Cal,
Thanks for your honest feedback. Reality seems to be that a RE hack is a great around town vehicle. Nothing wrong with that.
Most things work well when used within their design paramiters and when we start to push the envelope it all goes to hell. (You don't take a full dresser on a forest trail).
I too am 60, and sometime reality kicks me in the ass (where did the years go?)
Sometimes on the ADV forum I read about someone going cross country on a 50cc scooter, and everyone oohs and ahs about what a hero he is, but when no one is around I bet he feels like a jackass when caught in a hailstorm in East BMFK Montana.
I bought my Bullet as a high mpg around town vehicle. I admire the simplicity of machines like the Bullet and the Ural, but quality control is not their strong point.
I remember growing up as a kid in the 1950's, and the drills our elementary school had with hiding under the stairwells in case of nuclear attack. Having owned a Ural, I no longer fear the Russians. Should they lob a missile towards New York, it would land in Paris.
You don't use the words "Russian" and "craftmanship" in the same sentence.
But when you deal with any niche bike, you have to put up with its' quirks and faults.
I love my Ural. I am new with my Enfield. Time will tell.
When you get back, will you get another?