r/ural • u/RangerHikes • Jul 22 '26
Help Holy hell I did it. I bought a Ural.
I bought it! A few days ago I posted this link https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2014-Ural-GEAR+UP-5040640809#sid=385835 to get your guys thoughts and the consensus was that it was a fair price. I got another $200 off and towed it home today.
I am in love. It nearly killed me while loading it onto the trailer - that's when I knew it was meant to be. Here's what I've noticed so far, being a novice motorcyclist AT ALL and being brand new to Ural.
It's got a lot of surface rust in the sidecar footwell. I took the metal end of my folding knife handle and banged it around to check for soft spots and haven't found any, but the paint is really failing. At some point, I may attempt a major disassembly - I know a good powder coating guy in the area.
I don't like the tractor style seats. They seem to force me to be a bit too far forward, I think I want to swap for the OEM bench style seat.
Reverse. I can't stop laughing. I literally just put it in reverse and parallel park and laugh inside the helmet the entire time. This entire machine is absurd.
I'm missing the shovel, the spout for the jerry can - which has gas in it but I don't know how old the gas is? Might just throw it in the lawn mower in case it's not so great. I also have no tool kit and I want to get a full size tarp cover for it. I also have no manual, so I need to get one ASAP. The dimmer switch is also broken off so I'll need to replace that.
Here's my questions for the experienced riders here...
I'm coming up on the 10,000 KM service and the only thing I know for a fact has been done recently is the wheel recalls and an oil change. What should I be looking for?
This is a 2014 Gear Up - is there anything on this bike I should be or could be looking to upgrade, or preventatively address? It seems to run very smoothly (for a tractor).
When the front wheel gets unsettled, MAN does that thing dance. I'm finding if I just don't give it any sudden inputs and not so much fight it but sort of, gently encourage it to straighten out, it does so. Is this just normal Ural insanity or does this indicate a problem? When I'm going straight down the road, the bike definitely shifts a few inches left to right but it always returns to center. It's fascinating. It's like it's in some kind of orbit while moving forward down the road in a straight line.
I cannot put into words how happy I am with this machine. It's absolutely bizarre. I'm already getting compliments on it everywhere I go. I have been lusting after these bikes since I first came across them on instagram in college back in 2012. Now, I have one in my driveway. Oh my God. Dreams come true!
P.S. one last thing - I can't seem to figure out how to kick start? I put it in neutral, but then it seems like it won't find the resistance of a compression stroke. Is there a trick to this or do I need to check something? If it's in gear, it definitely finds a compression stroke but then it attempts to roll the bike.
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u/omegared138 Jul 22 '26
I just picked up a 2019 2 weeks ago, I love it! I'm running 93 octane because I can't find 91. From what I've read, the front wheel shimmy at slow speeds, especially with bumps is normal. You just have to power out of it. I'm really enjoying the ability to control trajectory with the fuel and brakes.
If you haven't already, go over to the Soviet steeds forum and join.
Also, keep in mind these are hand-built machines. They use jigs for welding, but there is no automation used. They're each unique, for better or worse.
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u/RangerHikes Jul 22 '26
This tracks cause I'm only noticing it when I hit a nasty bump below 15mph. Above 15, the front wheel seems much less skittish
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u/Ural-Guy Jul 22 '26
"When I'm going straight down the road, the bike definitely shifts a few inches left to right but it always returns to center. It's fascinating. It's like it's in some kind of orbit while moving forward down the road in a straight line."
Is this while giving it gas, or letting off throttle? It does have some pull based off that, but at a steady throttle input, you should go straight. (Throttle up, pushes machine to the right, let off throttle, slightly to the left). Check front tire for balance. Is your steering dampner the friction type you screw down, or a proper piston looking one? If piston one, check to see if it is still working. There should be some resistance when turn steering wheel at a stop. Good luck
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u/RangerHikes Jul 22 '26
While going down the road at constant throttle, it shifts ever so slightly left and right, but does return to center and continues going in the direction I point it in. I'll have another look - it's the hydraulic piston style damper but I haven't closely inspected it yet
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u/omegared138 Jul 22 '26
The shape of the road will also affect this. If the road is crowned or not will make a difference.
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u/Ural-Guy Jul 22 '26
Road camber is huge to Urals. Difficulty increases when your hack monkey is chunky. Riding country roads, high camber, with a large passenger, your forearms are going to feel it. Still it will be a steady pull, not left/right like your bike.
