A new machine with an Old Soul... who knew something so mystical would keep me smiling so big these days! Again and again… mile after mile… almost like a new lover.

A sidecar outfit is not new to us. In fact, after 280,000 miles my current “significant other” is being stored at a friend’s house… without knowledge of the new addition. Thank heavens my BMW R1100GS with sidecar named “Old Faithful,” has no idea that this new Terra Explorer—a special edition of Ural’s Gear-Up model—is so… well... alarmingly addictive. And, I’d like to keep it that way.

Where do I start? After over 2,000 miles of putting the Terra Explorer to the test, I’ve been asked to share my opinions, feelings, and new-found well-being. Although Spirit’s ear-to-ear grin is always present, his thumbs are not quite adept, so it remains my responsibility to type this report.

Up and down the paved roads, and around the curves and steep grades of unpaved ones, the handling is simply superb. And, it’ll be even more so after an improved suspension system arrives. This hack’s beauty is the core of my present joy and well being, and carries with it a long list of reasons why. The Terra Explorer is a motorcycle built as a unit to be a sidecar, not just an add-on to a regular motorcycle. A prominent feature is the inverted front forks—which unbelievably parallel the sensation of power steering. A feat that can only be accomplished after a competent dealer has the toe-in (an inwardly-angled adjustment of the wheels to improve steering and minimize tire wear) and motorcycle lean adjusted properly (3/8” toe-in, 89° out from the vertical position of the bike itself). Handling also means sitting position, and the Terra Explorer’s custom seat is a marvel of comfort. The ergonomics continue with the ability to adjust the handlebars to the rider’s torso height. The comfortable rider can then command more control over the rugged Duro HF dual-sport tires that grab the terrain like no other three-wheeler before it.

But, I am getting ahead of myself… let’s look back to how it all started: The Terra Explorer is shipped from Irbit, Russia, and arrives in a wooden crate. Ural has a unique and fascinating history like no other company. Its origin can be traced to the name “IMZ-Ural” where it was linked to developments of the Eastern Front during World War II. As the Soviet Union was making ready for possible military action by Nazi Germany, they prepared themselves in all possible areas, especially the ground forces. Mobility was the key.

A meeting was held to determine which motorcycle would be best suited for the Red Army. It had already been designed… by BMW. So, the “new” Red Army’s vehicle of choice was essentially purloined from a late 1930s R71 BMW sidecar motorcycle. By early 1941, the first prototypes were fabricated, and the decision for mass production was geared toward a factory in Moscow. However, the Nazi blitzkrieg was so fast and effective that they were forced to move the manufacturing far into the middle of the resource-rich Ural mountain region. Then, in 1950, after the 30,000th sidecar motorcycle had been produced, the plant was turned over to non-military production. Export began in 1953.

Not only can awe be found in its history, but it can also be found in the simple beauty of the bike’s shipping crate. Russian wood, plucked from their millions of acres of virgin forest, boasts a grain without knots. Surely such wood, left unattended, would not last long. Then suddenly, as the crate is opened and the shrink-wrap removed, there are all the aromas of Russia… I would like to believe… but no vodka stashed in its guts are to be found.

My mind is immediately thrown back to the birth occurring before me…. Yes, there is spectacle in birth—but it is in its upbringing where the utmost importance is now placed—and that’s in the hands of the well-trained assembly technicians. These quick and agile mechanical masters orchestrate the assembly, and the detailed steps necessary to make it on- and off-road worthy.

Every Ural is handmade, with each containing its own essence of Russian personality. Though demand continues to grow, less than 2,000 of them were made last year. The Ural’s looks are an aesthetic smorgasbord for the eyes. There’s a constant flow of onlookers milling around as the Terra Explorer slowly comes to life, they’re curious… with a never-ending flow of questions, like—

“How long did it take you to restore it?”

“Is it Military?” (They’re available a couple camouflage paint schemes.)

“What year is it?”

They’re almost disappointed when I reply, “It’s a 2012.” It is indeed a new machine, but its soul is felt from the first miles on.

The Terra Explorer upgrades were made to this 2012 Gear Up, but many of them can be easily retrofitted to the older models.

The storage capability is immense. Just ask my faithful companion, Spirit, who luxuriously takes up the entire seating area. Below him, the nose of the sidecar is huge, providing shade for provisions and water. The step on the car can carry another three gallon container for water or gas, while the rear rack can be piled on with bags. Even the trunk, with its complete Ural tool set that comes with the purchase, could hide a small child. And there’s also a front rack upon which more cargo can be strapped.

We wander from State-to-State as we live on the road. So, when it comes to rolling out according to the weather, we must have the ability to pack everything we need 24/7/365. The most important aspect of the Ural is its capability to handle the unpaved backroads. These are the roads which lead us to the most beautiful sights one can experience and photograph. I would say, without any hesitation, that Terra Explorer is a perfect fit for such adventures. But reaching these remote destinations hinges upon two critical features that few other sidecars other than the Ural can brag about… 2WD and reverse gear. It sure eases my mind to know that I can maneuver through just about any situation.

