2002 Ural reviews

Just about the most fun I've had on a bike! The quality is much improved over older models. Mine was purchased used this spring (2005) just out of the break in. I've had the alternator, speedo cable and ignition go bad, and replaced. The drive shaft splines also stripped. BUT, you can't go into this expecting a modern, problem free bike. Buy a Japanese bike, then. These are old tech, with few changes over half a century. But now this bike is getting better and better. It pulls like a draft horse, and easily keeps up in traffic. It handles great, and has become my daily rider (I also own a Yamaha Road Star and an Enfield Bullet). I make more friends on the Ural, as it always draws a crowd and everyone wants to talk about it. I'd get another with NO hesitation Show less

This bike has been my daily driver for the last 3 years and 53K km's...rain, sun, hot, cold (no snow in FL). I still have a ball with it and can't see myself riding anything else. This is one tough, easy to wrench, highly utilitarian machine. Many improvements have been made in design and quality since I got my bike in 2002, plus they now have a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty. If you're looking for a truly unique and fun ride, this is it. Show less

I have owned my 2002 tourist for a year now. It's barely broken in with 5000km on the clock. I've owned several air-head Beemers over the years, and the Ural has lots of things I liked in the older BMW's. It pulls like a John Deere tractor and just keeps getting smoother and stronger now that it's getting broken-in. I had a problem at first with the electronic ignition, but Ural replaced it free and I haven't had a lick of trouble since. The frame and suspension are very strongly built and the sidecar and luggage rack can carry lots of gear and a passenger. Driving a sidecar rig is "different" than handling a regular motorcycle, but once you get used to it, it's a lot of fun. The rig also draws attention nearly everywhere you stop, and you get to meet lots of nice people, too. It seems like all kinds of people are friendly to you when you come into town on the rig, as it doesn't seem to make people feel threatened. Since my Ural is my only rig, and I am usually alone, I do kind of miss having a standard motorcycle to play with--but I like my Ural too. Show less

As I get a few inquires from this site every month, I thought I would post a follow up after a year+ of Ural ownership. The update will be a little boring for most. No high tech. gizmos to wow about. No new fangled suspension to smooth out the ride. No twin turbo mega cc engine to rave about. Just a built-like-a-tank tough throw back to the 1950s bike review. The 2002 Patrol is my daily driver with over 30K hard km's (on and off road) put on it in just over a year. It has had a few electrical gremlins and component failures which were all easily and cheaply fixed. Everything on this bike is easily accessible for adjustment or repair due to its design (BMW) and military heritage. This is one tough rig which has never failed to do what I have asked of it. It is the 4X4 of motorcycles. What ever you can pile into it-it will haul. Loads of utility. If you are looking for a motorcycle that does more than make noise, look pretty and carry a gallon of milk home from the store...consider an IMZ/Ural. The only negative (if you consider it one)is, speed. With a top end of 74mph and a realistic cruise of 50-60mph this bike is probably too slow for most tastes (not mine). But what it lacks in speed it makes up in character and fun. When the time comes, it will be another IMZ for me. Show less

If you are interested in a sidecar the 2002 Ural Tourist, with the 750cc engine, is a great rig. Attracts a lot of attention - if you don't want to talk to people don't buy a Ural! Drives great. Easy to service. Fun. Show less

New 750cc engine provides 75mph cruising speed. Fit and finish is greatly improved. Controls are now comparable with modern bikes. Everything is smoother. People stop you everywhere to look and ask questions. Show less