35634
Mars needs women!
Thanks to everyone for their input, I took the plunge and have had my Gear-up for about 6 weeks now. Thought I'd relate some impressions.
First of all, I love it. My kids love it. My wife likes it. Complete strangers love it. People almost drive off the road gawking at it. Everyone want to ask about it.
Lots of maintenance. Mostly easy, old school stuff. 500km then every 3000km. Fortunately, Ural encourages owners to do it themselves and I enjoy the excuse to hibernate in the garage occasionally.
Lots of new skills to learn. Not sure how much is general hack stuff and how much is Ural specific, but it's a different world than 2 wheeling. I have adjusted to brakes, shifting, acceleration, handling, noises, ergonomics and engineering that would have me running for the exit on any other bike. But with this rig it's part of the charm. If it was more modern it would just be another forgettable ride.
Owning a Ural requires a commitment from the owner, and it returns that commitment with a very unique set of rewards. I didn't realize what an adjustment I was making until I got back on my ancient K75s and it seemed like some futuristic rocket ship. Not for everyone, but for me I think I hit the nail on the head with this purchase.
First of all, I love it. My kids love it. My wife likes it. Complete strangers love it. People almost drive off the road gawking at it. Everyone want to ask about it.
Lots of maintenance. Mostly easy, old school stuff. 500km then every 3000km. Fortunately, Ural encourages owners to do it themselves and I enjoy the excuse to hibernate in the garage occasionally.
Lots of new skills to learn. Not sure how much is general hack stuff and how much is Ural specific, but it's a different world than 2 wheeling. I have adjusted to brakes, shifting, acceleration, handling, noises, ergonomics and engineering that would have me running for the exit on any other bike. But with this rig it's part of the charm. If it was more modern it would just be another forgettable ride.
Owning a Ural requires a commitment from the owner, and it returns that commitment with a very unique set of rewards. I didn't realize what an adjustment I was making until I got back on my ancient K75s and it seemed like some futuristic rocket ship. Not for everyone, but for me I think I hit the nail on the head with this purchase.