2013 Ural Retro M70 on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Ural Sales Increase 39 Percent In 2011

Ural, the funky motorcycle sidecar manufacturer from Russia, is boasting a 39% increase in unit sales for 2011. Considering the company’s total expected output for last year was approximately 1,100 models, you won’t notice an influx of sidehacks dominating your local roadways, but this is really good news for the small manufacturer of eclectic two-wheelers, especially in the midst of a deficient economy. Ural recognized an article in the New York Times and a collaboration with bike builder James Hammarhead for some of the company’s increasing popularity.

Urals Parade Through Sochi Olympic Ceremony

With the start of the Sochi winter olympics upon us, reports have gone rampant about the terrible conditions some athletes and media have experienced so far. Lost in all the hoopla is the participation of 20 red Urals in the Olympics opening ceremony. A spectacular procession of the legendary sidecar motorcycles across the ice of the Fisht stadium symbolized one of the achievements in Russia’s post-WWII reconstruction history and gave Ural a moment of recognition in front of an international audience.

Help Fund Motorcycle Retrofits for Impaired Riders

Don Jackson, owner of Yesterday’s Rides Metalworks in Newberg, OR, and a marine veteran, has announced a crowdfunding initiative to raise money to complete the prototype of a motorcycle retrofit designed for persons who require the use of a personal mobility device. The retrofit allows the owner to ride their personal mobility device (wheelchair, scooter, etc.) onto a sidecar via a ramp, lock it in place, retract the ramp using electronic controls, climb on to the motorcycle and ride off. When the rider reaches his/her destination, the mobility device is right alongside, ready to unlock and use. The initial prototype is based on a modified Ural, which is already sidecar compatible.