Today I finally partially painted my Dnepr and after almost 2 years of fighting with every single part I took it on the road.

How did you get here? Ill start.

My first bike was a BMW R65LS and I was totally obsessed with it. I admired the simplicity of the opposed twin and paired with the historical aspect of a long running proven design… I was intrigued.

I ended up looking for a R100 but could never quite pull the trigger on one I liked. I ended up bumping up to a BMW K100RS and while it was amazing it just didn’t have the charm of the boxer. Eventually I started my family and the life on two wheels felt like an unnecessary risk. I sold off the K100RS and went without nothing for a good 5 years.

I had randomly seen a Ural pass by me at a stop light one day and a flood of memories came rushing in. I had seen these bikes in movies, I had seen them in Eastern Europe, I had seen them in WW2 reenactments and I caved for something I was always curious about.

I had eventually decided to order one new for a road trip out to Colorado with some friends. They had gone and convinced me to ride trails intended for lifted jeeps and land cruisers so while they outfitted vehicles for a place I didn’t live, I instead chose to pickup something i could still use back home. Needless to say my choice surprised them and I’ve been loving my purchase ever since.

New owner here still learning the ropes. No better way to start than with a vintage 1988 machine!

Now my Zaporozhets has a friend.

First post in the community that inspired me, by posting my very first motorcycle: a 1985 BMW r80 with Ural sidecar. Leading link fork with dual disk brakes. matching rig wheel (also disc brakes). Block tires. whaddaya think?

I absolutely loved the motorcycle experience during my driving lessons. I figured a sidecar might be a way to share that with others. Also the potential for adventure really spoke to me. I recon the rig will see more use in the coming days because the weather is just turning nice enough to take it out without risking rain on the way back.

I like it a lot, especially the look of it, but i'm honestly not 100% convinced yet. It takes up a lot of garage space and it really does take a big part away from the driving experience. (leaning , cornering, acceleration, overtaking). Also taking it out is a bit more of an ordeal . It doesn't really lend itself toward impromptu racing to a friends house and back to go and watch a football game. Its just too big for that.

But i really do want to give it a fair chance this summer. Especially in the areas where a sidecar can really come into its own. Like camping and little day-trips.
How does one start to go on first little adventures? and make small trips fun, and not just a drive with awkward parking? Id love to hear you guys advice and own experience on that.

Furthermore i plan on making a few modifications.
-The wires are a mess with old cables of previously installed lights and trinkets.
-remove excess reflectors and lights
-The paint could use a polish, especially to try and blend the different shades of spray-paint whites on the sidecar.
-The engine looks black and grimey. i think a brass wirebrush would clean this up nicely?
-Timing, gap, carb, and clutch adjustments.
-Install new exhaust bends. the champagne on these are long gone.

On the long term i'd like the sidecar to sit a bit higher off the road. Like you see in the more off-raod Urals. The wheel rims could use a repaint aswell.

The fed here is no fun, so I have a different use for the pintle mount

Sold my 2012 Patrol last week. Hate to see her go but I'm moving and couldn't take her.

Good evening everyone!!!