Autoblog

Intrepid motorcyclist rides Ural through blizzard

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 19:29:00 EST

The Midwest was hit by an intense snow storm earlier this week, and while the conditions may have been more appropriate for a snowmobile than most cars, at least one person found it acceptable weather in which to ride a motorcycle. Granted, this wasn't your typical motorcycle. Instead, it was a two-passenger, two-wheel-drive Ural being ridden along the snow-covered Interstate 65 in Indianapolis.

On Ural motorcycles equipped with a sidecar, both rear wheels can actually driven by the engine, depending on the model chosen. This might give the bike better handling in such poor weather, but it does nothing to shield the rider from the 29-degree temperature. We're sure newscasters see plenty of crazy things all the time when doing live feeds, but an adventurous motorcycle rider in white-out blizzard conditions has got to be a fairly unique sight.

The video is actually a recording of a news report so the quality isn't that great, but you can still check it out after the jump.

Continue reading Intrepid motorcyclist rides Ural through blizzard

Intrepid motorcyclist rides Ural through blizzard originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ural Yamal Limited Edition is a two-wheel-drive motorcycle with an oar

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Specialty, Russia, Design/Style

As far as we're aware, there isn't another motorcycle in the world - especially one with a sidecar and two-wheel drive - that comes straight from the factory with a wooden oar. As in, for paddling. Which is why the flat-orange-painted Ural Yamal Limited Edition is so great.

As printed on the handy-dandy oar:

In case of emergency:
If you are reading this then you have wandered out too far, and the ice didn't hold - we're very sorry. In an effort to make it back alive, you may want to follow these survival tips:

Abandon all hope - it will help you focus
Detach sidecar, jump in, and then paddle like heck
Rescue your dog - they're better at finding their way home than you are
Should you find yourself sinking, use your seat cushion as a flotation device

Tongue-in-cheek, for sure. We love it. We especially appreciate the fine print below:

Ural cannot be held responsible for global warming
Water damage not covered under warranty
This vehicle is not a boat, nor is the paddle or any part of the motorcycle intended to be used as a flotation device.
Survival may depend on other factors. Your wife was right, who goes fishing in winter?

Now what we've established that the Yamal comes with a paddle that isn't to be used for paddling, there's one logical question left: Where might the rider be paddling anyway? Good question: Ural says the word Yamal "means "the end of the Earth," and is "a peninsula in Russia known for being nothing short of inhospitable, barren, and perpetually frozen." It's also the name of an ice-breaker that operates in the Arctic Circle just north of Siberia.

In addition to the oar, also included in the Yamal package are dual fog lights on the sidecar, weather-proofing on the bottom of the sidecar tub and the fenders. Oh, and a scary tooth decal that mimics the actual Yamal ice-breaker. See the gallery above, and scroll below for the press release.

Continue reading Ural Yamal Limited Edition is a two-wheel-drive motorcycle with an oar

Ural Yamal Limited Edition is a two-wheel-drive motorcycle with an oar originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sidecar acrobatics up Mulholland are the definition of insane, awesome

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:46:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Motorcycle

From what we've been told, riding a motorcycle with a sidecar is a unique experience requiring massive amounts of upper body effort. With three wheels instead of two, riders can't use the textbook press-and-lean method to negotiate turns. This rider apparently missed that memo. While tackling the infamous Mulholland Drive just outside of Los Angeles, this sidecar rider employed a unique method for kicking around the road's multiple switchbacks. By shoving the sidecar into the air, the bike regains its ability to yaw far to the left. Very impressive, but what happens when the same technique is applied for a quick right-hander?

We're guessing tragedy. Likewise, we can imagine throwing a passenger into the sidecar mix would make for an additional challenge. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Sidecar acrobatics up Mulholland are the definition of insane, awesome

Sidecar acrobatics up Mulholland are the definition of insane, awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ural takes a giant step back with M70 Anniversary Edition

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Motorcycle, Specialty, Russia

Ural, the Russian motorcycle company that specializes in sidecars, has never been known for groundbreaking designs that blaze a trail through electronic gadgetry or super lightweight composites on the way to the most technologically advanced motorcycles possible.

Instead, the heavyweight iron steeds that roll out of the factory in Irbit near Siberia (out of the range of the bombs of Nazi Germany) trade things like fuel injection and ABS brakes for shovels and machine gun mounts. Seriously.

The latest machine from Ural looks as far back into the past as the Russian sidecar industry can go, harking all the way to 1942 when the first M72 motorcycles were sent into the Battle of Stalingrad based on designs for the German BMW R71, which had been superseded by the R75 in 1941. A total of 9,799 M72 motorcycles were produced by Ural for military use.

The new 2012 Ural M70 Anniversary Edition celebrates 70 years of history with two distinct models; one with a sidecar for $14,200 and one solo for $9,150. Both come painted in a perfect shade of olive drab, and there's a canvas tonneau cover, spare wheel and tire and shovel on the sidecar. And yes, there's also that machine gun mount.

Ural based the M70 on its Retro model with 18-inch aluminum rims, 40mm Marzochhi telescopic forks, Sachs rear shocks and a Brembo front disc brake. The frame boasts a longer wheelbase than other Ural models and sits closer to the ground, making it the fastest and best-handling model available. We especially like the teardrop gas tank fitted with a throwback Ural badge.

Read all about the M70 after the break, but not before getting an eyeful of its old-school design in our high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Ural takes a giant step back with M70 Anniversary Edition

Ural takes a giant step back with M70 Anniversary Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ural motorcycle sales leap 39 percent in 2010

Zach Bowman — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle

2010 Ural Patrol T - Click above for high-res image gallery

By most metrics, Ural serves up a portfolio that's rife with oddities of motorcycle design. You'll find no staggering technological advances on board and the company's heavy-as-a-freight-train designs won't be setting any speed records any time soon. Hell, Ural only recently began begrudgingly equipping its bikes with disk brakes in the front and an electric starter.