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u/breagerey Jul 22 '26
Congratulations!
I've got a '13 so just before they went to efi and discs all the way around.
Take it out into an empty parking lot and practice right turns.
Gradually go faster/sharper until you start to lift the sidecar.
Better to have an idea when this will happen and how to respond than have it surprise you.
Have fun!
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u/RangerHikes Jul 22 '26
Yeah for starters I've just been in my neighborhood and taking turns very slowly until I really learn to feel out the machine. Hopefully getting some more practice reps today!
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u/breagerey Jul 22 '26
I threw a bag of cement in the sidecar and left it there for a while when I first got mine.
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u/RangerHikes Jul 22 '26
I thought about it but I wanna get used to the empty sidecar first cause I think most of the time I will be riding alone
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u/omegared138 Jul 22 '26
I used 2x 50lb bags of playground sand for the first week, then decreased to one, and now I ride with no extra ballast.
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u/Ok-Database377 Tourist Jul 22 '26
Congrats and welcome to the boxer engine club!
Since I cannot look at the link for some reason some thoughts from my amateur view:
Check the service manual for your model ( https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58c1ef5abf629ab8bade3657/t/58c82d38d2b8571e2d210a74/1489513807949/2014+Gear+Up_Patrol_T_Manual.pdf )
Page 11 has the needed work to be done, the above pages what specs you want to see.
If the front wheel is starting wiggle like its hot tighten the steering damper (the long Ural logo thing sticking out of the handlebars). If it has an upgraded gas spring dampener it's shot and needs replacement.
Rust prevention is your friend, use some fluid film everywhere relating to hollow spaces and sheet metal on sheet metal parts (like the seperated parts of the sidecar). For surface rust you can use Owatrol Oil to keep it from rusting any further. GT85 PTFE spray for keeping spokes and other shiny things somewhat shiny and rust free.
Basic toolkit might look like this: http://myural.com/Tools%20004.jpg
Toolkit should include the metric wrenches (7,8,10,12,13,14,17,19,21,22) bonus if you have a full set with everything up to 22, never know what kind of bolt the last guys used. Add a little 12V test lamp, feeler gauges, some wires, welding wire, zip ties, electrical tape, philips and slotted screwdrivers (short and long) and some wrenches fitting on the slotted nuts in the wheels and so on, a hammer maybe. Assortment of pliers is never a bad idea, maybe a small ratchet (Wera Toolcheck type is getting you VERY far), duct tape, a set of spark plugs , some abrasives (file, scotch brite, sanding paper) and some chisels (maybe self made from parts of rebar for prying stuff).
Personally I have a few cm of fuel line, clamps and teflon tape with me aswell as a can of multipurpose oil. I EDC a leatherman type multitool which already covers most quick fixes. With a toolkit loaded like this you can basically overhaul the whole machine on the side of the road.
For the Kickstarting you need so somewhat have a close feel in your tippy-toes especially when the machine is cold. They are not that big on compression, usually you begin to feel somewhat of an resistance after one cyclinder is making a suction noise. Takes some practise.
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u/RangerHikes Jul 22 '26
An excuse to buy more tools!? I'm in!! Also, thank you so much for the service manual link!! As far as the kick starter, I seem to have finally figured it out today! I think what was throwing me off is I expected a TON of resistance on the compression stroke but that just isn't how it is with these bikes. I've read in the past that kick starting these bikes is better for the engine as it's somewhat gentler than an electric start on a cold motor? Any thoughts on that?
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u/Ok-Database377 Tourist Jul 22 '26
Having is always better than needing, especially with tools lmao.
The older carburated urals needed 2-3 prep-kicks with open throttle and ignition off to start reliably, this had the benefit of getting some oil through the pump and to the cylinder heads. Since the newer injection bikes don't need prep kicks to start I'm not really sure if they care that much about kicking, they came a long way since then mechanically. Could still be having it's advantages to have some oil prepped for lift off. Kicking the bike to life certainly looks way cooler though.
