As some of you may know, I live in Estonia.
As probably more of you know, I ride a Ural sidecar.

I'm looking into an idea and I'd like member feedback on it.

Basically, a fellow Uraler and I are looking into the feasilibity of setting-up a small venture that would aim to provide visitors to Estonia and the Baltics with the option of renting Ural sidecar outfits.

We could also offer custom routes/attractions/destinations depending on a customer's interests, trying to make the most of what Estonia and the region has to offer.

So my question is, assuming the rates were acceptable to you, would you consider such a holiday?

I'm open to any an all comments whether you've ridden an outfit, haven't but fancy it, or wouldn't go near one.

Cheers

Since opening this, I've sub'ed up and now merged this post with a poll I created (thanks Grant!!)
So please vote, vote, vote as all those opinions will help us understand if this idea has legs.... or even wheels!
THANK YOU!!

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Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)

Sounds like a great idea. The only Ural tour I can find are around the factory. My wife does not want to ride in the support vehicle for a normal 2 wheel tour and will not ride pillion.

Thanks for the answer, wm! Nice to see the idea appeals

So, fellow HUBB members...
No further opinions, be they for or against?

For many it could provide a commitment free opportunity to try something new, for others the chance to ride a sidecar, when shipping theirs for a short trip in Europe might be prohibitive.

Suggestions?
Ideas?
Comments?
Would or wouldn't you?

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Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)

Hi Warthog,

I think it's a good idea,but being in the process of learning to ride an outfit myself at the moment(and struggling!),i think it should be made clear to prospective visitors/customers that it's not just a case of turn up and ride away.
I would imagine that some instruction would need to be provided by yourselves
before any novice sidecar rider heads off on their own.
Again,good idea,and definitely something i would consider doing myself.

Best regards,

Joe

Hi Joe. Definitely agree with you!

I think at least a solid half day's training so that riders understan that they need to give a hack the respect it deserves. Outfits may not go fast, but they can bite, if one is not careful!!

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Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)

I would be very interested in riding a Ural in Estonia. What are the legalities (taking an Estonian registered bike I don't own across a border) of visiting other countries in the vicinity? Or are you considering restricting this venture to Estonia only?
cheers
Chris

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CURRENT RR WITH REGULAR UPDATES: The Wife Takes on Chlamydia: A South American Retrospective

Now you know I'm never one to rain on anyones parade but.....

A few random comments:

I wouldn't go for this. If I want to go anywhere I have my own outfit and would use that. I think the target market is for want a better description (and excuse the labels) "holidaymakers" rather than "adventurers". Edit to add: I think the sidecarists you'd get would be from say the US who didn't want to bring their own rigs over. I think you'd get a lot of solo riders who fancied a go.

I think you are spot on thinking about the training aspects of taking Dave-the-Weekend-Harley-Rider and plonking him on a Ural. I think you need to add to this how you'll deal with blokes who own Fireblades at home wringing your Urals to death at 70 mph (is there something like the AA?) and how you'll tell old boys who've pottered about on their own bikes for years that they are not fit to be let loose on your bike. Maybe talk to the local Harley shop? Will they rent solos to the point and squirt riders who can't get their head round three wheels?

I think a big draw could be winter riding. Maybe find a forrest trail where you can use the Urals abilities and lead the trip to include some nice winter camping, open fire etc? You have more control than handing over they keys.

Good luck with whatever you try.

Andy

I think its a great idea . Granted, I am bias toward Urals in General. It would be a niche marked though. But, if your livelihood wouldn't depend on it, why not. I could see myself flying up from Hamburg/Germany (after 2012) and taking the Ural tour. Do you take pre-bookings...?


P.S: Gosh, I miss my rig...

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Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"

I believe restriction apply to the east into Russia, but Finland, Latvia etc are all EU and Schengen treaty members, so in principle you could ride from Tallinn all the way home and only need a passport in Dover!!!

Being a bike loadned under a rental agreement, I should think you have the freedom of movement as if it were your own. But don't quote me on that!! I'd need to check!

Being able to offer patrons advice on Latvia and Finland too would be great.

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Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)

Pre-bookings for a pre-company : now that would be organised!!

We could offer a withdrawal management course for ex Ural owners!
Glad you like the idea though!

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Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)

[quote=Threewheelbonnie;321171]Now you know I'm never one to rain on anyones parade but.....

Any and all opinions welcome!!

I agree with you that those in Europe who decided to have a crack would be curious solo riders rather than those with their own rig. Likewise on the US: it does seem that Urals have a decent following over there.

Still a niche within a niche though!!

If anyone's reached 70mph, it's that the Ural has just ridden off a cliff and no end of training will help them with that!!

I guess each rider would be handled on their merits. I guess a controlled area where they can fly the chair and scare themselves a bit by how easily it can happen would be good. I even wonder if race-reppers would even be interested!

That could be good. I guess they'd have to be well informed and prepared before signing though!! It can be bloomin' cold!!

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Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)

Oh yes, I would be a potential customer. I miss my rig...

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Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"

How did you find the bench seat? I can't say the tractor seats are uncomfortable, but they do look "accommodating"

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Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)

I'm thinking that for my purposes I'd really want to be able to take it to Russia. The Baltics are pleasant enough, but I've already been through twice; if I was headed as far afield as the Alps or Norway I'd definitely want something a bit more sprightly than a Ural (and more carve-worthy than a sidecar rig). I don't know how that might fit your business plan, but that's really what would set this apart for me.

As others have said, maybe we're not your target audience here. Are there other companies out there somewhere doing anything similar, or even vaguely related? It seems to me you'd want to talk to them about their experience.

Good luck in any case!

Mark

The bench seat was a perfect match for my butt, loved it...

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Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"