Completing the post-war look, the driver’s seat and the passenger seat are mounted on rubber bushing silent blocs, while the sidecar body uses springs to further dampen any hit coming through from the rather stiff short-travel suspension.

In typical classic sidecar fashion, you can interchange the four 19-inch wheels (don’t forget the spare sitting on top of the sidecar), shod with the same tire. In practice, the disc mounted on the front wheel in order to meet North American braking standards does somewhat complicate the switch, so you’re better off getting a flat at the rear! And as for touring, the sidecar box features a large storage compartment that unfortunately doesn’t lock.

On the road
You don’t drive a sidecar like you do a two wheeler, not in the slightest. The identical controls (and at their simplest with Ural) throw you off, as the machine offers an utterly unique experience. Turning right, the sidecar in the air warns you that you’re approaching the limit, reached oh-so-quickly if you’re not careful or if that wheel hit a bump. I have in fact finally found a realistic use for the yellow speed limit signs in right-hand curves: they indicate the maximum speed at which you can take that corner with an empty sidecar.

No traces of Hugo Boss or Pininfarina style here - just an honest, non pretentious "What you see is what you get" simple beauty.

Left-hand turns are much less problematic. You simply slow down to let the sidecar pass in front of the bike when entering the corner, and then intensify the change of direction by using the sidecar wheel’s grip. When nearing the limit, you can slow down by applying the front brakes while keeping the throttle open, or brake in front and back, which also slows everything down while letting the rear slide out. The choice is yours. Both manoeuvres allow you to tighten your corner, but don’t forget that such shenanigans require a healthy dose of physical effort.

Braking is tricky at best. Even with both rear brakes (drums, no less!) well adjusted, the bike will go either left or right according to the angle of the road. Acceleration, even with two standard-size male passengers, is relaxed, and a fully loaded Ural like ours can maintain a 100 km/h cruising speed.

Leisurely outings on secondary roads is where this Ural Gear-Up really shines. Navigating the surface of the planet, softly swaying to the rhythm of the road, propelled by a worthy yet discreet engine that listens to your every throttle input, the Ural enfolds you in its magical spell. So much so that you start to convince yourself that the only way to travel, other than the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul, is comfortably seated in the sidecar. Fellow road users bless you with a benevolent smile, and the boys in blue think you’re adorable. But wait! The Ural Gear Up 2X3 also lets you explore backwoods trails, transforming your outing into an unforgettable adventure.

What’s more, $14,000 worth of Gear-Up will attract a lot more attention than $14 000 of chrome on a custom ride.

I want one.


Different – opens up a whole new world
Yesterday’s technology, rudimentary build, reliable and easy to fix
Awakens nostalgia for simpler day and simpler things in some…
Excellent driveability with two-wheel drive



Different –
You have to learn how to drive it
Minimal amenities and comfort
Few dealers

None




Photo Credit : Matthieu Lambert