Save your Rubles: Ural introduces new entry-level sidecar motorcycle
Ural T sidecar motorcycle - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Those interested in hearkening back to the old days of motorcycling can probably find exactly what they're looking for at their nearest Ural dealership. The Russian motorcycle maker has just introduced its newest model, which is called simply the Ural T, and it appears to be a solid step backwards towards basic sidecar transportation – and we mean that in the best way possible.
Powered by the same 40-horsepower air-cooled Boxer-twin engine and four-speed transmission (with reverse) as the rest of Ural's line, the T should prove to be a sufficiently entertaining steed and should be equally adept traveling on anything from meandering country roads to dirt roads and anything in between.
We're big fans of the matte black paint scheme (though if parked in our own garages, the bike would likely lose the contrasting maroon pinstriping) as well as its low $9,999 price tag. By far, though, the most intriguing part of Ural ownership would surely be the riding experience. As our good friend Basem from About.com found after taking a spin on the Ural T, piloting a sidecar outfit can be an eye-opening experience. Click past the break for the official press release.
Gallery: Ural T sidecar motorcycle
PRESS RELEASE:
New Ural "T"- an offer from Russia you can't refuse
Thrifty chic is in and the Russians get it!
Ural, the little Siberian motorcycle manufacturer is bringing a new model called the "T" at an unbeatable $9,999 price tag (hitting the US dealers this June).
Famous for its rugged and military looking Sahara and Gear-Up models, the company is now offering a sleek matt black urban sidecar motorcycle, equally suitable for everyday commute, an elegant Saturday night outing, or a relaxed back-roads weekend.
"We tried to distill the essence of Ural to one lean and clean package - a functional, affordable sidecar motorcycle with a touch of style and a promise of great adventure" , says the company website.
"Ural T comes across as an honest, utilitarian, and thoroughly enjoyable ride" – Basem Wasef, the first journalist to ride the "T" says in his review for www.about.com
Ural is the only motorcycle company which offers factory ready sidecar motorcycles. All Urals are powered by a 750cc "boxer" engine and have a 4-forward/1-reverse transmission. Several models are equipped with an engagebale 2wd system. MSRP ranges from $9,999 to $13,999
Urals are assembled in Russia with the high quality components from such well-known manufacturers as Brembo, Ducati Energia, Sachs, Herzog, Denso, Keihin and others.
The limited production of Ural motorcycles is mainly sold in North America, Europe, Australia and Japan.
For more information visit www.imz-ural.com
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jsams4131 8:34AM (6/05/2009)
Holy throwback...that bike reminds me of the ol' Enfield Bullets
Reply
Kitko 8:53AM (6/05/2009)
Actually, old (war time) BMW bikes :-)
A friend of mine had Dnepr bike. Same concept as Ural.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dnepr_(motorcycle)
jon 8:55AM (6/05/2009)
And he's drifting... how awesome is that Steve McQueen (The Great Escape)!
Reply
Hamm Sammich 10:18AM (6/05/2009)
"And he's drifting... how awesome is that Steve McQueen (The Great Escape)!"
McQueen and Bud Ekins rode Triumphs in the Great Escape that were touched up to look a bit like the period BMW's (unless you actually know what they look like). The Triumphs were the only bikes at the time that were powerful enough to perform the stunts they wanted. It also didn't hurt that Ekins owned a Triumph Dealership.
TORONTO 8:58AM (6/05/2009)
That is awesome!
You definitely will stand out in the crowd with that bike.
Whatever happened to sidecars? Not very popular these days huh?
Reply
Alex 9:06AM (6/05/2009)
I took one for a test ride and they are stupid fun, but kind of confusing to turn. To go left you lean like normal, but to go right you have to actually steer. I especially like the ones that have the drive shaft that connects to the side cars wheel.
Reply
Epyx 9:09AM (6/05/2009)
I would like it without the sidecar but the hipster doofus crowd should love it. Not a fan of boxer twins (looks, sound) but I do appreciate the overall look of this bike. Looks awesome in pictures but I am guessing it will look very small in person. Those tires are tiny.
$10k - 16K is not a cheap but fitting a niche company producing in small numbers. This is a unique bike, not some run of the mill Shadow.
Reply
Protzenegger 9:09AM (6/05/2009)
I rode in one of those as a kid. Pure awesome.
Reply
Protzenegger 9:10AM (6/05/2009)
Gah... I was replying to Kitko. Damn Autoblog reply system.
Kitko 11:23AM (6/05/2009)
Loud and clear :-) Vsyo yasno.
Val Arkhipov 9:36AM (6/05/2009)
I rode one back in Russia when i was a kid with a gang of my mates hanging of the sidecar, pure joy!
Reply
Albert Valera 11:37AM (6/05/2009)
This is one nice bike
Reply
sunnyboy 12:19PM (6/05/2009)
And very nice website www.imz-ural.com
Reply
meeliskt 12:50PM (6/05/2009)
In Estonia is little island Kihnu, where everybody drives Ural or Dnepr.
http://paber.ekspress.ee/fotodb/3C7159EDF0DBFCB7C22574AB00400F8F?open&json=1
Reply
meeliskt 1:03PM (6/05/2009)
More pictures
http://www.parnupostimees.ee/foto/5/1/1281548870c7fc6fd6_3.jpg
http://www.parnupostimees.ee/160505/gfx/25924284cd142da20.jpg
http://home.aland.net/bosse/Kihnu_mc051.jpg
Reply
elpepe 2:51PM (6/05/2009)
some awesome pictures :)
thanx!
I am Rich 1:19PM (6/05/2009)
3 wheel slide. It would take some brass ones to ride in that sidecar.
Reply
asnone 5:46PM (6/05/2009)
Ural is pure garbage. I have one of the previous models and i hate it. The most unreliable thing in the planet.
Reply
JonnyD 6:31PM (6/05/2009)
I have to concur. With a whopping 40 hp on an all cast-iron and steel bike, my '94 was a dog... when it ran... which became increasingly infrequent until I finally gave up and eBay'd the darn thing. Being kick-start only didn't help any either.
sunnyboy 8:54PM (6/05/2009)
Comparing 2009 Urals to 1994 Urals is just unfair, in my opinion.
It's like rail at Hyundai quality based on personal experience with 1996 Accent (I had one).
Read Basem Wasif review for about.com, if you are interested.
Urals have e-start, by the way.
Reply