Will You Rethink What You Thought About The Ural Sidecar?

ural1ural2I rode one Ural sidecar a couple of years ago. My impression was: loud, shaking more than quite a bit, requiring effort to activate the rear drum brakes, uncomfortable position and seating and getting scary when reaching 70 mph…

Still, many liked it the way it was. Are they bikers passionate about military history or nostalgic of the WWII Russian parades Or maybe they just love to be followed on country roads or to have people start conversation at the gas station or grocery store. You know: how old it is? Where was mounted the gun? Is it a Harley? How fast can you go? etc… Not much had changed since the first Ural were made, and still are, in the Russian city of Irbit. Same classic appearance and feel (mentioned above) and many obsolete components by today’s motorcycle standards. But the 2014 brings a number of more advanced technical and functional features, while still maintaining Ural’s classic look, ruggedness and unpretentious character.

ural3For the 1st time, the current year model uses a fuel injection system. This system has been developed specifically for Ural by ElectroJet, Inc., a Michigan-based engineering company, using components by Bosch and Delphi. The engine now comes with redesigned front cover integrating a standard spin-on oil filter. A new wire harness incorporates all new requirements for EFI utilizing high quality weather tight connectors. The dashboard was redesigned to include fuel level warning and engine management indicator lamps.

Since 2003 Ural sidecars have utilized Brembo hydraulic disc brakes on the front wheel, and drum brakes for both the rear and sidecar wheels. The 2014 Urals feature disc brakes on all three wheels. Regarding steering, former Urals were using a mechanical friction type steering damper. The new system incorporates an 18-position adjustable hydraulic damper. This damper specifications were carefully selected for use on sidecar motorcycles and confirmed after extensive on and off road testing. The classic look of the Ural has been preserved but well refined. Some of the improvements include new kneepads and badges on the gas tank, improved preformed hoses for fuel lines, breather and reservoirs. But loyal Ural sidecar enthusiasts don’t have to worry. Except a few badge changes and “invisible” cosmetic details, they will get the same questions from people they meet on country roads, at the gas station and grocery store. MSPR from $12,399 to $15,999. Ural Sidecars.

8 Responses to “Will You Rethink What You Thought About The Ural Sidecar?”


  1. 1 18Bravo Apr 23rd, 2014 at 10:25 am

    I won’t change my mind at all.
    I’ve owned an ’82 model for ten years. Much more appealing with the tractor seats.

  2. 2 George Kay Apr 23rd, 2014 at 11:47 am

    This would be perfect to take my granny out for a spin! Really, it actually looks like a good time and kind of reminds me of the old Batman and Robin show from when I was a kid!

  3. 3 KD Apr 23rd, 2014 at 2:08 pm

    I’ll take all the mechanical upgrades but agree with 18Bravo, keep the tractor seats!

  4. 4 Aloha Terry Apr 23rd, 2014 at 11:42 pm

    I owned on from 1995 to 2008 and loved the rustic bastard to death…I only a few issues and all covered by the factory long after service period was done. ‘Ural Bob” in Chicago kept it running like a top. There is nothing in the world better for making a $50,000.00 chopper disappear to a crowd than putting it into reverse and backing up around the building. I loved it, almost like having a circus wagon riding around town. Nothing better to take to Dairy Queen on a hot day with the dog or your kids. Do not buy one unless you like to be stopped at every gas and pit stop and answer questions about what is it, how old is it and would you ride to Sturgis in it. ( Answer, “Only if I lived in Deadwood!) If they are making them better, then great, i might have to look int them again! Tractor seats with a Hockey puck under it makes the seat a lot better for taller guys, Tip of the hat to Buzz Walneck for this one, it works.
    Only buy one if you want to have fun.

  5. 5 Magnet Man Apr 24th, 2014 at 7:18 am

    I took a ride in the sidecar and filmed the experience.
    It was fun, take it any day over a trike or Spyder.
    Take more than 1 passenger for a spin plus a trunk!
    Dmitry at Ural New England is one of the Counties biggest Ural dealers and a big fan of my Super Magnetic Oil Plugs for his Ural customers.
    Watch for fun,

    http://youtu.be/rTuXrFiufvE

    I would like to tour USA and Canada on one:-))

  6. 6 Big Red Apr 24th, 2014 at 7:34 am

    A few years ago I met the man that owns Ural (and his hot wife} at he motorcycle expo in Indy. Despite the language barrier he wanted honest input about his wares. From the way they have been progressing into the 21st century it appears he listened and acted on it. I have been riding hacks for 20 plus years and most of the time I could pass for any one percenter but when I am on my sidecar rig old ladies and children smile and wave. Grandfathers want to swap stories over coffee. There is just something disarming about them.

  7. 7 Gina Woods Apr 24th, 2014 at 10:59 am

    When I was with US*99 Chicago Country station I was part of a promotion with TV’s TNT & Travis Tritt (backyard concert series) Ural Motorcycle & sidecar giveaway- to a women who won here in Chicago. She was a librarian and didn’t know how to ride and was thinking of selling it she said in her interview. After the interview I begged her to let me teach her to ride it or sell to me, she donated to the Library which ended up selling it! 🙁

  8. 8 KD Apr 25th, 2014 at 7:15 am

    Gina, sorry to hear she got rid of the URAL, I’d love to have one. Also, VERY much support your “HER project”. Keep up the great work! HOOAH!

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Cyril Huze