2009 Ural T Review: The $9,999 Russian Motorcycle Sidecar
Wednesday May 13, 2009
Prior to my first ride on a Ural motorcycle sidecar, most of what I knew about the Russian manufacturer came from professional adventurer Carla King, whose book American Borders chronicles a breakdown-filled circumnavigation of the United States aboard a Ural.
A lot has changed since Carla straddled her Russian steed in the mid-1990s, and though Urals still look like they rolled off the set of The Great Escape, they've largely shaken their gremlin-plagued image.
I just sampled the old school (but very new) $9,999 Ural T in Seattle, and you can read all about it in my 2009 Ural T Review and check out photos in my gallery... oh, and Carla's confidence in the brand appears unshaken, as she just took off on an epic Vienna to Marrakesh ride on a Ural, which you can follow on her blog.
Related:
Photos © Basem Wasef, A. WyckoffClick either for review
Comments
I have been waiting for your review on the Ural, sounds like an interesting ride,and above my skill set.
Hi Joy,
I’m not sure it’s so much a question of skill as it is wrapping your head around the way sidecars behave. In fact, if you’re really ingrained on how to ride a motorcycle, that might make it a bit harder to get used to a sidecar. As with many things, a little practice goes a long way.
Ride safe,
Basem
Great review, Basem. I’ve been fantasizing about buying a Ural for years, but I’ve always been put off by the build quality. Sounds like they’re on the road to solving that issue with the global suppliers.
basem, that starting price of 9999.99, is that rubles? the lowest starting price in us dollars i could find was $11500. Just curious, not like i’d knowingly give my $$$ to commies…
never mind, i found it…