RussN

SWEET! RussN

I am watching with interest as Irbit Motor Works of America (IMWA) works hard to move motorcycle production from Irbit, RU, to Kazakhstan, due to world political challenges. IMWA's latest video interview with CEO Ilya Khait brings us up to date. Despite the huge challenges, I am beginning to believe the Ural Species will survive. 'Sure hope so, despite the expected higher prices. RussN

Also inspect to see if there is evidence of oil in the bell housing. Urals have dry clutches like cars, so any oil is cause for slipping. However, I trust Vance's evaluation. But first make sure the clutch does not require adjustment. The clutch hand lever will likely be your first telltale for that. RussN

Welcome back Russian Iron! I was beginning to think The End was here. Keep it going. RussN

Break? I'm retired (happily), snowed in this week, and looking forward to a far better 2022 than this year has been. We'll all keep smiling. RussN

Cone filters might also require changing the jet size in the carbs due to the leaner mixture that might result. Happy Holidays, and stay safe! RussN

You can always mount a bicycle speedometer on your Dnepr. That will likely be more accurate that the stock speedos, and meet the authorities' rules. RussN

It is a Ural Wolf. First imported into the USA in 2003. Production began earlier for Russian release. I own one of the first ones to hit the USA. RussN

😂 RussN

I have the stock rear wheel on my 2003 Wolf. Works fine. I think drive shaft clearance could be an issue. My Wolf measures ~9mm (~ 0.350") between the shaft and the stock tire sidewall, when sitting still. Please post your results for the rest of us rare Wolf Pilots. RussN

Your location is vital to getting a useful answer to your quest. Hope you find one. RussN

Restore the original heads. They are already removed from an engine and easy to access, and you've identified many issues with the heads presently on your bike. You will thank yourself... My son's '98 Ural had problems with crappy heads: poor running, inconsistent valve adjustments, excess heat and more. He completely replaced them with new Ural head assemblies and his bike has run consistently with balanced increased power, valve adjustments holding for 10K+ kms, and now more than 102,000 kms on the dial. Still running strong. RussN

Luca: Good to hear you have been productive and entertained. Same here. In the past 2 years I finished building a 1/8 size steam locomotive, rebuilt the worn valve gear on my other locomotive, and completed the restoration of a 60-year-old steam boat. Pandemic children, you might say. As our worlds safely open back up (slowly) I am able to operate them all, and enjoy riding my Russian Iron too. And I always look forward to seeing your restoration work. RussN

I've not read any activity here in several days. Is everyone really out riding, or is my computer playing tricks on me?? I've been riding my Retro Rig with great pleasure. 'Hoping everyone is staying safe and healthy, RussN

My experience with Urals and Mikuni carbs suggests the popping sounds are the result of air leaks in the compliance fitting between the carb and the cylinder head. Those parts require replacement over time, as they harden and crack. If you don't know how old those compliance fittings are, expect to replace them with new ones, at least as a prophylactic measure. That could make your experience much easier and enjoyable with these machines. I always ride with spares compliance fittings sealed in plastic bags, in my "spares kit." I've only ever needed them when I didn't have them with me. Go figure... RussN