2003 Ural reviews

I wanted something different. I like the old BMW R-series styling, but a big 1200 for big dollars isn't for me. The Ural Wolf fit the bill. It rides smooth, handles well and runs quiet. Odometer reads in KM. Negatives are: 1) Handlebars are too low and too far forward. It makes my backache to constantly reach for them. I'll be getting Honda GL1100 aftermarket from Flanders to fix that. They are 7/8 inch. A new brake cable is needed for the change. 2) Clearance between lower rear brake pedal and starboard carburetor is too small. It would be nice to have an adjustment on the brake pedal...all welded! It's a good thing for the forward controls. Watch your shoes on the carb extensions like the nub on the cup bottom and the choke lever. 3) 4 speed transmission is clunky. Positives are: 1) Price; $5K 2) Uniqueness; Russian war prize?Copyrights/Patents? Made from Russian tanks...Some good stories here. 3) Style; Designed by the Russian Night Wolves Club. Looks good in Black (the only available color in US). Classic timeless lines, forward controls. 4) Simplicity; this is one easy machine to tinker with. Everything is obviously accessible. So far everything is metric. Manuals are in English with good pictures. 5) Optional reverse, if you don't get reverse, the reverse shift lever behind the brake pedal will pop the trans into neutral very easily. Lever it up to enable the transmission again. 6) Reliability; So far, so good. It comes with a tire pump, shaft drive, kick-start, nothing complicated and no frills, just a great bike. Show less