URAL GEAR UP LONG TERM OWNER REVIEW 

Interesting, I have wondered about taking an R Nine T and adding a sidecar.

I love it!

Where are you riding?

@@OverlandTravelAdventures Spring Lake, Michigan. I just rolled 1000 miles this summer, but no riding now that the weather is cold.

Well when he can't pronounce Ural and thinks it only has 26hp. What did you expect?

Thanks!

Yeah, but it can be a mess when you replace the tube.

Yep. And he thinks it only has 26hp. A total joke of a video.

Mine (2nd hand 2018 Ural Retro Classic) has clocked up some 40'000 km now and still runs fine. I think what most people do not realised is that this basically is a 1930's dinosaur, made for a 1930's environment that managed to survive into the 21st century. It's not made for the rush and the speeds of today so many people tend to abuse them in terms of overheating etc. It happened to me too. I ran that bike fully loaded with me, my wife and a lot of luggage from Croatia across Slovenia's countrysite up and down the hills at constant high revv's for 10 hours during mid July. No wonder the engine started to leak some oil after this trip and it took some repairs after this. Another point to keep in mind is that the sidecar setup also tends to put a higher burden on your bike than if it was a solo bike. Just think of the force you have to put into it to make it go around corners compared to a solo bike. That's also why the rear tyre wears down relatively fast compared to "normal" bikes (it is very easy to block the rear tyre on breaking). But other from that, if you know the limits of it, handle it accordingly and do services at good intervalls, it is actually not only fun but also a quite useful and reliable all day vehicle. At this, it certainly beats all the other bikes or can you name me any other bike that you can use to transport construction wood of 4 meters lenght or drive during the whole winter, even when you're cought by icy rain or snow - all things I did with my ural.

The BMW r18 is retailing for $13k and you can get a sidecar for $5-8 grand. That's only a hair more expensive than a new Ural and it's 10X the bike

Ural bikes that fail early is to 99% owner related. It seems to happen more often in Usa than EU based on they seem to believe these bikes are made to run at 75-80 mph on the highway……..they are not.

My warranty covered my shaft drive which was good.

I have had a Euro for 10 years I put 40000 miles on it I replace the driveshaft one defective calendar and the rest has been everyday maintenance I just put tires on it and change the oil and adjust the valves once in a blue moon that is a long-term ownership report

@@frankmarkovcijr5459 Thanks for that, reassuring.

Driving up from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe on I 80.

I had a 2010, sold it with 35,000 miles, never ever ever had a break down. Its like working on a VW BEETLE motor, adjust valves, change oil, brake pads. Also, i got it second hand with 3500 miles, it did eastern Trans am Trail from Atlanta to Ok City. I beat the hell outa it deer hunting, hauled out many deer with it. Its a good sturdy quirky rig.

Depends on weight and grade of the road. It should be 40 mpg on average.

At the time it was better to fix the flat as we were headed off camping.

Not this time

@@OverlandTravelAdventures No - You mentioned in the video that you had burned it out....when you burned it out, how did it happen?

Stock

I have Geico Insurance full coverage on all of my motorcycles and four $20 a year per bike I get unlimited road service I've used it any number of times with my antiques and since Geico pays better that a lot of companies that tow companies try to get out to you faster you're ridiculous pollution requirements that they require of the newer bikes are making them run boiling hot all the time I like all of my carbureted air-cooled bimmers and my Ural I have no overheating problems and I live in Florida Euro of New England makes a nice oil cooler from what I've seen you might be interested in that

Good idea, but the rear brake is your slow down brake and the front is your trim it to a stop. Very different on 3 wheels vs 2.

Yes for service. No kick stand and no lights.

Interesting, that’s my guess.

@@1DrBar the winch was bolted onto the side of the sidecar right in front of the cylinder preventing cooling air from getting to the cylinder. All air-cooled EFI bikes run hot as Hades so this was the straw that broke the camel's back.

@@1DrBar I don't remember all of the damage that occurred to that bike but the Pistons and rods look like they have been cooked. The thing was a great big winch and it was right in front of the cylinder on the Sidecar. The mechanic said that it blocked the cooling air from getting to that cylinder causing that side to overheat. And I do remember that I think if if I have the right episode in mind that he was out west with a ton of luggage to up going flat out and I guess it was just too much for the bike it just cooked itself to death. BMW boxer Motors are known for being cool running engines. But the fuel injection and the necessary leanness to pass emission controls are ridiculous. It's like the Harleys twin cams run so hot you can cook a turkey on them.

Just get one and enjoy!

Really? Do you have a Ural?

@@OverlandTravelAdventuresI do. Use both front and rear brakes. I’d also suggest reading the “Yellow Book” which is the manual on how to drive a hack. Lots of good tips and techniques. Happy trails. I’d sell my GSA before I’d part with my Gear Up. There used to be no higher compliment.

A lot of these comments are really only repeating old experiences. The newer Urals, particularly 2020+ are literally very different machines, with new manufacturing and better reliability. Moreover, if rebuilt competently, an engine like this shouldn't need rebuilding on a regular basis.

This guy knows nothing about the bike. He even said it only had 26hp when they have around 41hp. No wonder he thinks it is a "you raaal".

Check out the Insta360 cameras. It is a 360 camera shooting the video. :-)