Motorcycle Preview

In this modern world of über performance superbikes and excessive displays of chrome the minimalist, Russian-built Ural is a breath of motorcycling fresh air.

The first time I saw one I was transported back to my youth when I had a prized military motorcycle sidecar toy that I used to thrash around a dirt pile in our alley.

With its captivatingly macho, rugged militaristic presence, the new Ural Patrol T is the world’s only on-demand two-wheel-drive sidecar, utilizing a drive shaft to engage the outrigger wheel.

Emboldened with a 749cc OHV air-cooled flat-twin engine, Brembo brakes and a reverse gear, the Ural is a sport utility motorcycle designed to traverse virtually any kind of terrain you might want (or have) to encounter.

As a planted three-wheel vehicle (with two-wheel-drive capabilities) the Ural is exceptionally well suited for ice, snow, mud, sludge, wet, and sand.

The Ural’s appeal is in its stout military appearance. The olive drab paint scheme screams a purpose-built military utilitarianism.

This persona is reinforced with mention in the Ural press kit (in good humor–with hints of truth) that “nothing on the Ural can’t be fixed with a hammer and sickle.”