Newbie question on 2005 Ural Retro

[kkmahen]

Hello Uralers,
Newbie here! Pardon me if this question has already been asked.

I have been looking to buy a Ural but the newer models are out of my budget range at this time, there is an used 2005 Ural Retro that is up for sale fits in to my budget around $5k USD. It has less than one thousand miles, is there something I should be worried about buying this? Is it affected by the alternator handgrenade issue?

Thanks in advance!

[rivers]

Ural went to the Denso alt in 04.

[VWK75S]

2007-2013 my 2cents
John

[hillbillybob]

Anything that has set around unused for 14 to 15 years, will certainly need some attention.....are you handy with a wrench? As stated above, the alternator issue doesn't apply to this model year, but you will probably have some rubber parts to replace... tires, seals, etc. Probably want to take a look at the whole fuel system....from the tank, all the way to the compliance fittings. Numerous other maintenance items.....brakes, cables, wheel bearings, to mention a few. If you are not sidecar experienced, or Ural experienced, used is your best bet. They are not suited to everyone, no sense in taking a $15k bath, to find out it's not your bag.
4 years ago I bought a 9 year old Ural with just 24 miles on it....paid a grand more than the one you are looking at. I have no regrets, it's been pleasurable, with no catastrophic failures, or even breakdowns. On occasion, I do end up with grease under my fingernails because I have a Ural...but that's part of the joy of ownership.

[stagewex]

2007-2013 my 2cents
John

Exactly! Move up a year or two. Do your homework starting here (below):

http://www.crawfordsales.info/?page_id=54

[bratmanxj]

2007-2013 my 2cents
John

Exactly! Move up a year or two. Do your homework starting here (below):

http://www.crawfordsales.info/?page_id=54

Agreed, when I was looking 2007 was my limit for how old of a bike I would go. I've always worked on my own vehicles so the maintenance wasn't an issue, but I did want the better ignition, timing and transmission gears that came with '07 and newer.

[snowymonkey]

I will add my agreement to the ones above. I ended up with an 08 and have been nothing but happy. Mine also was very low mileage so I have been working through replacing most of the rubber bits as I notice them coming apart.

List so far.... Tires,hand grips, all fuel lines, intake boots (went to the 13 upgrade), donut.

Next up will be.... snowmen, and then down to rubber washers / spacers (like on the tank bolt).

Plan on getting your hands dirty. But the bike will love you for it. These things like attention..... be that from riding, maintenance, or onlookers. They are meant to be out and about being used

[snowymonkey]

This is currently over on the black market section here. The right Ural is worth a trip, or the cost of shipping.

https://sovietsteeds.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=55669

[stagewex]

Yes, saw that earlier.
If it's "real" then an absolute steal.
However the fact that the posting says "4WD" in it's title makes me wonder? Could be a typo I guess too.

[EricH]

If you go with the '05 Retro you will hate the rear and sidecar hydraulic drum brakes.

In '06 Ural went with mechanical rear and sidecar drum brakes.....Huge improvement in stopping power.

IMHO I would focus on a '07 or newer rig....all models.

[zsieffert]

That Albuquerque Patrol is the one to look at. Well priced and decent Km's, so you know it works and anything that didn't work has probably been replaced. One owner is a plus.

A 14 year old bike pre-'07 improvements that hasn't even made it out of the break-in period is suspect. Could be totally fine with only rubber bits needing tending too. Or it could be they messed up the break-in procedures and have a fouled engine that's been sitting. Either way they are asking WAY too much money for it. 3.5K tops, IMO.

Also, put your location in your bio. Helps us help you.

But seriously, that rig in ABQ is worth a potential fly & ride.

[zsieffert]

If the OP is still looking, this just came up in the Black Market.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=55791

The ABQ rig is off market apparently, so this one seems to be the next one to investigate. If you're okay with the idea of paying $5K for a 15 year-old questionable rig, then this one at $6K/OBO is almost a no-brainer.