Tuesday, 21 January 2014

Q AND A on the 2014 Ural Model



Q: What are the prices by model?
A:  Recommended RRP is (add on road costs for your state)
  • T – $ 18,500
  • Tourist - $20,400
  • Ranger - $21,600
Q: What models and colours are available in Australia?
Ranger – Asphalt Grey, Sage Green, Battleship Blue, Bondi Yellow
Tourist – Red/White, Blue, Yellow
T – Matt Black, Red

Q: When/Where will dealers get their training on the 2014 models?
A: The factory assures us the new bikes cannot be correctly setup without training. We held a training session for Dealers in the week of March - 27th 28th . This was held at Ural Australia.

Q: Will there be a 2014 Tourist model?
The T, Tourist and Ranger models we sell in Australia will continue. 
Some specs have changed slightly.
T model will now come in gloss red or matt black. No extras as before – a stripped down model.
The Tourist comes with sidecar screen and spare wheel, tonneau cover, toolkit, pump, bench seat and auxiliary power in the sidecar as standard, but no sidecar bumper and luggage rack.
The Ranger is in regular specs with tank locker, sidecar bumper, spare wheel, tonneau, shovel, jerrycan, leg shields, auxiliary sidecar power outlet, sidecar bumper and luggage rack, but no sidecar screen.

Q: Is the Retro no longer going to be produced? Will the tech changes apply to the Retro models?
A: All 2014 changes apply to Retros. Our first 2014 Retros coming to Australia will not be here before December 2014.

Q: Will there be a 2014 Solo sT?
A: It is not available in Australia for the foreseeable future.

Q: When can I get a brochure for 2014 models?
A: They are available now from dealers or from Ural Australia directly

Q: Which wheel locations will the spare tire fit? What about the interchangeability of the wheels?
A: We knew the question about spare wheel fitment would inspire more discussion than any other change we are introducing in 2014. So here is the answer. The spare wheel was primarily designed to replace the “pusher” rear tire. This position has proven most common for punctures leading to flats (90% of the time per our observations) and is also susceptible to the most wear. In an emergency the spare wheel assembly can be fitted to the front and sidecar positions of the motorcycle yet the brakes will not be functional. However, it is not advised to ride the motorcycle without fully operational equipment of any kind, especially the braking system. Fitting the spare to the front or sidecar would be for extreme situations only where you had no alternative but to get yourself out of a predicament.

Q: Where is the fuel pump (external or inside the tank)?
A: The pump is outside of the fuel tank. It is located underneath, near the front of the tank. This allows for easier inspection of the unit than an internal fuel pump. The filtering is handled by a serviceable screen in the tank to catch larger particles followed by an external inline filter for smaller particles. Maintenance on these filters is something you won’t even need to think about until your 10,000 kilometre service.

Q: Has the tank size increased?
A: The fuel tank for all models still holds 20 litres, slightly more for Retro models. The introduction of the EFI system has increased the mileage and in turn the motorcycles range. At 7.5ltr per 100km compared to the 9ltr per 100km from previous years it doesn’t take much to figure out how far you and your Ural will go. Of course, if you ride with the throttle wide open all the time your results may vary. On our Pre Production bike Jon recorded 300km from a 20ltr tank!

Q: What periodic maintenance is required?
A: Not anything majorly different from previous years except service intervals have been increased to 5,000km recently. A totally new manual has been written to go with 2014 EFI bikes!

Q: What is the approximate weight of the 2014 bikes?
A: The “approximate” weight of the motorcycles is the same as previous years across all models, minus approximately 4kg in weight reduction of new and updated components. How did we do it? Use of new castings and casting techniques, new forged aluminum triple clamps, and utilizing lighter materials for the dash and air box to name a few.

Q: Is it possible to upgrade pre-2014 Urals to the disc brakes all around set-up as on the 2014 models?
A: Anything is possible. That being said, upgrading and replacing key components on Ural models produced before 2014 to allow the fitment of the new brake system would be an investment in parts and labor. Specifically you would be replacing over 30 parts including motorcycle and sidecar frames two swing arms, the final drive, wheels and numerous other components. Likely its cheaper to trade up to a new bike.

Q: Can the new timing cover with spin-on oil filter be used on older bikes? Which parts are necessary?
A: A retro fit timing cover with spin on oil filter designed for use with the Ducati ignition is available for 750cc engines built before 2014. The kit containing all the parts you need is now available through our dealers and Ural Australia.

