Good Service: Heindl Engineering

I recently bought some replacement parts for my Ural from Heindl Engineering. I’ve bought tires, spokes, and host of other parts for my Patrol over the last few years from them. My Ural was leaking some oil from the left valve cover and the front brake pads were very worn. I placed the order and a few days later a box arrived via UPS. I was excited; no more mess on the garage floor from leaky oil.

The brake pads and other items I ordered were in the box, but unfortunately, the gaskets were not. Disappointed, I called Heindl to let them know. It was after hours, so I left a message. A few minutes later Jon from Heindl called to apologize for the lack of gaskets. He also said he would get them in the mail the next day, so I would have them before the weekend was over. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. Saturday arrived and so did the postman with my one-day express shipment with the gaskets. Awesome!

Mistakes can happen with any company, but it is what happens after the mistake is made which makes the difference. In this case, Heindl was extemporary. I am happy to share this story, and I will be ordering from them again in the future.

Subzero Furniture Moving With the Ural

My friend told me about how his son needed a new desk to do school work. I just happened to have an extra one. The problem was how to get it across the city without renting a truck as it wouldn’t fit in his car. The Ural to the rescue.

It just happened to fit perfectly in the sidecar with the edge hanging just past the wheel. Four straps later and it locked in place not even wiggling. I positioned it so the wind wouldn’t be pushing on it while I was riding or so I thought.

The morning came to bring it over, and it was –16F. There ended up being an interesting cross-wind the entire ride over. I was worried about the wind from the front, and didn’t think about side winds. I made it the 30 mile ride without incident. It was an interesting ride. A few other road users though so too, and snapped photos.

My friend’s son likes the new desk, and it is working out great for them. This is one of the weirder things I’ve hauled on the Ural displacing the several loads of compost and a tree.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve hauled on your motorcycle or sidecar?

Motorcycle First Thursday in Minneapolis–March 2014

Last Thursday, was Motorcycle First Thursday’s at Dulono’s Pizza in Minneapolis. The temperature has been quite cold this winter. They say it has been the coldest in about thirty years. The parking lot showed it. I was again the only rider this month. The snow banks were slowly creeping into the lot as well, consuming several of the limited parking spots.

I had a nice time chatting with friends inside, and am looking forward to warmer temps. I expect I will not be the only rider for April. Bring on Spring and the two-wheeled riding season!

Ural Mug

A few months ago I broke my favorite Ural mug. I stupidly dropped a jar on it. Don’t ask how it happened. It is too silly to repeat. It chipped and cracked and was no longer water tight. About the same time, my friend was trying to think of a present for her husband. She wanted to put my photo of the Ural in the snow on a coffee mug. I thought it was a great idea, but I didn’t realize she was going to send me one as well. I was very happy to get one in the mail and have been enjoying it since. I think it looks great. Thanks again!