Major Upgrades for 2014 Urals

2014 Ural Patrol

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

Sidecar rigs aren’t for everyone, but they sure do grab attention when on the road. Russian sidecar builder Ural yesterday unveiled its models for 2014 with a dare on its website for riders to “Rethink What You Thought You Knew About Ural” after having made numerous upgrades to its machines.

The areas targeted, according to Ural, were engine performance, handling, braking and overall fit and finish. Geez, what else was left? Nonetheless, a side-by-side comparison of 2013 and 2014 models shows some big differences.

2014 Ural Patrol

While the two-wheel-drive models are still powered by a 749cc engine, it is now fuel injected rather than carbureted. Maximum horsepower is up to 41 from 40 and maximum torque is improved to 42 ft-lbs at 4,300 rpm versus 38 ft-lbs at 4,600 rpm. Weight has been reduced to 730 pounds from 739, and maximum cruising speed has been boosted to 70 miles per hour from 65. Fuel consumption rises from 26-33 mpg to 31-37 mpg.

2014 Ural Gear Up

In switching to EFI, Ural also developed “an all new air box and an improved cam profile.” The fuel injection system was developed for Ural by the Michigan-based company ElectroJet Inc. and uses components from Bosch and Delphi.

As for the brakes, Ural has discarded drum brakes in the rear (for both the motorcycle and sidecar) wheels. The 2014 models now feature disc brakes on all three wheels which will provide “dramatically increased stopping power.”

To improve handling, Ural has ditched the mechanical-type steering damper in favor of “an 18-position adjustable hydraulic damper,” which will reduce the amount of yaw. Also upgraded are the upper and lower triple clamps.

2014 Ural Patrol

Appearance-wise, the 2014 models have new knee pads and tank badges, upgraded hoses and a new dashboard.

The MSRPs for the new Urals are $12,399 for the Ural T, $15,399 for the Patrol in blue, $15,999 for the two-tone Patrol (red/white and silver/black) and $15,999 for the Gear Up.