2000 Ural reviews

So here's the straight deal. You have to work on the bike to make it work, but it is worth it. In the 19 years I've been riding motorcycles, this is the most fun I've ever had. That is despite the fact that I had to replace the alternator, the speedometer cable, the drive shaft, and a valve adjuster screw I over tightened. If you want no maintenance, buy a modern Japanese bike. If you want a fun ride that requires easy tinkering, buy a Ural. Show less

I have a '99 Patrol, bought it brand new. It was advertised as "the only street-legal ATV" so that is how I have driven it for the past 5 years, thru mud, snow, rivers, deserts mountains and plains. I ride it hard and put it away wet. It came with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty so I figured I could beat the crap out of it and the company would pay for the parts that couldn't hold up. Much to my surprise (and pleasure), the machine kept going, and going, and going - put the energizer bunny to shame. I still ride it, in fact took it to a motorcycle rodeo today and even kept the shiny side up! Anyway, it is a great machine - has its quirks - it is old style, requiring attentive and regular maintenance as with all older machines, but it takes the abuse very well and only asks for more. It is the best investment I have ever spent money on - well worth every penny. Show less

I've had my BC-65 for four years now. It's one of three bikes I own and ride. It's by far the most fun bike I own. It's not a long-distance tourer or freeway speedster, but if you want to bop around town, ride backcountry roads and just generally have fun, this bike is great! Reliability has been very good. Once you get them broken in and keep up on oil changes and maintenance, they are bulletproof. I've had a couple small things go wrong, but I just got out the excellent manual and, even with my limited mechanical skills, went step-by-step to fix it. This 47-year-old woman loves this bike. It's easy to service, runs and rides very nice, lots of room, comfortable - I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Maybe I've just lucky with my bike, but it seems clear to me why old versions of these bikes are all over Cuba and Russia; they are practically indestructible and just keep going and going and going. Nothing high-tech here, just good old fashioned simplicity.... and did I mention that they are a blast to ride? Show less

Have now put over 500 miles on a Ural Patrol with sidecar in the last couple of months. Have a Harley for touring but the Ural is so much fun to take to town that it gets a lot of use. Plan on any trip taking a while as you will spend many hours with admirers every where you go. Happy at 50mph and any terrain is okay. Only wish I had gotten the machine gun option so that nobody would pull out in front of me. Show less

I can not decide whether this bike belongs in a museum or in the garbage pile. It certainly does not belong on the road. Sure it has the vintage looks of a BMW right out of the fifties, but you have to content with a multitude of mechanical problems along the way such as alternators that come apart and final drive splines that strip. After being stranded the second time in one year, I took a big loss and got rid of this turkey. The company does nothing about recalling these defective parts but instead relies on the Internet owners forum to help fix problems. To reiterate, the enjoyment of this bike depends on three things. First, you must be a good backyard mechanic and make weekly checks of the bike. Second you must have a good towing service like AMA. Lastly you must get yourself a cell phone to call that towing service when you break down. Show less

You (must) break in this bike to the TEE or it will give you problems. After break-in period, it rides smooth with no major mechanical failures. You will get the UDF (ural delay factor) syndrome. It will be the most attention getter you have ever owned. Keep checking the air and change the fluids often (1000km) and you will love it. Top cruising speed is about 65 mph. You will have a blast and with an unlimited mile three-year warranty. Show less

We have a 98 Sportsman, almost the same only different. We have run it in mud, snow, rain and, as my neighbor said" you even use that in nice weather". Not a fast freeway bike, more of gravel or 2 lane up to 60 mph Cruiser. My wife and I love it. Show less