It should come as some surprise to hear that the company managed to grow its sales by a dizzying 39 percent in 2010. If your eyebrows aren't currently mingling with your hairline at the moment, allow us to throw in the fact that the company's products start at a shave under $10,000 with the Ural T.

That, ladies and gentlemen, ain't peanuts.

What could have possibly sent buyers scurrying to the Russian bikes? Well... we'd like to think it was our glowing near-death review of the 2010 Ural Patrol T, but you never know. Even with its huge jump in deliveries, Ural says that it was hoping to see its figures back to 2008 levels, and that would have required an additional 18 percent improvement.

Congrats, comrades. Here's wishing for an equally successful 2011.

Gallery: 2010 Ural Patrol T: Review

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski

[Source: Hell for Leather]

Ural motorcycle sales leap 39 percent in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harley-Davidson exits the sidecar business

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:08:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

Stars and Stripes. Peanut butter and jelly. Harley-Davidson and sidecars. Okay, fine - one of those pairings is not like the others, but H-D does have a long history of adding a third outrigger wheel to its line of heavyweight motorcycles, starting back in 1914. That's over now.

Harley-Davidson just announced that 2011 will be the final year it offers sidecars as a factory option, and it will no longer accept new orders for them. The good news is that The Motor Company will continue to provide warranty service for current sidecar owners and will stock replacement parts at its dealerships.

We have an unhealthy affection for offbeat sidecar motorcycles, and if you also happen to fall into that category, Ural and Royal Enfield are ready to serve your needs. As for Harley, check out its official statement after the break.

[Source: Harley-Davidson | Image: AMCA Motorcycle Library]

Continue reading Harley-Davidson exits the sidecar business

Harley-Davidson exits the sidecar business originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Ural Patrol T takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, New Car Reviews

2010 Ural Patrol T - click above for high-res image gallery

I was still moving at a fairly good clip when I slammed into the fallen tree. I'd be more than happy to share the exact velocity that I was moving, but I can't. You see, I was kinda busy at that exact moment trying my darnedest not to plummet 50 feet down the side of a cliff in the mountains northeast of Seattle, Washington.

How and why did I end up in this harrowing predicament? For starters, I should explain that I was out in the beautiful Pacific Northwest testing out Ural's latest sidecar motorcycle, the Patrol T. Similar in concept to the standard T model that we rode not too long ago, the Patrol model differs from its sibling by featuring two-wheel drive and a deep, woodsy green paint job in place of matte black.

Having two driven wheels on a sidecar bike such as the Ural Patrol T offers a rather unique set of capabilities not seen anywhere else in the motorcycling world. We wanted to know just what the Patrol T was made of, and so sought out the most difficult terrain we could find. And we brought along two expert sidecar riders, including one that is arguably the single best Ural mechanic in the United States.

Now, getting back to nearly launching myself off the side of a cliff in the middle of nowhere...

Gallery: 2010 Ural Patrol T: Review

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ural Patrol T takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'

Review: 2010 Ural Patrol T takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Ural T sidecar motorcycle isn't as retro as it looks

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Motorcycle, Russia, New Car Reviews

2009 Ural T sidecar motorcycle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite its obvious link to Thirties-era wartime motorcycles from BMW, the 2009 Ural T sidecar motorcycle can't really be described as "retro." Instead, the three-wheeled machines rolling out of Ural's factory in Russia really are a direct link to the past - a bygone era of motorcycling that's sure to intrigue some and disinterest others. Which camp you belong to depends largely on your expectations for a bike. Many motorcyclists relish the opportunity to zip away from stoplights with telepathic ease, weave through dense urban traffic and slide knees from apex to apex. If those are your intentions, the Ural is most certainly not your mount. If, however, your motorcycling passions tend to favor leisurely strolls through the countryside and you'd like to share the experience with your significant other, we suggest clicking past the jump to read about our time with Ural's latest sidecar motorcycle.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Ural T sidecar motorcycle

Continue reading Review: 2009 Ural T sidecar motorcycle isn't as retro as it looks

Review: 2009 Ural T sidecar motorcycle isn't as retro as it looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Save your Rubles: Ural introduces new entry-level sidecar motorcycle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Motorcycle, Russia

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

Continue reading Save your Rubles: Ural introduces new entry-level sidecar motorcycle

Save your Rubles: Ural introduces new entry-level sidecar motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oobject lists 15 "Splendid Sidecars"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Motorcycle

Those of you considering a motorcycle for its undeniable visceral thrills, or even its fuel savings, should consider another option which could add a bit more practicality to your new two-wheeler: the sidecar. Sure, you'll lose out on some performance -- both in a straight line and in the twisty bits -- but you'll easily make that up when the coolness factor is counted in. What, you don't think sidecars are cool? How wrong you are, and oobject has fifteen bits of proof for you to consider. From fully enclosed luxury to rocket-shaped sidecars, there are plenty of options to choose from. How about one modeled after a fighter plane? Covered. A land-speed record sidecar? Check.

Even though those novelty sidecars are pretty awesome pieces, the good ol' plain-jane sidecar steals the show as far as we're concerned. Whether hung off the side of a older BMW airhead or a retro Stella scooter, three-wheeled travel just doesn't get much cooler than with the rounded-front and high-windshield of the classic motorcycle sidecar.

[Source: oobject]

Oobject lists 15 "Splendid Sidecars" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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