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So I was looking for a nice quality European motorcycle and was told to look into a Ural Motorcycle or a Moto Guzzi or a Ducati. I like the old Ural's look and would be looking for an older looking bike. I am looking for an all black bike with a single head light. Any suggestions or websites to consider
The Ural can hardly be considered remotely equivalent to Moto Guzzis, and especially Ducatis. I think of the Ural as a big Royal Enfield. I think they both look cool, but they are basically 1950s bikes which perform like 1950s bikes. They are very very retro!
The Ural is the most unique bike you mentioned, and the most retro by far - it's essentially a knock-off of an early BMW twin. There is an article in the current Rider on a guy who rides a Ural sidecar outfit in the Minnesota winter - they are tough but not at all fast. I saw guys hauling hay in the sidecars in Ukraine a couple of years ago.
The Guzzi is also an air-cooled twin, and shaft driven, but there the similarity ends. Guzzis are, in general, excellent touring bikes, much faster and more powerful than Ural
Ducatis in general will be the most expensive, and the fastest of the 3 marques you mention. They have full-on sport bikes and sport-tourers mostly. If you don't know what "Desmodromic" means, if you get involved with Ducatis, you will be finding out.
Not knowing you or how you will want to ride the bike, I can't comment on which one would work best for you.
Being there in Milwaukee, you might want to think about a Sportster, the later models are very decent bikes, easy to live with, good resale value if that matters to you. Or, being in Milwaukee, you may be OD'd on H-D already.
Being there in Milwaukee, you might want to think about a Sportster, the later models are very decent bikes, easy to live with, good resale value if that matters to you. Or, being in Milwaukee, you may be OD'd on H-D already.
I never was a Harley fan until the Harley 100th Anniversary party and I saw some of the coolest most orginal bikes from all over the world and I was just floored when I saw how huge the Harley community is.
I'm a smaller guy 5'6 170 so I have always worried about being able to hold a bigger Harley up. I do like your recommendation of the Sportster. I just love the Nightster 1200, all black! I really would love one of those as well.
I'd immediately disregard any advice from someone that a) Put Urals, Guzzis, and Ducs in the same basket and b) Claimed that Urals were of good quality.
I don't think you can buy a Ural anymore without the hack anyways.
You should check out the Bonneville, old school looks with real world reliability. I think you'd dig the Bonnie Black.
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Triumph Bonneville
