Maybe riding for fun is a casualty of everyday, year 'round riding. Riding has become another means of transportation. The addition of the Roadcrafter Light and the Ural has made riding just about the easiest way to get around. Easy to park, no problems backing up and, even with only 39hp it has more than enough power to keep up with traffic.
It always took more effort to ride the BMW such as pushing it in or out of parking spaces with the sidecar and even more so when on two wheels. And pre-Roadcrafter, putting on riding gear always took more time. This was especially the case in wet weather. Now it is under a minute from walking out the door to backing out of the garage.
I have already concluded that the Ural+sub-0°F temperatures aren't a good combination primarily due to the lack of a modern engine lubrication system. Three engine repairs in two years should be enough to convince me. The BMW seems much less "civilized" than the Ural. Very heavy steering and geared too high for sidecar use. It is also much more difficult to get out of the driveway during the winter even with studded tires. I'm considering putting the BMW on the market as I hadn't ridden it since February and even when I did, it wasn't the first choice. It still has the studded tires installed and it doesn't seem worth the effort to install the summer tires. Last year, I installed the summer tires and rode it only once.
Hmmm, lots to think about...
Sounds like very practical reasoning, something I should become better at. Not used, something else works better and is easier to live with....a reasonably easy decision.
ReplyDeleteBut....:)
It's the "But..." part that gets me. Maybe I should try and sell the sidecar separately.
DeleteI think you need the Motoped Survival bike...
ReplyDeleteThat seems like a good vehicle for exploring rough Alaskan trails, and maybe--maybe--it has enough oomph to outrun an angry bear.
Everyone needs a Motoped bike. Looks pretty cool though it can't outrun a black bear. Not even close.
DeleteKeep the RT, it's engine might be usable on the Ural one day....assuming you can get the transmission case modified by Bural to mate up to it.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of looking for an 800cc engine and a Ural transmission to have on hand ready to go but the Ural engine is so easy to work on. The challenge is to stay within its design envelope.
DeleteSounds like you might be contemplating not riding when it gets too cold. If the Ural doesn't play well in those really cold temps and the BMW is just a pain, you might just be in the truck a few more days this winter to spare the Ural engine.
ReplyDeleteYou can always list the BMW and see if you get any bites. Just because you list it doesn't mean you have to sell it if you change your mind, but it would gauge interest.
I'm thinking that maybe 0°F may be a good cutoff temperature. I suspect that the truck may be getting a little more use. Or maybe I need to dig out the bicycle. I'm still intrigued by your friends bargain fat bike.
DeleteThe BMW is now listed on the local Craigslist. We'll see what happens.
Richard I would give up several days riding for one good day of rain. It hasn't rained here since sometime in mid June. As for getting around in winter, I prefer to be closed in ... Sorry no help with that decision at all.
ReplyDeleteI think that it has not rained only two days since I've been back from Barrow.
DeleteI can relate to the big heavy thing... I love riding the Harley out on the highway but for around town stuff it's really a pain in the neck sometimes.
ReplyDelete