Ural EFI Upgrade: Keihin Gen 2 Unleashed

For many enthusiasts of the rugged and reliable Ural motorcycle, the journey has been one of continuous improvement and adaptation. While the early fuel injection systems on models from 2014 to 2018 offered a step up from carburetors, owners have often sought further refinements in performance and reliability. Thankfully, Ural Motorcycles has listened, developing a significant upgrade that promises to transform the riding experience: the Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit. This comprehensive retrofit package is designed to bring the sophisticated engine management capabilities of newer Ural models to a wider range of the existing fleet, promising a smoother, more responsive, and ultimately more enjoyable ride.

What is the Keihin Gen 2 EFI Kit?

The Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit represents a substantial leap forward for owners of 2014-2018 Ural motorcycles originally equipped with the ElectroJet EFI system. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a carefully engineered upgrade that incorporates many of the same high-quality components found in 2019-2020 production models. At its core, the kit replaces the older ElectroJet system with advanced Keihin throttle bodies complete with integrated Throttle Position Sensors (TPS). Keihin is a renowned name in automotive and motorcycle fuel systems, known for precision and reliability. By adopting this technology, Ural aims to resolve common pain points associated with the earlier EFI setup, delivering a more modern and refined operational feel to your classic sidecar outfit.

The essence of the Gen 2 kit lies in its ability to provide a more precise and responsive fuel delivery system. The throttle bodies are the gateway for air into the engine, and with a more accurate TPS, the engine control unit (ECU) receives far more granular data about the rider's throttle input. This translates directly into the improvements you'll feel on the road, from initial acceleration to maintaining a steady cruise. It’s about more than just getting fuel into the engine; it’s about optimising the entire combustion process for various riding conditions.

Transformative Performance: The Gen 2 Advantage

The installation of the Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit isn't merely a component swap; it's a performance overhaul. Owners can expect a noticeable improvement across several critical aspects of their Ural's operation. These enhancements are designed to make your riding experience smoother, more reliable, and ultimately more satisfying:

• Improved Throttle Response: Gone are the days of hesitant or snatchy throttle inputs. The Keihin system provides a far more immediate and linear response, making the bike feel more connected to the rider's commands. This means smoother acceleration and more predictable power delivery, especially beneficial when navigating challenging terrain or tight manoeuvres.
• Enhanced Idle Speed Control: A stable and consistent idle is crucial for any engine, particularly for a motorcycle that might spend time waiting at junctions or in slow-moving traffic. The Gen 2 kit significantly improves idle stability, reducing the likelihood of stalling and ensuring a smoother transition from idle to acceleration.
• Reliable Cold Starting: One of the most common frustrations with older EFI systems can be cold starting, especially in colder climates. The Gen 2 EFI system optimises fuel delivery and air mixture during startup, leading to quicker, more consistent cold starts, regardless of the ambient temperature.
• Better Fuel Economy: While Urals are not typically known for their miserly fuel consumption, every bit helps. The more precise engine management offered by the Keihin system ensures that fuel is delivered more efficiently, reducing waste and potentially leading to improved fuel economy over time. This is achieved through finer control over the air-fuel mixture across the entire RPM range.
• Superior Engine Management: Ultimately, all these individual improvements coalesce into a vastly superior overall engine management system. The ECU, working in tandem with the new Keihin components, can make more informed decisions about ignition timing and fuel injection, leading to a more refined, powerful, and reliable engine performance throughout its operating range.

Gen 1 ElectroJet vs. Gen 2 Keihin: A Comparison of Benefits

To highlight the advancements, consider the following qualitative comparison:

Compatibility, Availability, and Pricing

Understanding which kit is right for your Ural and when you can get your hands on it is crucial. Ural Motorcycles has segmented the availability based on model year:

• Part # 51150 - Gen 2 EFI Kit (2017-2018 EFI Models Only): This version of the kit is currently available, albeit in limited quantities. If you own a Ural from these specific model years, you might be able to secure your upgrade sooner.
• Part # 51150-01 - Gen 2 EFI Kit (2014-2018 EFI Models): This broader compatibility kit, covering all ElectroJet EFI models from 2014 to 2018, is expected to become available approximately 90 days after its initial announcement. This ensures that a wider range of Ural owners can benefit from the upgrade.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit is set at $2299.99. While this is a significant investment, Ural Motorcycles has also offered a tempting incentive for early adopters and those looking to offset the cost. For a limited time, a rebate programme is in place:

• Exchange Rebate Offer: Ural Motorcycles is offering up to a $200 exchange rebate for original Gen 1 ElectroJet throttle body sets. This offer is specifically for 2016-2018 models and requires the returned throttle bodies to be in good condition. This initiative not only helps reduce the financial burden for owners but also likely assists Ural in recycling or studying the older components. Given that supply is limited, it's advisable to place your order promptly if you're considering the upgrade.

DIY Installation: Simplicity Redefined

One of the most appealing aspects of the Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit, particularly for the hands-on Ural owner, is its design for straightforward installation. This is not a complex, workshop-only job; it's engineered to be a complete plug-and-play kit. This means:

• No Modifications Needed: The kit is designed to fit directly into your existing Ural chassis and engine bay without requiring any fabrication or alteration to the bike's structure.
• Full Step-by-Step Manual Included: For those preferring to tackle the installation themselves, a comprehensive manual is provided. This guide should walk you through each stage of the process, making it accessible even for those with moderate mechanical experience.
• Minimal Special Tools: Crucially, you won't need an array of expensive, dedicated diagnostic tools typically associated with modern EFI systems. The only tools mentioned as potentially necessary are standard items for setting idle balance, such as a Twin Max or Carb Stix. These are used for mechanical synchronisation of the throttle bodies at idle. Above idle, the ECU takes over and manages the balance electronically, simplifying the process significantly.

