CC photo credit: glen edelson
Ural motorcycles achieved nearly iconic status. The bikes with sidecar attachment that were originally developed for the Russian Red Army during World War II became available for civil use in the mid-1950s (in the Western countries in the 1960s and the United States only in the 1990s) and soon became highly valued for their appealing design and exceptional functionality worldwide. Interestingly, as much as 60 percent of the bikes which are still made for the rough Russian roads are sold in the United States today.
There is something about Ural motorcycles that makes them irresistible to the motorcycle enthusiasts. Their main appeal to new buyers is without a doubt the retro look which evokes the World War II bikes with sidecar attachment, however, Ural motorcycles do not just offer a unique design. As already mentioned earlier, they are highly valued for their exceptional functionality which makes them particularly popular among older couples who no longer feel comfortable riding a two-wheeled bike together.
According to the maker of Ural motorcycles – the Irbit Motorcycle Works (IMZ) and its dealers, they are primarily focused on older bikers who are not ready to give up a bike yet but no longer enjoy riding a two-wheeled bike like they used to (or their wives no longer want to sit behind and see nothing). The 40-horsepower bike with maximum (recommended) speed of 65 mph (105 km/h) that is modeled after the 1930′s BMW R71 offers all the thrill of two-wheeled motorcycles for the driver but it provides much more comfortable ride to the passenger alongside.
Ural motorcycles are most appealing to the middle-aged bikers and according to the American Motorcyclist Association, the average age of a sidecar motorcycle owner is 48. However, the unique retro look of Ural motorcycles made them increasingly popular among younger bikers too and the number of young people who decide for bikes with sidecar attachment is rapidly rising. Another reason for increased popularity of Ural motorcycles among younger bikers may be also the fact that there are many two-wheeled bikes on the road and only a few bikes with sidecar attachment which makes them highly appealing to bikers who are looking for a really special motorcycle. In addition, it is a unique experience riding these bikes, while the sidecar passengers can really enjoy the ride.
Ural motorcycles are really special bikes which do not just catch the eye but also offer everything you could expect from a motorcycle with sidecar attachment. Another thing that makes them highly appealing to new buyers is a great price considering that they are the top among sidecar motorcycles available on the market. They are within reach of every motorcycle enthusiast as it is possible to get Ural sidecar motorcycle from $10,000.
