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Dear Friends,
Welcome to the January issue of the Irbit Informer! We are a bit late sending this issue out - hard to believe it is the first day of February (already!), but we hope you still enjoy the update and some really wonderful stories from the world of Ural.
We have some great news on 2012 US retail sales results - we grew 33% over 2011, which makes it the third year in a row of 30%+ growth. That's a pretty unique case in the motorcycle industry these days. Even more exciting news - 2012 became our record sales year! It is a good feeling to be able to beat our biggest number which was set back in 2006.
We want to thank all of you for making it happen - it is your record as much as it is ours. If it wasn't for you - well, it goes without saying - we wouldn't have gotten there. Please keep the stories of your adventures coming, send us pictures and videos. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing Urals out there playing, bringing smiles to the folks all around.
There is a wonderful article in March Issue of Motorcyclist magazine about an enjoyable father and daughter journey on a Ural along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway. What a perfect way for a family to bond and share the love of riding!
 
Our international sales in Australia, Europe and Canada are up as well - so factory will have to step up the pace even more in 2013. Our team in Irbit and in every distribution is dedicated more than ever to keeping at it, improving and making the Ural stories happen. Please read on about the 2013 model updates below.
We updated our website www.imz-ural.com for 2013 and you can find 2013 Owner's Manuals and 2013 Parts Catalogs online now.
We can't wait to see more of your ride reports now that we are into February and the spring is almost around the corner...
Happy Reading and Happy Riding!
Visit and bookmark Ural online @ www.imz-ural.com
As always, we are on Facebook and updating our blog weekly if not more frequently, and they are the best places to keep current on Ural and the IMWA team.
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2013 Product Updates
For 2013 models we focused on improving three areas - corrosion protection, clutch discs and sidecar interior. We also made some minor changes in serviceability and appearance of the bikes as well as switching to more reliable suppliers and improving the quality of the components.
Paint and anti-corrosion protection:
As far as the color combinations for 2013 - we stayed with the same palette as in 2012.
Factory now uses Akzo Nobel (Sikkens) solutions and products all around (from primer to clear coat) both for liquid and powder paints. 3M seam sealers are now used for better corrosion protection of the tub.
New outsourced clutch plates provide longer life and improved feel. The new plates are completely redesigned with better material that is riveted to the steel plate allowing more flex, better friction contact, and improved cooling characteristics. We have extensively tested these new plates and have been very happy with the improved performance. The famous Mr. Cob was finally able to climb his favorite hill on a Ural and not burn the clutch, so this part rightfully earned the title "Mr.Cob tested and approved".
Sidecar Interior:
Aluminum diamond plate sidecar step will replace the factory stamped steel plate.
The tonneau cover and apron will also be secured using standard turn-button fasteners, no more leather tabs. We've wanted to do this for so long!!!
New floor mats are made from thick quality rubber and have been designed for a great fit. They're an all-season style mat with the Ural logo.
Also, new mirrors will be used on all models including the Retro. These new mirrors have a larger viewing area and stay in place better.
So there you have it - check our dealer map, set the date for a test drive and start your 2013 on the right foot...er, we meant on the right bike. :-)
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Side By Side-Motorcyclist Magazine takes a trip
 Ural owners can all agree on one thing, it's often better with a passenger. Whether its your family dog, or a loved one, having a friend a long is part of the charm. When Motorcyclist Magazine contacted us about a story involving a staffer and his daughter, we were all ears.
Aaron and his daughter took a Ural Gear-Up from San Francisco to Los Angeles via the PCH. The result is an incredible article, which we have online for you to enjoy. Just click here or on the photo above to read more!
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Notes from "Down Under"-Ural Australia
From Jon Taylor at Ural Australia:
"Australian sales are strong and we have a lot of interest from Aussies and overseas riders who wish to come and tour our country. A lap of Australia constitutes around 20,000 kilometers and the Ural is seen as a good choice for this because of the remote sections where owner servicing and reliability are necessary.
We have a date with a group of 6 Russians including Mikhail and Igor with his son Ivan who wish to return to Australia in June for a guided adventure tour into our "outback". In 2010, they rode from Townsville to Bendigo, some 6,000 kilometers down the east coast in 14 days. This time the trip will be accompanied by several of our Ural owners as they take on 14 days out to the sand dunes and back averaging around 330 kilometers a day on mostly dirt roads. There will be some camping involved and no doubt plenty of adventures along the way.
