We rode 800 km with the Ural Gear Up 2026 between Paris and the Vosges Mountains. This complete review assesses road behaviour, 2WD performance, daily comfort and reliability of the flagship model from Irbit.
The Test Context
We collected the 2026 Gear Up from a Paris dealer with 47 km on the clock — a fresh machine, still in the running-in period. The objective: 800 km over five days between Paris and the Vosges Mountains, mixing national roads, departmental roads and several off-tarmac excursions in Vosges forests.
The Gear Up was supplied in the “Oural Grey” 2026 livery — a sober matte slate grey with a subtly contrasting burgundy sidecar body. A level of finish care that speaks to IMZ-Ural’s improvements since the troubled 1990s.
Our test team: a rider with three years’ Ural Tourist sidecar experience (first contact with the 2WD Gear Up) and a regular passenger. The observations reflect both perspectives.
First Impressions
The 2026 Gear Up riding position is slightly more elevated than previous models. The rider’s saddle, revised for 2026, offers better lumbar support on longer journeys. A positive development.
The handlebars are wide, controls well-placed. The 2WD control (an additional left-side lever) is intuitive: rear position = 1WD, forward = 2WD. The lever lock is firm with no accidental engagement risk.
Engine start: the EFI injection does its job. Even in cool Vosges morning air (8°C), the engine catches in two starter revolutions, without missing, without flooding. Good news for spring and autumn rides.
On National Roads: Fluency and Confidence
Over the first 400 km — almost exclusively on national and departmental roads — the Gear Up shows confidence. Cruising at 85 km/h is comfortable for both occupants. Straight-line stability is excellent, superior to older carburettor models we’ve ridden.
Fuel consumption recorded on this section: 8.2 L/100 km. With the 19-litre tank, theoretical range is 232 km. In practice, we recommend refuelling every 180-200 km to maintain a safety margin.
One notable point: the 2026 gearbox is more precise than the one we tested on a 2023 model. Ratios engage cleanly, without the imprecision sometimes criticised in early 2000s Ural gearboxes. Real progress.
In the Vosges: Corners and Camber
Vosges roads are demanding for a sidecar: tight bends, pronounced camber, sometimes uneven surface. This is where the Gear Up reveals its character.
Left turns: at moderate speed (50-60 km/h), the Gear Up is predictable. The sidecar wheel doesn’t tend to lift if you maintain a smooth line. At 70 km/h in a tight bend, caution is required — the machine demands anticipation.
Right turns: easier than left, as on any sidecar. The handlebar resistance is pronounced but progressively satisfying once integrated into reflexes.
Road camber: perhaps the most interesting point. On road with marked camber (raised verge on the sidecar side), the Ural pulls more strongly right. Counter-correction required. Nothing insurmountable, but it demands attention.
2WD in Action: Off-Road Test
Day 3, we leave the tarmac for a forest track made muddy and wet by recent rainfall. This is where the Gear Up justifies its premium price.
2WD engagement is done with the machine stopped, lever pushed forward. You feel the difference immediately: where the motorcycle rear wheel had been slipping slightly, both wheels work together and progress is assured.
The winch — briefly tested on a wet grassy slope — works as expected. Power is sufficient to extract the machine from a tricky situation, even with a passenger aboard.
Comfort on Long Runs
After 300 km in a single day (the longest segment), rider and passenger give an honest assessment.
Rider: the 2026 saddle delivers on its promises. No lower back pain despite uneven roads. Flat-twin vibration is present but not tiring. Verdict: very good for this type of machine.
Sidecar passenger: comfortable on smooth roads, more turbulent on forest tracks. The adjustable body backrest allows a semi-reclined position appreciated on long straights. Exposure to spray in rain remains an inherent inconvenience of the concept.
Fuel Consumption and Real Costs
Over the full 800 km of testing:
- Average consumption: 8.6 L/100 km
- Fuel consumed: approximately 69 litres of unleaded
- Fuel cost at May 2026 average: ~€117
For a 360 kg vehicle with two occupants and luggage, this consumption is reasonable. For comparison, a BMW R 1250 GS with aftermarket sidecar shows similar or higher consumption.
Verdict
The Ural Gear Up 2026 is the best Ural we have ever ridden. The progressive improvements of the past decade have produced a reliable, enjoyable and genuinely versatile machine. The 2WD is not a gimmick: in situations that justify its use, it delivers.
Strengths: Reliability through 800 km, well-calibrated EFI injection, improved gearbox, functional and reassuring 2WD off-road, improved finishes.
Points to watch: High price (most expensive segment in the range), significant weight (360 kg) for low-speed manoeuvres, slightly higher consumption than Tourist.
Final score: 8/10 for mixed road/adventure use. The natural choice for those seeking a versatile Ural capable of going where others cannot.
To explore how this compares with European alternatives, our Ural vs BMW sidecar comparison addresses the philosophical differences between the two manufacturers. And for those considering a used Ural purchase, our buying guide covers all the essential checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Changes to the 2026 Gear Up remain minor versus the 2025. Ural has revised the injection mapping to improve mid-throttle response and slightly modified the saddle geometry for better long-distance comfort. The colour palette has also been updated.
Under normal conditions on flat road, the 2026 Gear Up reaches approximately 100-105 km/h top speed. Comfortable cruising speed sits between 75 and 90 km/h. These are deliberately modest figures: the Ural is designed for endurance and reliability, not speed.
Yes, the Gear Up 2WD is genuinely useful off tarmac. During our test, we used it on a muddy forest track and in a wet field. In both cases, the 2WD allowed progress where 1WD would have struggled. On road, 2WD remains unnecessary — and slightly problematic if accidentally engaged.
The Gear Up is technically more complex (2WD, winch, heavier) than a Tourist, but remains perfectly accessible to a beginner who takes time to learn. We recommend a half-day practice session in a car park before the first road outing.
After 800 intensive kilometres, we checked oil levels (no abnormal consumption), cable tension (slight slack in rear brake cable), and sidecar ball joint play (within spec). The 2026 Gear Up produced no surprises beyond these routine checks.