Farm bike - do you have one?

steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
The 'weak links' are reaally cheap though.

Looking back at the early bike there were quite a few soft spots - headstock, keyways, o-rings on the brake caliper banjos, spokes, planetary gears... so good to see the improvements made, and made properly, the new bike is an animal compared to the early model
Personally, I like to see a steady improvement policy as UBCO seem to be following as they found out what the machines were being used for. The G5 models look like a sea change in build improvements.
 

steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
I took the older one for a ride to work and it felt average.... the only thing I would change on them is to put a grease point somewhere in the swingarm pivot, that's a pretty short list
Simply sorted for a man of your abilities! I used to do the same for all my "real" dirt bikes. 1/2 pump of grease in the swinging arm at oil change time, whether it did much good I am unsure, but it felt right.

The early DR350 had a problem with the linkages. TBH all the linkages needs a grease point on monoshocks.
 
Location
Scotland
Simply sorted for a man of your abilities! I used to do the same for all my "real" dirt bikes. 1/2 pump of grease in the swinging arm at oil change time, whether it did much good I am unsure, but it felt right.

The early DR350 had a problem with the linkages. TBH all the linkages needs a grease point on monoshocks.
Grease is the cheapest mechanic you'll ever hire ;)
 

Kiwi Pete

Member
Livestock Farmer
Simply sorted for a man of your abilities! I used to do the same for all my "real" dirt bikes. 1/2 pump of grease in the swinging arm at oil change time, whether it did much good I am unsure, but it felt right.

The early DR350 had a problem with the linkages. TBH all the linkages needs a grease point on monoshocks.
Might be a while til that first oil change 🙂

I think it's a biker-man thing, [the need to tinker] and so it's a double-edged sword when you have such a low-maintenance machine.

I haven't even got a loose spoke yet which is really quite a "sea change" as the early rims were like cheddar, these ones seem as solid as the Excel rims I put on my MX bike
 
Location
Scotland
Might be a while til that first oil change 🙂

I think it's a biker-man thing, [the need to tinker] and so it's a double-edged sword when you have such a low-maintenance machine.

I haven't even got a loose spoke yet which is really quite a "sea change" as the early rims were like cheddar, these ones seem as solid as the Excel rims I put on my MX bike
Yep, they are a fair upgrade. We can offer upgrade kits to anyone that has an older generation and like all the parts they are very reasonable in comparison to a lot of other things.
 

steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
Might be a while til that first oil change 🙂

I think it's a biker-man thing, [the need to tinker] and so it's a double-edged sword when you have such a low-maintenance machine.

I haven't even got a loose spoke yet which is really quite a "sea change" as the early rims were like cheddar, these ones seem as solid as the Excel rims I put on my MX bike
Aye, just have to take the battery out and clean it and put it back, to feel like you are doing something!

The need to fiddle is strong, but of late, I am happy to be running a couple of Honda's, nice low maintenance and reliable. However, it was pointed out to me by the guy doing my MOT, that the reliablity may have to something to do with maintenance..... :)

I am pleased UBCO have stopped with spoked wheels as properly specced, they are still the best for off road...
 

steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
Now trying to suss out the differences between the Gen 4 and Gen 5 machines.

Nothing on the net that I can see, so I have asked UBCO in Kiwiland and see what they say!

Found an ex hire low mile Gen4 machines, but wondering whether to spend more for a new type model in the hope it is a more robust machine/
My researches show substantial improvements and changes since the earlier models, as one would hope ;)


I finally found some time and popped up to Barlow's in Cheshire on Friday, and met the UBCO for the first time.

Possibly a mistake to have ridden there on 1litre of V-twin trailie, but there you go, I needed a spin off the farm after being laid up for 5 weeks with a pulled Hamstring.

I knew the UBCO was small, but not quite as tiny as it is in the flesh. The ergonomics are I feel based on appealing to, and not scaring off, non bike riding customers...

