Don, a newbie 2008 Gear-Up rider in California, recently left a comment that got me thinking about all the great resources out there about Urals and other sidecar motorcycles:

Hey, folks! I cannot praise the folks at Soviet Steeds forum enough! I have bothered them from everything from side car balance to getting the dang locked gas cap off! John and the gang there are the best. If you haven’t allready not done so please join the forum. You won’t be sorry! I am a newbie and their advice is right on. They will kid you though from time to time, but hey, I am a rookie so what do I expect! Anyway, great advice.

When you get a Ural, or any sidecar motorcycle for that matter, you don’t just get a motorcycle – you get a golden invitation into some of the handiest online resources available for Ural owners and sidecar motorcycle riders. Here are the top 4 Ural and sidecar motorcycle message boards you want to check out and be part of:

• Soviet Steeds Motorcycle Collective
• IMZ Ural Message Board
• Hacks - ADVrider
• Russian Iron Motorcycle Club

These message boards are one of the best resources available for any Ural motorcycle rider, be you a sidecar newbie or a hack veteran. I’ll warn you though – from how-to maintenance issues to finding accessories, debating oil or checking out some cool sidecar vids, you run the high risk of spending a great deal of time on these boards. Just make sure it doesn’t cut too much into your riding time!

So whether you have a sidecar rig or you’re thinking of getting a Ural, get on the boards above. My personal favorite is Soviet Steeds, followed by the IMZ-Ural board. In any of them, you’ll find great discussion and helpful folks. By the way, you’ll find me on all of them but Russian Iron (I’ve only time for 3), under the handle “Antsaint”.

For more helpful Ural and sidecar websites, see Ural Resources.