I guess all the hack riders are all out riding
olhogrider why did you get rid of your Ural? I read that 2wd is almost never used and its hard to steer when engaged! Thanks for your reply
The Ural was on my "bucket list". I had wanted one for years but the high price and questionable quality had put me off. Once all the ancillary systems had been replaced by quality parts in the new ones I was ready. Bosch electronics, Brembo brakes etc. In a year of riding the only failures were the low fuel light. The bike comes with a Jerry can bolted to it so it was no problem.
If you have ever driven a Jeep with the axles locked, you know how great it can be in the dirt. You also know that locking the differential on pavement, means you are going straight no matter what. The sidecar wheel when engaged is like that. If you're on pavement you are going straight. On dirt you have power to both wheels so you are less likely to get stuck. If (when) you do get stuck you have a shovel to help dig you out.
I learned how to fly the chair. My wife didn't like that part. I wheeled it once. Not a good idea. I learned that you can pivot around the front tire while decelerating but U-turns while accelerating are not pretty. I also learned that a 1950s air cooled twin isn't great at hauling around the weight of two motorcycles. And gas mileage was always in the mid 30s.
I had purchased a 2010 C5 new and a 2012 a couple of years later. Those were sold because, as much as I enjoyed riding them they weren't really suited for commuting on California freeways. When Royal Enfield announced the twins I had to go see. My dealer said they had never seen one and didn't know if they would ever get one in. Then the offered me a test ride on a Speedmaster 1200. They offered me a decent price on the Ural so I rode home on the Speedmaster. When the 650s finally arrived I made another trip to the dealership. This time I took my Honda 150 scooter. They had one twin, in my least favorite color. Silver. The tank and fenders don't even match! But they gave me a decent trade in on the scooter so I rode home on the INT650. I soon had it painted British Racing Green and yellow in the style of the 1960s Lotus Formula 1 racecars.
After returning to this forum I saw the post by Kevin Mahoney about getting rid of three old, non running Royal Enfields. So I rented a truck, drove to Phoenix and bought them. The original 2009 smog mule C5, a 2012 C5 with various pieces missing and a broken frame and a beautiful Iron Barrel Bullet with a lot of stuff not there. Tim from Western Cycle said he was in the market for a "shop bike" so he now has the 2009 C5. The 2012 now has everything working except the front brake on a donkey cart from India) and still needs the frame welded. But it is close. My stable now has 3 REs and a Triumph.
I hope that answered your question.