Page 2 of 3: ural_explorer2

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).