Comments on: URAL Sidecar Motorcycles

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 00:47:40 +0000

In reply to Michael B.. I'm no sidecar expert but theoretically with enough time and money you could put a sidecar on anything. I think some bikes are better than others because of the suspension but that's only a guess. What's nice about the URAL is it was designed with a sidecar in mind. It's ready to go.

By: Michael B.

Michael B. — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 12:11:40 +0000

Hey Steve, cannot a sidecar be added to pretty much any motorcycle? Yeah, I know – except for Ural it would be just an one-wheel drive, but the stability and cargo capacity would be there.
If so, then the challenge would be how to buy it and get it installed, I guess.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 01:28:22 +0000

In reply to Michael B.. I think URAL recognizes their quality problems and seems to be making continual improvements. Some of the URAL owners can comment more specifically. I wouldn't mind seeing another utilitarian sidecar rig on the market but something sized and priced reasonably, not one that will go 130mph and costs as much as an SUV.

By: Michael B.

Michael B. — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 12:33:21 +0000

I like the idea on paper (Ural), but I don’t trust them as to their quality and reliability at all.
If one of the big Japanese manufactures would come up with an equivalent, I’d be interested.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 20:01:48 +0000

In reply to charlie6.

I suppose you’re the evangelizing equivalent for URAL as I am for the Vespa. We each see the deeper meaning of life astride the machines….

You’re right about not rushing and slow pace. Every other part of my life seems a rush so it’s good to have something that pulls me out of that madness.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 19:59:27 +0000

In reply to SafetyBob.

While they don’t offer the flying feeling I get on two wheels, the deep involvement necessary in the machine coupled with the sort of go anywhere, anytime functionality still intrigues me. Your description “They are the best hobby in the world.” pretty much sums up that feeling.

Thanks for the kind words about the stories of my little rides. Be safe!

By: charlie6

charlie6 — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 16:24:17 +0000

Speaking from the dark side side:

All passengers in my sidecar, given time, fall asleep to the sweet murmurings of the engine…it is inevitable.

Sidecars are definitely not something for everyone. I went into the world of URAL sidecars seeking to uphold the oath I made that snow would never stop me from riding, so far, so good. Hell, I prefer snow riding to hot summer riding now.

In a rush? The URAL is not for you. Steve knows the joys to be found at taking the slow pace….and I, as well.

By: SafetyBob

SafetyBob — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 13:06:08 +0000

Steve,
A Wonderful story once again!
We have 2 Urals here and a bunch of their sister machines- the Dnepr. Nothing other than my wife, has stolen my heart like they have. They have everything a man needs: you can repair, ride, repair, ride and maybe ride again. They are the best hobby in the world.

I do not go long distances or across many states- but the riding I do is a pure joy.
I love your stories… It is like you live next door… All the best- SB

By: RichardM

RichardM — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 07:06:24 +0000

In reply to Piglet2010. The hydraulic steering damper was a huge improvement over the friction damper. Best upgrade I made!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 03:22:46 +0000

In reply to Piglet2010. I'll have to see if Kissell Motorsports has a demo I can try and report back on the steering damper.