'Urban Warfare' Motorcycles on Sale in Baghdad

[farmgirl]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=573&ncid=757&e=5&u=/nm/20040407/od_nm/iraq_motorcycle_dc



By Khaled Yacoub Oweis

BAGHDAD (*******) - Feeling unsafe driving a car in occupied Iraq (news - web sites)?

Then try one of 1,497 Russian 650cc Ural motorcycles on sale now and easily adapted for urban warfare at the local welder for a little extra cost.

The once-feared Saddam Fedayeen militia and the Jerusalem Army paramilitary force ordered the Urals just before the U.S. invasion of Iraq as part of a defensive strategy that relied on high mobility but was scarcely implemented.

By the time they arrived, say officials at the state-owned General Vehicle Company, Saddam had been overthrown and the rugged combination motorcycles with sidecars had to be sold off.

"I reckon we'll see demand from Sadr city," said a salesman, referring to a Shi'ite Muslim Baghdad slum area where U.S. troops have fought deadly clashes with Iraqis.

"Weld on extra plates and a machinegun mount like the Fedayeen used to and it's ready," he said -- an ironic comment but poignant, perhaps, for U.S. forces facing an increasingly inventive guerrilla foe.

The Urals, available in any color you want as long as it is camouflage gray, are meant to appeal to the Iraqi wary of being caught in Baghdad's worsening traffic jams.

The longer you are on the road, the greater the chance of being caught up in a chance suicide attack or roadside bomb. Skirt the lines of cars and thread through the lanes in your combination and your prospects of a safe journey are better.

IDEAL FOR BAGHDAD

Ural delivered 503 machines out of a 2,000 order under the oil-for-food program before the war. One batch of the rugged off-road bikes saw action in the war, and the state company is working on marketing new arrivals, the official added.

The machines, touted as the AK-47 of motorcycles by aficionados, feature an overhead valve horizontally opposed twin cylinder engine based on pre-World War II BMW design, and drum brakes, as opposed to disks that give more stopping power.

At 4.9 million dinars ($3,500), the Urals may be beyond the pocket of the average Iraqi. But their basic nature, their military potential and ruggedness and agility could suit the more affluent customer balking at Baghdad roads.

"We're trying to persuade the interior ministry to buy them. It won't be a problem if they don't. Several have been sold to the public already. People feel safer and more mobile in them," a company official said.

Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s Iraq preferred to import new cars from countries it considered allies, such as Russia. The state company's warehouses are filled with Russian Volga saloons. Malaysian Protons are on the way.

Business has fallen as the state's monopoly on imports collapsed, but the Urals in particular still arouse public interest.

Among the prospective clients is one U.S. officer. "I hope they don't sell them with machineguns," the officer said. "One can buy anything in this country."




That's kind of troubling, unless our guys are the ones who end up buying them. :|

[UkrainianAmerican]

I am no expert, but I think Ural is complete crap when compared to yamaha or kawasaki

[koster]

Well, you should try taking yamaha or kawasaki into the woods, with a PKM in a sidecar and a few belts of ammo.

[UkrainianAmerican]

Well, you should try taking yamaha or kawasaki into the woods, with a PKM in a sidecar and a few belts of ammo.
I should indeed. :D

[Flagg]

Ural.....Shmural


If you're buying, I'm selling!

Aprilia, Harley-Davidson, Moto Guzzi, Yamaha

Have we got a deal for you! ;)

[Russian Texan]

Harley Davidson my ass...

Here is the real deal:

http://www.pashnit.com/pics/sidecars/Ural-jump.jpg

http://www.pashnit.com/pics/sidecars/UralBrochure.jpg

http://www.pashnit.com/pics/sidecars/Uralcover.jpg

http://www.pashnit.com/pics/sidecars/UralAT4cut.jpg

http://www.pashnit.com/pics/sidecars/Ural-2.jpg



Text verbatim from the brochure:

When analyzing armed conflicts that took place for the latest twenty years it is obvious that the identity of combat actions had dramatically changed. There are no more big armies involved into battles, instead local wars are in place with limited use of heavy armored vehicles whilst no definite front line. Small and mobile elements act and mainly fight for various military or civilian sites or settlements being strong points. The great increase in mobility of elements in today's' fight can be achieved when you use such a specific transportation vehicle like motorcycle adequate to new scenery.




This is why the professionals of IMZ-Germany engineered and tested the army modifications of an off-road sidecar drive motorcycle IMZ-8. 103 GEAR-UP.

The basic armament of the motorcycle is the machine gun of PK type (7.62-mm caliber). The open structure of the motorcycle provides for circular targeting and destroying the enemy man force effectively at the distance form 100 to 2000 meters.
When equipped with a special stand or turret to mount the grenade launcher of KONKURS or FAGOT 9K 113 type, the new GEAR-UP motorcycles can be effectively used with anti-tank sections. The target ability of anti-tank rockets launched at ground and low flying aims from the sidecar fender is not less than 90 per cent at the distance from 2000 to 4000 meters.

The automatic grenade launcher of AGS-17 Plasma type (40-mm caliber) is one more arms type you can use with the motorcycle.
With excellent ease the three wheeler gears up to places where its sluggish four-wheeled college has no chance. Reconnaissance, diversions and patrolling and communications is not the complete list of jobs this versatile motorcycle can do.

