Irbit Express: We all fall down sometimes...

 With a free evening, I decided to tackle the rear wheel swap and a few other items from my To Do list. Since my scrawny arms can't seem to get the Ural up on the center stand, I used the jack that I have stashed in my under tub tool box. Using the center stand as a jack point, I got the bike lifted up and started following the instructional video. Like I did with the Hurricane, and the Ducati, I used the bike tool kit. As I pulled the rotor off the pusher wheel, I noticed one bolt was much more difficult to remove than the others.  So, a ham fisted previous owner chewed up some of the threads. Thankfully, I still have my handy old Harbor Freight tab/die set and managed to clean up both the bolt and the hole. 

All was going well...until I put too much forward pressure on the bike and it rolled off the jack. In my many years of wrenching, I have NEVER had a vehicle fall of the jack (because I freaking used jack stands, except for this time) but today was my day.  

So, now I had a new challenge to tackle. I wish I would have gotten pictures of how I managed to get the bike back up and on stands.  I managed to lift the bike from the sidecar frame, then got a scissor jack on the bottom frame, between the engine and the left exhaust. However, I couldn't get the leverage using the jack wrench. As I laid under the bike, sweating and thinking, I came up with the idea of using my drill with a 3/8 socket adapter, and used a socket to (slowly) turn the jack, and then raised the floor jack, rinse and repeat until I had the bike high enough to get 2, yes 2, jack stands under the bike.  So, with the additional support, and the front brake secured, I was able to get the spare wheel installed without further issue. 

With that task complete, I moved on my next mods. I've been taking the Ural through the drive thru at various fast food places and shoving my drink into the spokes of the spare wheel doesn't work all that well. So, I decided my rig needed a cup holder! 

I didn't want to drill any new holes in the tub, and I thought about mounting it on the fuel can holder but I didn't feel like doing that either.  So, I used one of the tonneau cover mounts and a longer bolt. 

Next was new straps for the tail bag I bought to help keep my oldest stable on the bench seat since my two kiddos refuse to ride in the tub together.  Granted, it is a pretty tight squeeze, so I get it.  This is the second bag I bought for this purpose.  The first was larger than I expected, this one is prefect, except for the straps which were sewn in an H pattern and needed to route under the seat.  When I don't have the bag on, I don't want straps flopping around and they're a pain to remove. So, I ordered some bulk nylon webbing and made my own straps with loops to go around the frame rails.  They aren't pretty, but they are sturdy and will work fine. 

The next task is to change the tire and tube on the spare wheel, as well as clean up and check the spokes. I'll replace them if I can find the right size. 

Stay safe out there (comrades)! 

Irbit Express: Trunk for your trunk!

 The Gear Up has a tool storage tray under the seat in the tub. However, not much beyond the factory tool roll fits in there, and if the tub is loaded up, it's not easy to access. While digging through Ural content on YouTube, I found a video of a guy who added an ammo can on the bottom side of the back of the tub. With this idea in mind, I set out to find a modern plastic surplus ammo can that would fit.  

Eventually, I found the perfect container. It's from a Bradley (I believe) for 25mm linked ammo, and opens from either end.  With the can in hand, and a few trips to the hardware store, I was ready to drill more holes in my new bike. Using the scissor jack I ordered for the Ural, I placed the can where I wanted it to live, I drilled holes downward from inside the tub, through the ammo can.  Using some flat steel stock, I made braces to sit inside the tub to help distribute the weight.  

My initial plan was to use silicone sealant on all the bolts, but instead, I opted for rubber washers under large fender washers. That's the same process I used (and some of the same hardware) on my Hurricane. 

The weight is nice and low, and it holds all my tools (tool roll, jack/handle, socket bag, and tire spoons) in a spot that's easy to access.  I know it decreases the rear clearance but I don't plan on doing any crazy off roading. Although, a quick disconnect system would be a fun project. 

Stay safe out there (comrades). 

All aboard the Irbit Express!

Say hello (or rather привет!) to the newest addition to my garage! For many many years I have wanted a Ural Gear Up, but it just wasn't in the cards.  I had the opportunity to finally pick one up after long suffering the deep desire for hand crafted Russian 3 wheeled steel after borrowing a friends Patrol in 2017. 

It's a 2019 Gear Up, with just under 7k (miles not km) on the clock, and I love it! Since it's prior to 2022, it was built in Irbit, not Kazakhstan. Ural moved production out of Russia when the invasion into Ukraine began. Each outfit (that's the correct term) is hand built with jigs, no fancy robots or automation. So, they're all a little different, for better or worse. 

 I had originally planned to purchase a 2021 that was a little over 8 hours away. However, the timing didn't work out and it sold, so I went and checked this one out about an hour away.  Needless to say, I'm very happy with my purchase. I've already put almost 200 miles on it just farting around town and taking my kids out for rides. I find it every bit as fun as the Ducati, maybe more so, but in a different way. I like air cooled twins, and I like bikes that are a bit, uhm, agricultural in feel and function.  

There are only a few mods that I want to do, and I managed to knock out the major one already. Kalaber Creations winch/accessory bar, winch, and rear cargo basket. The bar was super easy to install, and it's really strange to be able to slide under a bike to work on it! I also swapped out the factory headlight for the LED unit from my project Hurricane. The only future mods are heated grips (maybe new bars), skid plates, and a rear rack/back rest for the bench seat. 

BEHOLD the Irbit Express! Ready for the apocalypse!

Still need to finish the wiring, but I need some grommets* first since I need to drill a new hole in the tub.

This is the cargo basket from my car, and it's a bit heavy so I'll probably end up with a 1 1'4" basket with a goose neck to add clearance. 

Finding good street gear for kids is tough!

 I'm really enjoying learning the tricks and tips to sidecar ownership. Like using the throttle to assist with turns, or varying the pressure on the brakes between the front wheel, and the pusher/tub to control braking direction.  Very very interesting. 

Stay safe out there (comrades)! 

*Grommet is currently printing.  I found an awesome parametric grommet generator on MakerWorld.