Ural

Ural is a Russian motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1941 in Irbit, Siberia, originally producing military sidecar motorcycles based on the BMW R71 design. After the war Ural grew into an iconic civilian brand, well known for robust, straightforward sidecar motorcycles. Current models, the Gear Up and CT, are modern interpretations of the classic solo and sidecar format, powered by a 749cc boxer engine with an optionally driven sidecar wheel (2WD). Ural's headquarters have moved to the United States, where the brand focuses on the international market.

On the Dutch used-motorcycle market Ural is a niche within a niche: it attracts enthusiasts of adventure touring, overlanding and retro-military aesthetics. Used examples are limited but easy to recognise. The sidecar configuration makes Ural appealing to riders who want to bring a passenger along. Maintenance is relatively straightforward thanks to the simple construction, though access to a Ural-familiar dealer is a bonus. In practice Ural competes with no other brand, it occupies its own segment entirely.