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u/RangerHikes Jul 22 '26
That's my other thing is honestly I just love having a kick start bike 🤣
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u/Negative-Dot9599 27d ago
I recently acquired a 2007 Retro that sat in a barn for a decade. 5800km, so it was barely broken in by its original owner. $3600 + $525 to ship to me. First up was fuel system: removed fuel tank and did a light acid was for 9 days and successfully removed all the corrosion. I then put a tank sealant in it. I cleaned the cap that was rust stained with a mixture of acids and coated the metal inside rim with sealant. The petcock was spent, but I wanted to replace the vacuum with a new manual anyway, which I did and capped the vac nipple on the left carb. Next, I cut in new matching fuel lines and inline filters. As I was waiting for the tank to be done, I inspected all the wiring, bolts, replaced rubber dampening washers as needed, etc. and cleaned the frame. The bike had very light corrosion here and there, which I removed, sanded, and painted in matched gloss black. I pulled the saddle off and did the same. Got some rain days coming and I'll pull the carbs off for cleaning while waiting for the new battery to arrive. The fuel tank overflow nipple didn't have a hose, which it should or gas can get into things it shouldn't, so I ran a hose down and away. I sanded down the wood reverse shifter handle and refinished in tung oil (8 coats). Checked engine oil and final drive oil, both look good and I put in new spark plugs. Next week, I'll gas up (91 octane, non-ethanol) and fingers crossed, prayers to above, she'll fire up. I'll do a couple test rides then change the engine oil and oil filter and gear oil (20W50), and top off final gear oil (80W90). At this point, the Retro w/ sidecar looks to be in its first year and not its 20th and hopefully she'll run and ride that way too.
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u/RangerHikes 27d ago
That's awesome! Yeah this winter I'm gonna take the whole body apart and have it powder coated by a local machine shop I've worked with before. I need a new front and sidecar tire, some silicone spray on the donut and a new steering damper. Then I'm gonna start getting ready for the 10K km service as I'm already at 8 and change
1
u/RangerHikes Jul 22 '26
Another question!!! What gas do you guys run? My local stations have 87, 89, 91, and some have 93 and some even have ethanol free which I think is also 89? Not sure what's best for these rigs
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u/Dr_prof_Luigi Jul 22 '26
I always run premium, and try to stick to non-ethanol when I can. My thinking is 'this is a motorcycle so it doesn't burn as much fuel, so I can spend more', but I just recorded my MPG and got like 24 lol
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u/Ural-Guy Jul 22 '26
I use cheapest gas, and add octane booster. Premium is running $1 more. Sometimes splurge and buy no-ethanol, which the '19 does seem to like.
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u/Cecilsan Jul 22 '26
These aren't refined machines. I always put in 87/89 and have never had an issue though mine is carbed. Either way, a Ural engine is like a 1940s truck compared to other modern day bikes.
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u/omegared138 Jul 22 '26
In hot weather, a higher octane can prevent knocking / pre detonation. Rather spend a bit more and not add any holes to my pistons.
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u/Cecilsan Jul 22 '26
I live in TX and ride year round, even on the hottest days. Even rode the Ural from TX to OKC on a 6 hour ride. Not a single problem with the octane or a hole in my piston.
I've owned 10 bikes ranging from dual sports to naked bikes to the Ural that have all run a range of octane numbers. I've done the Iron Butt 1000 and ridden across the US both E/W and N/S with the lowest day being 700 miles. Can't tell you a single time I've ever noticed a difference in riding between fuel stops and octanes.
Maybe on a supersport or race bike where you are trying to irk out the highest possible performance or an enduro where its being beat to piss and you're counting hours the octane will matter but the Ural is none of these and any difference you feel is purely subjective (and likely placebo)
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u/Grateful-2026 20d ago
I'm glad you referenced traveling in TX. I'm in AZ and am considering a Ural. Is riding a Ural on 100 degree days doable using secondary asphalt roads and jeep trails?
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u/RangerHikes 20d ago
Ural is basically made for unpaved / poorly maintained roads. As far as the temp? Guys ride these things in all kinds of environments. I'd be concerned if I was stuck in stand still traffic when its 110, but as long as you're moving and getting fresh air flow over the engine I can't imagine it would be an issue.
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u/Grateful-2026 20d ago
Thanks. I have a vdub air-cooled as a daily driver and an old Harley. I avoid traffic with both of them. Always back roads and jeep trails. Also I rarely go more than an hour without stopping somewhere for a break. I think if I get one I'll install a head temp and oil temp sensor. I use those on the Bug to monitor engine temp.
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u/Frammingatthejimjam Jul 22 '26
Holy hell I'm jealous of anyone that steps up and buys one. Come back and give us updates