2011 Ural Bondi review

The Ural story goes back to the early days of World War II, and depending upon which source material you choose to believe, the Russians were either given or smuggled in examples of BMW's R71 sidecar outfit to copy. One of the most durable and reliable machines of its type, the R71 featured a reverse gear and drive to the sidecar wheel for extra traction. R71s and the later R75s were solid units that served as the German Wehrmacht's "Jeep" for much of the war. Construction of the Russian copy of the R71, known as the 'M-72', started in 1941, in factories close to Moscow. Following the German invasion in the same year, all the factory facilities were moved well beyond the front lines to the Ural mountains (hence the name they would eventually adopt). One of those factories survives today, still producing a sidecar motorcycle under the 'Ural' name.

Commonplace in Russia and Eastern Europe, Urals were virtually unknown in Australia until the 1970s, when a shipment arrived, sold collectively as "Cossacks". Poorly built by Western and Japanese standards, these 650cc machines developed a fond following despite their shortcomings. In the 1990s, the Ural factory looked like becoming a casualty of the breakup of the Soviet Union, until it came under American ownership. Its Russian development engineer set about retaining the unique character of the Ural whilst fitting it with the best imported hardware for reliability and longevity. Tiny numbers of Urals, and the similarly spec'd and styled Chang Jiang outfits from China, trickled into Australia as private imports over the years until 2008, when long time motorcycle enthusiast Jon Taylor established 'Ural Australia' to import and distribute this Russian marque on a professional level. So far, Taylor's decision has paid off, with Urals finding favour amongst a growing cadre of riders. Early offerings included the 'Tourist' and 'Ranger' models, but the range was given a distinctly "Aussie" flavour in 2011, when the 'Bondi', a model exclusive to Australia, was released.

It should be noted from the outset that all Urals are sidecar bikes. That means they're specifically designed, engineered and built to carry a sidecar and come this way from the factory. The weight distribution is correct, the steering geometry is right (with leading link style front forks fitted as standard to the off-road models) and the sidecar brakes are integrated. The wheels are sized for versatility on all road surfaces, the frame is strong in all the right places and the steel body is robust. Despite weighing in at just 335kg, the Ural has the capacity to carry a gross load of 600kg. The motor is geared for sidecar hauling and the heavy flywheel makes for smooth pulling torque.

Like the BMW R71 that was its inspiration, modern Urals run a 750cc horizontally-opposed motor with two-valve head. In this spec, the flat twin provides a relaxed 52 Nm at 4000rpm and drives through a four speed gearbox with reverse. The bulletproof gearbox is a little clunky if changed too quickly, a feature affected by wider ratios and the big 5.5kg flywheel. An exposed driveshaft transmits power to the final drive. Most Urals are fitted with an engageable sidecar wheel drive, but this PTO-style fitting is on the right hand side only. Due to local road laws regarding "left hand" placement for all sidecars, Australians miss out on this feature. However, enthusiasts point out that the lack of 2WD isn't a real negative, given the Ural's torque and off road design. 4.00 x 19 inch wheels offer good traction with their high ground pressure. If the ground is soft, then 2WD won't give more flotation anyway.

Before you think it's running "old" technology, modern mechanical spec on the Bondi includes a Brembo front disc brake, CDI ignition, Keihin CV carbs, Denso alternator and more. Sachs shock units spring the leading link forks, and the gears are precision cut in Germany. Like the rest of the Ural range available in Australia, the Bondi comes with a two year unlimited kilometre warranty.

The Bondi is specifically set up for the adventure rider, with options fitted as standard including a rider's screen, sidecar screen, 21Lt Bagster tank bag (with map pocket), and an all-Aussie 10Lt jerrycan mounted inboard of the sidecar trunk to increase fuel range to 280km. The Bondi also features large, modern rearview mirrors, spare wheel/tyre, a stainless steel sidecar bumper bar and offside engine crash bar. Easily identified by the bright 'burnt yellow' paint - a colour scheme exclusive to this model - the Bondi also carries subtle 'Bondi' signage on the sidecar tub. A dual seat also means the Bondi can carry three people, so if a trio want to go three-wheel adventuring, they can do it with a Bondi.

Urals are currently a 'cult' machine, but their appeal is growing. Ural Australia's Taylor informed us that a number of new Ural buyers are 'grey nomad' tourers, riders of a certain age who appreciate the extra comfort, ease of two-up travel, and carrying ability the Ural offers. Of course, being an outfit, the Ural has a degree of nostalgia appeal, too. There's also an owners' club that organises rides and activities to support new owners. Last October, the first Australian Ural rally was held, while this year, Ural owners worldwide celebrated the Ural's 70th Anniversary at the 'International Ural Rally Day' on September 10.

To date, the new, improved Urals have proven themselves in Australian conditions and represent pretty good buying at around the $17,500 mark (plus ORCs) for a brand new model. As with any sidecar outfit, riding a Ural requires an adjustment to your riding style that seems counterintuitive, but with practise it's pretty easy to get your head around. For the adventure rider who wants the 'off the beaten track' motorcycling experience that a tough machine can deliver, but with the stability and comfort of an outfit, the Ural Bondi is certainly worth a closer look. It's also an interesting alternative to the other tourer and dual sport offerings currently on the market.


Specifications: 2011 Ural 'Bondi' outfit

Engine: 749cc OHV four stroke, air cooled, horizontally opposed twin
Bore/stroke: 78 & 78 mm
Compression: 8.6:1
Power/torque: Rated 40 HP @ 5600 RPM / 52Nm @ 4000rpm
Fuel System: Twin Keihin L 22 AA Carburettors
Cooling System: Air
Starting: Electric and kick start
Transmission/Drive: 4 speed plus reverse, shaft drive
Electrics: 12 volt
Ignition: CDI
Alternator: 55 amp/300 watts
Front Suspension: Leading link forks
Rear Suspension: Hydraulic spring shock absorbers
Front Brakes: Brembo disk brake
Rear & Sidecar Brakes: IMZ drum brake, linked
Wheels: 19 inch alloy rims, steel spokes, cast hubs
Tires 4.00 x 19 - Duro/Russian 2-6 ply
Dry Weight: 335 kg
Seat Height: 785 mm
Wheelbase / track: 1487 / 1130mm
Ground Clearance: 220 mm
Fuel Capacity: 19 Lt (reserve capacity 2 litres)
Cruise / top speed: 90kph / 105kph