Classic Sidecar Motorcycles History, Information


GREAT LEGENDS NEVER DIE, THEY JUST GET BETTER. Built continuously since 1939, the IMZ URAL represents an important piece of German and Russian History. Russian engineers first replicated the design for the sidecar classic. They began manufacturing them in 1939 at the Irbit Motor Works (IMZ) deep inside the mountainous Ural industrial region of Russia. The IMZ factory has been producing these same models as a main form of civilian and military transportation in Russia for the past 59 years.
Over 3.2 Million units have been sold to date! THe IMZ URAL was introduced in the U.S. in 1993. Under an agreement between the 60 year old factory and an enterprising team of American motorcycle lovers, the IMZ-URAL has undergone a host of improvements. While maintaining and even enhancing its classic looks and character, the engine, drive train and frame have seen continuous upgrading with U.S. made & other parts and processes imported from all over the globe. This process is on-going. As a result, the classic look and feel of the W.W.II era "boxer" twin is combined with the more user friendly and reliable aspects of motoring that Americans expect today. The engine is higher in compression & configured to burn high octane unleaded gas, and has a standard electric start (although purists still prefer to sometimes use the "kick" starter).