Being smaller but more maneuverable than any army jeep, GEAR-UP Ural motorcycle is also effective for task force missions, and in particular in tight city blocks. The crew of the motorcycle may include two or three people including driver.
You can load up to 100 kilograms of equipment and ammunition on the sidecar without passenger and 25 kilograms with passenger.
Powerful engine and adequate transmission ensure the high dynamics, maneuverability and road ability of the motorcycle. The short wheel base of only 1500 mm and big diameter wheels of 19" in combination with cross-country tire patter plus reverse gear and high clearance are the best for heavy terrain. The design and structure of power train featuring gearbox as a separate unit and propeller shaft are dependable and easy in repair right in the field.
One more thing to note is that the motorcycle uses the same types of oils and lubricants cars use. Ural IMZ-8.103 GEAR-UP easily overcomes the obstacles other vehicles are not able to get over absolutely. Using the "flying chair" drive style with the sidecar in the air the motorcycle is able to pass over deep craters and other obstacles. You can drag your motorcycle over fallen tree or electric line stand using the muscles only thus attacking your enemy without warning and from unexpected direction. The high speed of more than 100 km per hour (60 mph) let the crew get rid of pursuit and be safe.

Ural GEAR-UP motorcycles can be used under any climatic conditions starting with Artic zone and ending up with tropics in the temperature between -40 degrees to +50 degrees Celsius.

[American Patriot]

My country's bike is better than your country's bike! :roll:

[Russian Texan]

My country's bike is better than your country's bike! :roll:

If you say so...

[Flagg]

If by "real deal" you mean:

overweight

underpowered

obsolete

then the Ural is the "real deal".

As a vintage/classic motorbike to enjoy...the Ural is a great value(I'd love to put my dog in the sidecar!)

But it's military application value would apporach zero, as more modern designs(lighter,more powerful, more flexible, much more capable) make the URAL completely obsolete.

[Russian Texan]

If by "real deal" you mean:

overweight

underpowered

obsolete

then the Ural is the "real deal".

As a vintage/classic motorbike to enjoy...the Ural is a great value(I'd love to put my dog in the sidecar!)

But it's military application value would apporach zero, as more modern designs(lighter,more powerful, more flexible, much more capable) make the URAL completely obsolete.

By "real deal" I ment a JOKE...
Obviously it was wasted on you guys.
Unlike some 16-18 year olds on this site, I have a real life: job/responsibilities and stress that comes with it, so I come to this site to enjoy pictures and participate in the ocasional argument/conversation, in other words - to relax... And humor happens to be an important part of my relaxation program.

Learn and use humor, sarcasm and irony - your life will become much easier, trust me...

As for "Ural" - I know nothing about bikes, but I think its the coolest just because of this one picture
http://www.pashnit.com/pics/sidecars/Ural-jump.jpg

Show me "HD" that can do that and you might change my opinion if you care...

[Webley]

I would think the motorcycle would lose much of its mobility by attaching the sidecar. Might as well be in a jeep.

[xjym2002]

Things are getting really crazy in that country. :(

[Flagg]

http://www.lollipopsdaytona.com/main/celebs/evelcanyon_small.jpg

The MAN hisself...Evil Knievel....broke more bones, crashed more bikes, and drank more alcohol, than any man alive

http://www.allenmuseum.com/images/evel_rhs_600.jpg

And he always jumped on a Harley......



Learn and use humor, sarcasm and irony - your life will become much easier, trust me...

I do....read my posts ;)

I just happen to be a Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealer...and I love bikes


but I think its the coolest just because of this one picture

It is a great photo......

[Russian Texan]

I just happen to be a Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealer...and I love bikes

Ah, that explains it
:lol:


Did not mean to step on any toes, sorry :)

[Kingpin]

I am no expert, but I think Ural is complete crap when compared to yamaha or kawasaki

VERY old thing. But man... you know... if you'll try one you'll fall in love immediately :) Don't forget its design comes from BMW :)

[Royal]

I'm not a fan of riding sofas I'm afraid Flagg ;)

and the Harley's we used to have

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/snarley03040701.jpg

are f**king dreadfull things - slow, underpowered, gas guzzlers. Then again I've never been on a Ural so...

[Flagg]

I'm not a fan of riding sofas I'm afraid Flagg

Ha Ha Ha Veeeeeeeeeery funny!

That looks like one of the old Rotax powered bikes....If I recall correctly, Harley bought the design from CCM Armstrong...blame your Pommie brethren for THAT one ;)

Down here we use Kawasaki KTX 250's...mostly for running errands or for transport section commanders to ride shotgun and yell at MOG drivers.....but since I'm not in transport I don't get to play with them :(

My girlfriend prefers the big Hogs......comfortable for the pillion.....if riding alone....I'll take an Aprilia for the twisties and a Yamaha for offroad work anyday.....one advantage to having a bike shop......a big box full of toys

Let me know if you get tired of your Ducati......we'll put you on an Aprilia RSV-R....

http://www.tonyarrasmith.com/Portfolio/Images/used_car_salesman.jpg


We've got a special deal for you Royal!

[martinexsquaddie]

urals basically a 1930s GERMAN DESIGN rofl
quite fun if you want something weird to pose on and 10th of the price of a harley
now for speed you probably want a JAP bike
but triumphs are ok
Harleys are really ok for girls and hairdressers rofl

[UkrainianAmerican]

I am no expert, but I think Ural is complete crap when compared to yamaha or kawasaki

VERY old thing. But man... you know... if you'll try one you'll fall in love immediately :) Don't forget its design comes from BMW :)
Ukranian ZAPOROZHETS (gorbatiy)is ALSO based on a 1940 BMW design.
But I aint touching that thing with a 10 ft pole.