Years ago a friend of mine had an old BMW R60, I believe, with a volkswagen engine--he said it would go 60 MPH on the level, 60 MPH up hill and back down again without adjusting the throttle. Lots of torque.... Anyway, there is a Ural dealer in town--gotta go visit him and take a test ride.....
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