This commitment to DIY friendliness empowers Ural owners, allowing them to save on labour costs and gain a deeper understanding of their motorcycle's mechanics. The confidence in knowing you can perform such a significant upgrade yourself is a major benefit.

Unleashing Power: The 2014-2018 Edge

Perhaps one of the most intriguing details about the Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit pertains to its performance characteristics when fitted to older models. While the 2019-2020 Ural production models were engineered with a focus on reducing noise and exhaust emissions, maximising fuel economy, and reducing oil degradation, the cylinders and heads of the 2014-2018 models had a different primary objective: maximum power. This distinction creates a unique advantage for owners of these earlier machines.

When a 2014-2018 Ural receives the retrofit Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit, it is specifically mapped to take advantage of its original engine design. This means the mapping is slightly richer, allowing the engine to produce more power and torque than a stock 2019-2020 Ural. While this comes at the expense of slightly lower fuel economy compared to the newer, more environmentally optimised models, it provides a compelling reason for performance-oriented owners of older Urals to consider the upgrade. You're not just getting modern EFI; you're potentially unlocking a more spirited performance from your existing engine.

The M70 and Retro Models: A Glimmer of Hope

Owners of Retro and M70 models might be wondering if this transformative upgrade is available for their specific bikes. Unfortunately, at this time, there is no dedicated Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit for the Retro or M70. However, there is promising news on the horizon. Ural Motorcycles is actively gauging demand for these kits and has even committed to using a 2018 M70 as a prototype for developing a compatible version.

This prototyping effort is a positive sign, indicating that Ural is exploring broader compatibility. The main hurdle appears to be minimum order constraints, which necessitate sufficient demand to make production viable. Therefore, if you are an owner of a Retro or M70 model and are interested in this upgrade, it is highly recommended to express your interest directly to Ural Motorcycles. Your feedback can significantly influence their decision to proceed with mass production for these models.

Understanding Your EFI System: The 'CHK' Light

While the Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit enhances reliability, no electronic system is entirely immune to issues. Modern EFI systems, including Keihin's, are equipped with diagnostic indicators to alert the rider to potential problems. One such indicator you might encounter on an EFI-equipped motorcycle is the 'CHK' light, often found in the speedometer or instrument cluster.

If the CHK light illuminates on your Keihin EFI system, it serves as a warning that something has gone wrong within the EFI system itself. This could manifest as rough engine running, a loss of power, or even the engine stopping altogether. The light is an alert for the rider to perform a system check. While the Gen 2 kit aims to prevent such occurrences, should this light appear, it signals that the system has detected an anomaly. In such cases, it's always advisable to consult your owner's manual or a qualified Ural technician for proper diagnosis and resolution, ensuring the continued safe and efficient operation of your motorcycle.

Why Consider This Upgrade?

The Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit is more than just a repair or replacement; it's a significant enhancement that breathes new life into your 2014-2018 Ural. For owners who love their bikes but desire more modern performance characteristics, this kit offers a compelling package. It addresses common complaints about earlier EFI systems, delivering a ride that is smoother, more predictable, and more enjoyable across all conditions. The added benefits of easier cold starts and potentially better fuel efficiency, combined with the exciting prospect of enhanced power for older models, make this a highly attractive proposition. It’s an investment in the longevity and continued pleasure of owning your unique sidecar motorcycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Ural models are compatible with the Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit?

A: The kit is designed for all 2014-2018 Ural models originally equipped with the ElectroJet EFI system. There is a specific kit (Part # 51150) for 2017-2018 models currently available, and a broader kit (Part # 51150-01) for all 2014-2018 models expected soon.

Q: Is the Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit a difficult DIY installation?

A: No, it's designed as a complete plug-and-play kit with no modifications needed. A full step-by-step manual is included for DIY installation. Only basic tools like a Twin Max or Carb Stix might be needed to set idle balance; the ECU controls balance above idle.

Q: Will this kit make my 2014-2018 Ural more powerful than a 2019 model?

A: Yes, models from 2014-2018 were engineered for maximum power. With the retrofit kit, their mapping is slightly richer, potentially resulting in more power and torque compared to 2019-2020 models, which were designed more for noise reduction and fuel economy.

Q: What does the 'CHK' light on my Keihin EFI system mean?

A: The 'CHK' light, or check light, illuminates if there's a fault within the EFI system that might cause the engine to run roughly or stop. It's an indicator that the system needs to be checked, and professional diagnosis is recommended.

Q: Is there a Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit available for Retro or M70 models?

A: Not at this time. However, Ural Motorcycles is prototyping a kit using a 2018 M70 and is gauging demand for Retro/M70 kits. Owners interested in such a kit are encouraged to express their interest to Ural.

Conclusion

The Keihin Gen 2 EFI kit stands as a testament to Ural Motorcycles' commitment to improving the ownership experience for their dedicated riders. By offering a sophisticated, yet user-friendly, upgrade path for 2014-2018 models, they've ensured that these beloved machines can continue to deliver reliable and enjoyable performance for years to come. Whether you're seeking crisper throttle response, more stable idling, or simply a more modern feel from your classic Ural, this kit promises a significant enhancement. For those contemplating an upgrade, the time to act is now, especially with the limited rebate offers and initial availability.

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