Q: Is it possible to install hydraulic damper on older Ural?
A: A retro fit kit has been developed to replace the friction type damper with a hydraulic damper on all models produced before 2014. This kit is available now.  We would also like to take this opportunity to correct an earlier statement. The new hydraulic damper has 16 adjustment positions and reports from customers who have fitted them suggest steering is very noticeably more precise and less influenced by road irregularities.

Q: Can I install the new air filter on my 2006 Tourist?
A: Again with Urals anything is possible. To install the new air box on models produced prior to 2014 will require a new fuel tank as new mounting was required to make room for the higher volume air box. Also the new style fuel tank mount would need to be welded to the correct position on the frame. So the answer to your question is yes … but actually no.

Wednesday, 4 December 2013

Glimpses of the 2014 EFI model in the flesh

Check out some details on the new 2014 EFI model. We have one pre-production model here in Australia with the main shipment due to arrive in March 2014. There will be some small changes between this pre-production model and the final production. We will know early January the new colour schemes and also the accessories fitted to each model that will be available for 2014. There will be some changes from what we have had before.

The bike feels great to ride!!!

Air Intake Horn Above the Alternator

Linkage from the Rear Brake to the Sidecar Master Cylinder

Adjustable Hydraulic Steering Damper

Fuel Injection

Fuel Injection Pump and Plumbing, Also Note New Ignition Pickup from Top of Fly Wheel Case

Rear Master Cylinder and Hand Brake Actuating Cable

New Dashboard Including Fuel Light

Handbrake Actuating Lever

New Tyre Pump and Mounts in Trunk

New Raised Taqnk Lettering and the New Collett Mirror Mounting

Rear Brake Fluid Resevoir

New Final Drive

Rear Wheel showing the Handbrake Actuation Assembly on the Outside

View of the Sidecar Seperate Hydraulic Brake System

Vertical View of Sidecar Disc Brake

Sidecar Wheel

View of the New Front Cover with Spin-on Oil Filter

Saturday, 9 November 2013

Ural rolls out the largest package of upgrades in more than ten years



Ural rolls out the largest package of upgrades in more than ten years



Introduction
Ural motorcycles gained popularity and a loyal following among motorcycle enthusiasts around the world.  Ural riders appreciate the bikes’ on- and off-road capabilities, ease of maintenance and certainly love the bikes’ classic appearance and feel. Our company is known for listening closely to customer feedback, and as such Ural has implemented a large number of changes and upgrades over the years.
We at Ural felt that the concept of a complete factory produced sidecar motorcycle has even bigger potential than what our previous models were able to deliver. So we began working on this project two years ago. The idea was to introduce a number of more advanced technical and functional features, while still maintaining Ural’s classic look, ruggedness and unpretentious character.
The four main areas we focused on were:
·         Engine performance
·         Handling
·         Braking
·         Overall fit and finish
Key differences at a glance.



2013 model year

2014 model year





Engine





Displacement

749 cc

749 cc
Fuel delivery

Carburation

EFI
Maximum HP

40 HP @ 5600 RPM

41 HP @ 5500 RPM
Maximum torque

38 ft-lbs @ 4600 RPM

42 ft-lbs @ 4300 RPM





Brakes




Front

Four-piston fixed Brembo caliper with 295mm NG floating disc

Four-piston fixed Brembo caliper with 295mm NG floating disc
Rear

Mechanical drum

Single piston big bore HB integrated floating caliper with 256mm NG fixed disc
Sidecar

Mechanical drum

Two-piston fixed Brembo caliper with 245mm NG floating disc





Dry weight, lbs

739

730
Fuel consumption, mpg

26-33

31-37
Recommended maximum cruising speed, mph

65

70

 Engine

What it was
Prior to 2014 all models of Ural motorcycles had been manufactured with carburetors. Carburetion allowed the user to make adjustments and accommodate different riding styles when necessary. While this is considered to be an advantage by some motorcycle enthusiasts, the benefits of EFI system are undeniable. Even though Ural could have continued with carburetion for a few more years, we decided it’s time to switch to EFI if we are to grow the brand and expand our customer base.