I was allowed a really good test around the yard and some nearby rough hilly ground which was useful. I was impressed with the drive and quietness, and I really liked the pick up and go on any terrain (once I stiffened up the front suspension!) , and was getting used to the rather odd front wheel dominant drive system, again a nod to inexperienced users? I personally feel that proper off-road tyres would good, but again, it is down to the marketing with the WRK being pitched at farm users.

The white frame is a horror visually... it needs black side panels fitting out of the box. :)

However, I did not like, and for me it was a deal breaker, the miniscule layout and light feel of the UBCO. I am sure my wife or daughter would have quickly felt at home, but not a 6ft overweight lump of steveR who has been riding bikes off-road for more years than I care to think about. I found the bike very cramped, and even with fitting raised bars, it would not have been quite there I felt. The concept is great, but not quite there for me... yet.
 

Lincoln75

Member
My researches show substantial improvements and changes since the earlier models, as one would hope ;)


I finally found some time and popped up to Barlow's in Cheshire on Friday, and met the UBCO for the first time.

Possibly a mistake to have ridden there on 1litre of V-twin trailie, but there you go, I needed a spin off the farm after being laid up for 5 weeks with a pulled Hamstring.

I knew the UBCO was small, but not quite as tiny as it is in the flesh. The ergonomics are I feel based on appealing to, and not scaring off, non bike riding customers...

I was allowed a really good test around the yard and some nearby rough hilly ground which was useful. I was impressed with the drive and quietness, and I really liked the pick up and go on any terrain (once I stiffened up the front suspension!) , and was getting used to the rather odd front wheel dominant drive system, again a nod to inexperienced users? I personally feel that proper off-road tyres would good, but again, it is down to the marketing with the WRK being pitched at farm users.

The white frame is a horror visually... it needs black side panels fitting out of the box. :)

However, I did not like, and for me it was a deal breaker, the miniscule layout and light feel of the UBCO. I am sure my wife or daughter would have quickly felt at home, but not a 6ft overweight lump of steveR who has been riding bikes off-road for more years than I care to think about. I found the bike very cramped, and even with fitting raised bars, it would not have been quite there I felt. The concept is great, but not quite there for me... yet.
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said you`d ridden true off road bikes for years , the UBCO wouldnt even come close to the likes of a Japanese 125 enduro /trail bike , the UBCO`s design is not for off road other than the knobbly tyres .

edit To be honest there doesn't seem to be anything available as a realistic off roader available at the moment , those that may be of interest to some are ridiculously expensive or cant be ridden on public roads . https://www.motorcyclenews.com/advice/best/electric-motorbikes/
 
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steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
I have always liked the Zero FX, after having a really good look at one at the NEC. Proper bike, but not a farm bike, but could make a good starting point...

I did see an ex demo at a more managable price, but too rich for me :)
 

Lincoln75

Member
I have always liked the Zero FX, after having a really good look at one at the NEC. Proper bike, but not a farm bike, but could make a good starting point...

I did see an ex demo at a more managable price, but too rich for me :)
I dont know what the Zero`s are built like but I do know KTM will be excellent all round but expensive.
 

steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
I think you hit the nail on the head when you said you`d ridden true off road bikes for years , the UBCO wouldnt even come close to the likes of a Japanese 125 enduro /trail bike , the UBCO`s design is not for off road other than the knobbly tyres .
UBCO need to look at a little bit bigger frame and wheels and make the bike more off roadable I agree. The wrap around frame for carrying kit is a great idea. The seat is fine. The performance is OK even, 30mph top whack on the road would be fine, and the new type big battery seems a good bit of kit.

The new hub motors should be up to the job as long as they keep the weight sensible. Maybe even look at a drive from a frame motor, though that means a belt drive?? The front wheel drive is a USP I like.... a lot, but maybe a bit more rear bias??
 

Lincoln75

Member
But a pure leisure bike....
Not so sure , it will take a beating better than anything else on the market with its suspension and you can bet motor components are the best currently available , throw some panniers over and away , then there's residual value , KTM`s hold their money very well , that said I`ll be sticking with petrol for the foreseeable.
 

JP1

Member
Livestock Farmer
68233E11-B1C9-444D-BA59-88C0BA400992.jpeg
 

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