IMZ Ural Boards - Ural Battery Replacement

When it comes time to replace your Ural’s battery, what should you do? If you want to change to a different brand of battery, what should you choose? Here are some suggestions:

My 2003.5 GU has the Varta YB18LA that is about used up. I have seen references to the Interstate YTX20L-BS, but Interstate site only shows CYTX20L-BS that is an AGM battery that is 270 cca, 6 1/8 tall vs. my 6 1/2. They also show a YB18L-A cycletron that is 235 cca. Not alot of choices where I live, so Interstate is my best bet. What replacement battery are you guys finding the best in Interstate?

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Team Oregon Motorcycle Training

I took my first motorcycle riding training course, called Basic Rider Training (BRT) in August, 2005. Run by Corvallis-based Team Oregon Motorcycle Training at Eugene’s Lane Community College, BRT offered 3 days of classroom and range instruction to help a prospective motorcyclist see if motorcycling really was for them.

The class mixed classroom instruction with time on range applying what was learned during class. From basic operation, such as where controls are and how to start a motorcycle, to riding techniques including cornering and how to do an emergency swerve, the BRT course can help any novice motorcyclist gain the confidence and basic skills needed to be able to safetly and ably operate a motorcycle.

Taking this class was one of the best steps I could have taken. I went from barely being able to start a motorcycle, to whipping through curves with confidence and even a tidge of grace. BRT gave me the confidence I needed to know that getting a motorcycle was in fact for me.

Another advantage of completing the course is that it makes getting a motorcycle endorsement quite easy. Passing a class such as BRT can mean DMV waives your written and motorcycle riding endorsement tests. It can also make you eligible for discounts on motorcycle insurance, gear, or even motorcycles. (All this varies by state and class.)

For me, passing BRT made my endorsement about as easy as could be. I went to the DMV, showed my class completion card, took a vision and audio test, wrote a check, and was done.

If you haven’t ridden a motorcycle before, a class such as BRT is essential. Even if you are an experienced rider, other classes are available for more advanced riders, than can help you refine your skills and learn new motorcycling techniques.

Learn more: Team Oregon Motorcycle Training »

Soviet Steeds - Need advice on windshield and mirrors

Pondering whether or not to get a windshield for your Ural? Which types and brands should you consider?

“I am looking for a windshield. Just wanna keep the rocks and bugs off me and maybe deflect a little wind. I am leaning towards a handlebar mount frameless style but will consider all recomendations.”

Follow the whole discussion: Soviet Steeds - Need advice on windshield and mirrors »

Discount Motorcycle Parts - Eugene, Oregon

Now, I love the internet, and I love shopping online, but I also love having a reliable local shop for motorcycle apparel, parts and gear. Eugene has an excellent shop, called Discount Motorcycle Parts. Husband-and-wife team Steve and Annette have run the store for over 15 years, and provide a solid, well-priced selection of everything from riding jackets and saddlebags, to mirrors and battery tenders.

Some of the motorcycle equipment Jodie and I have purchased here (so far) includes…

• Jodie’s Tourmaster Trinity Jacket
• Both our HJC CL-15 helmets (and Jodie’s “Foxy Rider” helmet sticker)
• Battery Tender
• Jodie’s leather riding gloves

Discount Motorcycle Parts

• (541) 686-0334
• 995 Tyinn St. #7, Eugene, OR 97402
• discountmotorcycleparts-oregon.com

Adventure Sidecar: Sidecar Motorcycle & Trike Training in Hood River, Oregon

Whether you’re a seasoned 2-wheel motorcycle rider or a newbie to any sort of motorcycling, if you are considering a sidecar motorcycle then you have one thing you should do: Go to Hood River, Oregon, for Vernon Wade’s Adventure Sidecar/Trike Training Course.

The reasons are simple:

• By the time you’ve finished the 3 days of classroom and on-range training, you’ll know whether or not a sidecar bike or a trike is for you
• Vernon runs a great class, and is a true sidecar enthusiast who understands the mechanics and physics of these odd machines
• Different training bikes are available, so you can experience how different sidecar motorcycles handle
• Training is held on a grassy field, which Vernon describes as being similar to driving on wet pavement. The upshot is that if you drive a sidecar motorcycle half-decently on grass, you’ll probably be all right on the road
• Classes are reasonably priced – so instead of throwing down thousands (or tens of thousands) on a sidecar bike or trike straightaway, you can invest a couple of hundred in knowledge and see if this is really for you
• Classes are held in Hood River, Oregon, in the shadow of Mt. Hood and on the Columbia River. It’s a beautiful area, and the sidecar training is a great excuse for a trip up here

Adventure Sidecar offers Sidecar and Trike driver’s education (S/TEP training) through the Hood River Community Education program May through October (call (541)386-2055). Check the Adventure Sidecar website for dates, pricing and how to sign up.

Sounds like the annual Ural dealer meeting is underway:

“According to Crawford’s answering machine, they are at the IMWA dealer meeting this week. Anyone else heard anything?”

No big news yet.

Link: Soviet Steeds - Ural Dealer Meeting Underway

“WWID”

Definition: What Would Ivan Do?, or, if you’re pondering how to fix, or at least not to break further, something on your Ural rig, then “WWID” is the quintessential, introspective, get-the-creative-juices-flowing question to ask yourself first.

Usage: Okay, I think the cotter pin for the linkage here has broken off, and I’ve got to get it back on. All I have are zip ties and duct tape… WWID?

“RPOC”

Definition: Russian Piece O’ Crap, or, a term of endearment (really) for one’s beloved Russian motorcycle.

Usage: I don’t know what happened to this friggin RPOC. Now hand me the BFH so I can sort this buggerin’ bike out!

“BFH”

Definition: Big Feckin’ Hammer, or, the most important tool the Ural motorcyclist can own.

Usage: “I broke down. So I got out my BFH, whacked the Ural a few times here and there, and was back on the road about 2 minutes later.”

Soviet Steeds - First Service To-Do List

The Ural manual is pretty comprehensive about the work you need to do on your Ural at its various service intervals. But as St0nkingByte points out at Soviet Steeds:

This morning I was looking at the manual to see what will need doing and I’m thinking the list from the service coupon page might be missing a few things”

Here are some of the things he notes:

• Torque the head bolts
• Adjust valves
• Check/torque sidecar mounts
• Check/adjust brakes

Other Ural owners had plenty to add. Check it out, and see if you want to add any of these to your service list.

Follow the whole discussion: Soviet Steeds - First Service To-Do List »