We have a new dealer for Ural in South Australia which is already home to a number of Urals.
Mick's Motorcycles Gawler
485 Main North Road
Evanston SA 5116
Ph: 08 8522 2618
mick@micksmotorcyclesgawler.com.au
In New Zealand, our neighboring country with some of the best Ural roads in the world, we have a dealership being taken on at Christchurch. A new distribution network is being setup there because long time importer and stockist for Ural, Kurt Nielson is moving into a well earned retirement.
Malcolm Milne at Motus Scooters and Motorcycle
32 Allen Street
Christchurch
Ph: +64 3 377 2626
info@mymotus.co.nz"
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Notes from "Up North"-Ural Canada
From the cold north, Ural Canada has been hard at work. Since the last Irbit Informer, they've been out speaking to possible dealers, selling bikes and managing to find the time to attend the Ottawa Bike Show. Reports are that the show was a success with more crowds and a certifiable uptick in people responding positively to the sight of the red Ural Tourist on the show floor.
If you're in Ontario be sure to swing by and visit the province's newest Ural dealer!
Excalibur Motorcycle Works
1425 Walsh Street West
Thunder Bay, ON P7E4X6
Phone: (807) 622-0007
llage@tbaytel.net
www.excaliburmotorcycleworks.com
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There & Back Again-A New Ural Owner's Story
When new Ural owner Troy decided to pick-up his bike he knew that going to the dealer and then a quick ride home, or worse, loading his new Gear-Up on a trailer was not an option. Troy wanted to do it right, and give his Ural a proper homecoming.
Ultimately, Troy and his wife Cory chose to take delivery of the bike from TriQuest Cycles in San Jose and ride to Prescott, Arizona by way of the Mojave Road.
What took place next was nothing short of an adventure, you can't call what Troy and Cory did a "ride." That isn't a suitable word for the experiences they shared together on the new bike. We're very happy to welcome these two as new ural owners.
For the whole story, and some incredible photos, visit Troy's post on Soviet Steeds and enjoy the read!
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Smiles and Miles-18,000 miles and 7 months
One more tale of epic distances and incredible teamwork for you. Tracy and Martin set-off from Calgary in late 2011 to ride their Ural to South America. The blog is an incredible display of words and photography from the trip.
The photo above from Peru is really cool. The sign marks the road they're travelling on as the highest in the world. 5,059 meters, or 16,000+ feet!
They're still out there, riding and living in foreign lands, and doing it all from the seats of a Ural!
Follow their adventure by clicking here or the photo above.
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New Dealers
These are our newest dealers. We believe all of these new dealers will make excellent additions to the Ural family. If one happens to be in your area, jump on the bike, throw the dog in the sidecar and go say "hi!"
You can find the most up-to-date list of dealers on our website here:
www.imz-ural.com/dealer-locator
USA
VIRGINIA/WASHINGTON D.C.
Washington Boulevard Motors
3210 10th Street
Arlington, VA 22210
(703) 243-4466
tony@afsongroup.com
Is this time for a new Ural already? Don't wait and call your local Ural dealer or plan on visiting one soon and take one for a test ride! You'll suddenly experience fun from an entirely new perspective...like finding strangers smiling and waving at you everywhere you go. Life can be a parade.:-)
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Becoming Social
We've recently changed our facebook page which we hope will help you stay on top of everything we're doing online. We've added tabs, so that now from the main Ural facebook page, you can also read our website's blog, you can view our twitter, our pinterest, and also watch our YouTube videos. Stay current on all the goings on at Ural!
Please like us on Facebook and join the conversation!
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/uralmotorcycles
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/ural_twit
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/uralwebmaster
Pinterest:
www.pinterest.com/rideural
Tumblr:
www.heyural.tumblr.com And we couldn't mention social media, and the internet in general, without reminding our readers that whenever you have a question, you should always visit one of the most knowledgeable Ural forums out there: www.sovietsteeds.com/forums ========================================================
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Every Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
The happiest passenger is always a Ural passenger
Image courtesy of Eugene Wong, Vancouver, BC.
The Team at Ural
Current number of subscribers as of 1/31/2012: 14,921
To unsubscribe click here: http://www.imz-ural.com/community/newsletter.aspx |
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