Thanks. I tend to think the one from Ural NE would be a better choice. Yes, it's more than twice as expensive, but it looks like a much more complete kit. It's also backed up as an 'approved' Ural part. I think I'm going to have to decide if it's something I want to chase down and overhaul or not. Thanks very much, Cheesy!

If I could scrounge an old Ural 650 Wolf, the M2Boxer unit might be a trip to try out.

I have a pal that travels and buys up old motos. I have enlisted his help to scout out an old 650 Solo. Told him has to be as close to free as possible.:hehe: And he agreed.

In other news, it has become necessary to replace the pusher tire. Again. It wasn't looking good finding another Duro HF307 tire in the US before October. Had to cancel a couple orders due to no stock but I got lucky and one arrived last Wednesday.

Granddaughters will be here tomorrow and I bet I can get the 5 year old to help me swap the tire.

https://live.staticflickr.com/5239/2...8b4874bf_z.jpg

Five years of ownership today. Almost 15,000 miles. Rebuilt the final drive once. Wore out several tires. Hauled everything from cucumbers, lumber, bicycles, grandkids, and camping gear. Gave rides to Vets in parades. Ridden in temps from -10F to 100F. Snowstorms and down pours, too. It's been towed home once for a flat front tire, only because it was close to home, it was beastly hot, and I didn't feel like working in a ditch.
https://live.staticflickr.com/5667/3...cde74fe5_z.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4275/3...11e0c4a8_z.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4366/3...4e923f4d_z.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4509/3...96188de9_z.jpg
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I'm thinking we got our monies worth and then some.

You have certainly used that Ural as it was meant to be, Cheesy. Congratulations.

hard to believe it's been 5 years already...

Added new graphics to the sidecar today. Just because.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bfdae53d_z.jpg

Kind of kicking around the idea of trading in Arpok next year for a new 2022 Ural. I like the idea of having my first brand new vehicle, ever.(new cars always go to Mrs. C). No rust, a real 10.5:1 compression ratio, 21st century technology, nice fit and finish.

OTOH, Arpok is butt simple, mostly bullet proof, has character(rust, dents, scratches), an 8.5:1 compression ratio that allows for one kick starting, set up how I like it, and no payments.

This going to be a tough decision.

I would be tempted to keep the Arpoc if you can get the heads shaved enough to give you the 10.5:1 cr. It has already proven that it is tough enough for the Midwestern winter.

Having one of the modern Ural, I can tell you it really isn't worth it. I'd be happy to have something as simple as that. I really think I'm going to be looking into a conversion project to put carbs on my Ural once we get into the new place. Get a set of generic carbs off Amazon, and go to town. The fuel injection is so problematic I can't even get it to start by kicking it over anymore... On top of that, not having a note is one of those thing that you don't realize how much you enjoy until you're under another note.

It was decided that Arpok will be staying. Mrs. C needs a new sewing machine and what she wants would be a down payment on the new ride. No complaints from me because she has worn the current one out. She would also like a repaint on Arpok but I'm not so sure. I'm not a fan of Camo, either, but you can't beat touching it up.

Paint it Bolshevik Red, lol.

Cheesy, touching up the paint does nothing but add character! Glad to hear you're holding onto it.

5F when I left for breakfast this morning. About 12F when I took the pic.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0243a5ed_z.jpg

Was told I was nuts by a patron when I walked into the restaurant and I asked how it was any different than a snowmobile. Got a chuckle from the guys table. Just waiting for my toes to warm up.

There has been a lot of hand wringing and gnashing of teeth in the Ural community since the BS in Ukraine started. Myself, not so much, but it has been on the back of my mind. The last two containers of Urals shipped from Europe this past week.

That said, for all kinds of political and economic reasons that everyone can probably guess, IMZ is moving production from Irbit, Russia to Petropavlovsk in Kazakhstan.

When I learned that things were moving to Petropavlovsk, I kept banging my head as to why I know of that city. This is why. A bit of Tom Lehrer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXlf...hemisfitoddity