To be sure, it’s not a sportsbike, but it will last you a long time if used for what it is designed for—taking on the rough or paved roads at an easy-going pace, where one can truly smell the roses. My own comfortable speed is around 50 to 55 mph (~80 to 85 kpm), avoiding freeways at all cost even if it means a 100 mile or more detour.

At 739 lbs., four speeds forward with one reverse, rated at 40 HP at 5600 RPM, powered by two Keihin 32mm carburetors, the two shaft drives have been beefed up, it’s a bit primitive in that as everything is in sight, easy to see and get to when maintenance is necessary. Changing the oils, torqueing the heads, checking the valve gaps, greasing the drive shafts couplers… those are the main demands. The Ural is a hands-on motorcycle and its simplicity still amazes me.

The machine arrived labeled as a Gear Up—and left the shop as a Terra Explorer. Ours, by the way, is named “Crusty.” A long list of add-ons has transformed this sidecar which now differentiates it from a bare Gear Up. A new power arc ignition system, phenolic carburetors heat blocks, thicker exhaust pipe flange gaskets, quick disconnect fuel line, two-into-one header pipe with high mount exhaust, by the tank 2WD and reverse shift kit, engine and sump guards, rear sidecar bumper, solo saddle seat, fire extinguisher, windshield, halogen headlight and two sets of Hella lights, front nose rack with spot light cut out, sidecar fender rack, upgraded wheel bearings all around (four wheels which includes the spare).

There’s a long list which makes Terra Explorer more on- and off-road worthy, with all parts being available throughout the 69 dealerships across the U.S. Smiles are your own add-ons. Lost on some backroad, or only going to the local grocery store, there just is “something” that will make you smile unlike any other vehicle you’ve ridden before. Even detours will be welcomed, you might even keep your camping gear packed and stored as you never know when you might decide to just take off—even if it is for one night or… for one lifetime.

2012 Ural Gear Up Specifications

• Dimensions: 101.6?L x 66.9?W x 43.3?H

• Seat Height: 30.9?

• Road Clearance: 5.9?

• Dry Weight: 739 lbs

• Recommended max speed: 62 mph

• Engine: OHV Air-cooled, 4-stroke, opposed twin cylinder

• Bore & Stroke: 78 x 78 mm

• Compression Ratio: 8.6:1

• Displacement: 749cc

• Rated HP @ 5,600 RPM: 40 HP

• Rated Torque @ 4,600 RPM: 38 ft-lbs

• Fuel System: Carbureted, dual Keihin L22AA, 32mm

• Clutch: Dry, dual disk

• Alternator Max Output: 55 amps, 770 watts

• Starting: Electric and kick starter

• Transmission: 4 forward, 1 reverse

• Final Drive: Shaft drive

• Recommended Fuel: 91 octane unleaded

• Tank Capacity: 5.0 U.S. gallons

• Front Brakes: Brembo with full floating disk

• Rear Brakes: Mechanical drum

• Sidecar Brakes: Mechanical drum

• Ignition System: Full electronic C.D.I.

• Front Suspension: Leading link w/Sachs hydraulic shock absorbers

• Rear Suspension: Sachs hydraulic shock absorbers

• Wheel Size (front, rear, and sidecar): 19?

• Wheel Type: Aluminum, steel spokes, cast alum. hubs

• Miles per Gallon: 26–33 mpg

• Trunk Volume: 2.9 cubic ft

• Colors: Forest Fog, Gobi Desert Camo, Forest Camo

• Special Features: On demand 2WD

• Warranty: 2 years parts and labor, unlimited mileage

2012 Terra Explorer Upgrades

• Dry Weight: 762 lbs

• Rated HP @ 5,600 RPM: 48 HP

• Rated Torque @ 4,600 RPM: 42 ft-lbs

• Ignition System: Raceway power arc ignition

• Raceway adjustable custom seat

• Raceway 2-into-1 high mount exhaust

• Raceway heavy-duty exhaust pipe flange gaskets

• Raceway tank-mounted 2WD/reverse shift kit

• Raceway 2WD Tuff Shaft

• Front Suspension: Custom (to come)

• Rear Suspension: Custom (to come)

• Axxis wheel bearings

• Raceway front rack

• Hella halogen auxiliary lights (500FF)

• Hella halogen 7" headlight

• Raceway single tube rear bumper

• Water jug for sidecar step—2.5 U.S. gallons (Roverparts.com)

• Fuel container—2.5 U.S. gallons Ural

• Raceway Z-Bar engine guard

• Duro FF tires (on/off road knobbies)

• Raceway phenolic carburetor heat blocks

• Raceway engine sump guard

• Raceway sidecar fender rack

• Givi handlebar mounted windshield

• Raceway quick disconnect fuel lines

• Walmart sidecar-mounted fire extinguisher (they’re the only place that carries this size!)

Ural.com (Ural sidecar motorcycles and the Gear Up model)

RacewayServicespaa.com (upgrades and modifications to Ural motorcycles)

TheOasisOfMySoul.com (Ara Gureghian’s website)

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