What it will be
2014 Urals feature the new standalone fuel injection system. This system has been developed specifically for Ural by ElectroJet, Inc., a Michigan-based engineering company, using components by Bosch and Delphi.
It’s a closed loop throttle body injection system utilizing individual ECU’s for each of the cylinders. This system precisely manages fuel delivery and ignition timing while simultaneously allowing the cylinders to communicate with each other for better idling and balance.
The most unique feature of our system is the individual ECU’s integrated with the throttle bodies.  It’s a compact and redundant system which allows the motorcycle to continue running with just one out of two ECU’s operational.  Our ECU also incorporates a PDS (pressure differential sensor) for more accurate and smooth fuel delivery, eliminating the need for additional TPS (throttle position sensor). The throttle bodies were specifically designed in a way to maximize performance while minimizing modification to existing engine components.
EFI is not the only piece of the puzzle.  We completed the package with an all new air box and an improved cam profile. 
The new airbox is almost two times larger in volume. This provides less restrictive airflow and better balance. The airbox inlet has been relocated to make the system more weather resistant and easier to service.
The profile of the camshaft was revised for shorter duration to increase the low to mid- rpm torque.

What is does
The three main benefits of EFI are obvious: it is more user friendly, provides better fuel economy and reduces emissions.
While the deployment of EFI and redesign of other engine components increased the maximum horsepower of our 750 engine, the real story is torque.
For a motorcycle with the sidecar that weighs over 700 lbs., you need a lot of torque to overcome the moment of inertia. And we achieved just that. The engine now produces 42 ft-lbs of torque at 4300rpm compared to previous 38 ft-lbs of torque at 4600 rpm - that’s a 15% increase! What’s even more impressive is that 90% of max torque is achieved below 2300 rpms - and that puts the power where you need it.

What it comes with
The engine now comes with redesigned front cover integrating a standard spin-on oil filter.
A new wire harness incorporates all new requirements for EFI utilizing high quality weather tight connectors.
The dashboard was redesigned to include fuel level warning and engine management indicator lamps.

Brakes

What it was
Since 2003 Ural motorcycles have utilized Brembo hydraulic disc brakes on the front wheel, and drum brakes for both the rear and sidecar wheels.  The drum brakes required the rider to apply more force to the brake pedal.  Also this configuration required more frequent maintenance and adjustment.

What it will be
Beginning in 2014 Urals will feature disc brakes on all three wheels.
The rear wheel utilizes a big bore integrated floating caliper by HB (Hayes Brakes) and a 256 mm solid NG rotor. The caliper also incorporates the mechanical parking brake feature.
The sidecar wheel is equipped with a two-piston Brembo caliper and a 245 mm NG floating rotor. 
Both rear calipers are operated by their own Brembo master cylinders.

What it does
The new system provides dramatically increased stopping power while requiring less rider effort. Having three individual braking systems provides for the highest level of redundancy and the ability to precisely tune the entire system.

What it comes with
During the development of the rear disc brakes we completely redesigned all wheel hubs. They now utilize standard sealed bearings with additional protective dust seals.
The rear hubs no longer utilize cast-in drive splines. They are now equipped with replaceable hardened bolt-on spline flanges. The rear wheel hubs will no longer need to be replaced due to worn drive splines.
The parking brake actuation lever was redesigned and conveniently located to simplify rider operation. 
The introduction of disc brakes allowed us to develop a new final drive housing, which is lighter and universal across the entire model line.
The front brake reaction link on leading link forks is now made by FRAP (Italy) and utilizes higher quality ball joints of increased strength.


Steering

What it was
The current Urals utilize a mechanical friction type steering damper. This simple design, while adjustable, doesn’t provide consistent handling under different riding situations. Thus the motorcycle requires constant rider input. 

What it will be
The new system incorporates an 18-position adjustable hydraulic damper. This damper specifications were carefully selected for use on our sidecar motorcycles and confirmed after extensive on- and off- road testing.

What it does
Riding the bike, equipped with new damper, requires less rider input while feeling more “planted” and connected to the road surface. As an added benefit, the hydraulic damper reduces the amount of sidecar specific yaw (pull to the right or left when accelerating or decelerating).  For newbies to sidecars, it eases the transition from two wheels to three wheels.

What it comes with
In conjunction with the development of the steering damper we also incorporated newly designed upper and lower triple clamps (bridges). These bridges are now made from forged aluminum alloy which is both stronger and lighter. Additionally the upper clamp incorporates handlebar mounts. Fork legs are now secured with pinch bolts in place of the original factory tapered upper mount.

Appearance

In addition to all the performance improvement the motorcycle has undergone substantial makeover.
The classic look of the Ural has been preserved but well refined. Some of the improvements include new kneepads and badges on the gas tank, improved preformed hoses for fuel lines, breather and reservoirs.
The new dashboard with modern indicator lamps is more aesthetically pleasing and at the same time better follows the contour of the headlight and the upper triple clamp.
The new front engine cover is slimmer and cleaner in appearance and incorporates the IMZ logo.
Some other small details also add to the overall appearance