One of my jobs in the summer is that of a motorcycle rider training instructor. I was working our annual local motorcycle show today and I think I've found my next (3rd) motorcycle. Being the survival geek that I am I couldn't help but think of the many applications for one of these bad boys:

http://www.imz-ural.com/patrol/

Yes. That is a new motorcycle.

It's the only motorcycle I've ever seen which comes with a sidecar (that means lots of cargo) and is 2 wheel drive (the sidecar wheel is driven). At the bike show they had a video of a guy who'd retrofit a plow blade and was clearing snow from his driveway with one.

The design hasn't changed in WWII and because it's ultra basic (carbs instead of fuel injections, kick starter standard, etc) anybody with any mechanical know how, some gum, and some twine can make repairs.

This motorcycle has been discussed a few times here on ETS. Even five years ago they had a bad reputation for quality control. Someone on this board said that they've been greatly improved and are now much more reliable.

The ability to run it as 2-wheeled drive is good and supposedly they can handle some pretty rough/slippery/muddy terrain. Plus, they look damn cool.

Personally I say if you have the cash get one and report back to us. Better yet, pass it around to a few of us with motorcycyle licenses and we'll all report on it.

-Blast

Remember the adage, you get what you pay for...

A guy in my old neighborhood bought one of these bikes new less then 2 years ago and had nothing but complaints about the quality and durability of the bike.

More then once we seen that bike on the flatdeck being taken back to the dealer for work.

Hi,

I have no experience with motorcycles but remember some WWII news-reels and war movies (e.g. Where Eagles Dare) where motorcycles with sidecars went through some pretty bad terrain/road conditions.

Looks like an interesting vehicle.

Mike

Thanks Blast. I was so excited about this discovery I didn't even think of the search feature.

I'm definitely going to get one but since my Jeep was nearly written off on Wednesday it might not be until spring now.

I found these sweet YouTube videos. The first is snow testing and the other is a funny military promotional video. for a bike that weighs close to 800 lbs they beat on it pretty good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq9gBNlgkpw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN5PAwc1ns8

Previous Ural Motorcycles thread

-Blast

Although more expensive, the three wheeled Piaggio MP3 looks like an interesting BOM. Saw one in traffic yesterday and that think moves. Of course, if money is no obstacle, the BMW 1200GS is also a nice way to go.


http://www.piaggiousa.com/pScooters/MP3500.cfm

I've ridden both of those bikes. I'd say the Piaggio is only a good BOV if you're 100% sure you're going to be on clear paved roads the entire time...remember that the twin front wheels aren't driven...which means they're going to drag in mud like a mofo.

The 1200GS is a great machine if you have the money...but...it's very tall and very heavy (I'm not 100% sure but I think you can get a 36L tank for it! you could for the 1150GS)...also very hard to manage in true off road conditions. Watch the Long Way 'Round with Ewan McGreggor and you'll see just how much they fight with the bikes. I think Charlie separates some chest muscles later in the trip pulling the bike out of muck for the millionth time. I used to work in a BMW motorcycle dealership and being the closest dealership to Alaska, I heard a lot of stories from guys making the round trip from the US...some of them were pretty bad. The guys on the 650GSs always fared better as the bike is way more manageable.

In that same TV series the camera mans bike breaks down so they replace it with a cheap Russian machine and he is super happy because it never breaks down and deals with the local terrain WAY better than the BMWs do...if I recall at one point he laughs at them as he rides past their stuck bikes.

Lucky you! Looking at the specs, the 1200 is over 100lbs. heavier (and the seat 5in. higher) than the 650. I also imagine the 8.7gal (32+L) of fuel sloshing around could make things unpredictable. Beautiful bikes but real world experience is what counts.

I can see that a motorcycle may have some merit as a BOV, but if you want something that can get through most terrain, why would you not pick two-wheels that can just about do that and add some bags to it. Why wouldn't a motocross bike with bags be better?