Three models, one philosophy. In 2026, Ural offers the all-wheel-drive Gear Up, the classic Tourist and the CT for urban use. Technical breakdown to help you make your choice.
The 2026 Ural Range: Three Characters, One Soul
The Ural brand simplifies its range each year to better assert its identity. In 2026, three main models make up the worldwide offer, available in several colours and with various options depending on the market. Each responds to a distinct use profile, even though all share the same mechanical foundation: the 750cc OHV flat-twin engine, shaft drive transmission and robust steel frame.
What immediately distinguishes the Ural range from all other manufacturers is the absence of a solo motorcycle variant. Ural doesn’t make solo bikes. This is a commercial and philosophical decision: the brand has reclaimed its identity as a sidecar manufacturer and fully embraces it.
The Gear Up: The Off-Road Flagship
The Gear Up is Ural’s flagship model, the one that best summarises the brand’s philosophy. Its name comes from the English expression “gear up” (to equip oneself, to prepare) and reflects its adventurous positioning.
The technical characteristic that distinguishes it is 2WD all-wheel drive. By pressing a simple control lever, the rider can engage the sidecar wheel in addition to the motorcycle’s rear wheel. This two-wheel drive is unique in the world: no other series manufacturer offers this system. It allows crossing muddy tracks, sand beaches or snowy terrain that a conventional motorcycle couldn’t tackle.
The 2026 Gear Up comes standard with:
- Electric winch mounted on the sidecar body
- Complete spare wheel (tyre + rim) easily accessible
- Mixed road/off-road tyres
- Jerry can holder and loading supports
- Complete tool kit under the seat
It’s the model chosen by the vast majority of buyers who plan adventure trips or live in areas with difficult roads. To learn how to ride this type of machine, our technical riding guide details the techniques suited to the Gear Up.
The Tourist: The Timeless Classic
The Tourist is Ural’s historic model, the one whose silhouette most directly recalls post-war machines. More stripped-down than the Gear Up, it comes without the 2WD system and winch, making it slightly less heavy and a little more manageable on road.
Its sidecar body offers generous space with a comfortable backrest for the passenger. Finishes are neat, chrome plentiful and the proposed colours evoke a revisited Soviet era: deep ultramarine blue, matte khaki, deep burgundy. In 2026, Ural offers a limited “Soviet Anniversary” series in a gold and red colourway of sober elegance.
The Tourist is often chosen by:
- Collectors who appreciate the vintage aspect
- Couples who use the sidecar as a regular second seat
- Riders who primarily travel on road and don’t need 2WD
Its slightly lower fuel consumption versus the Gear Up makes it an economical long-term choice as well.
The CT: The Contemporary Version
The CT is the newest model in the range. Its name evokes a more contemporary, more urban version, suited to mixed use. The sidecar body is more compact, the lines more graphic, the colours often bolder.
Technically, the CT shares the same engine and transmission as its siblings. What changes is the commercial orientation: it targets a younger audience, less bound by Soviet nostalgia, more sensitive to design and the lifestyle aspect.
The 750cc OHV Engine: The Heart of the Entire Range
All 2026 Ural models share the same 745cc flat (boxer) twin-cylinder engine, with side camshaft and overhead valves (OHV). This engine, whose design dates back to the 1940s, has been progressively improved to meet current emission standards.
In 2026, the engine delivers approximately 41 horsepower and 54 Nm of torque — modest figures but coherent with the brand’s philosophy: this isn’t a performance machine, it’s an endurance machine. Maximum power is reached at just 5,500 rpm, torque at 4,300 rpm — meaning the Ural likes moderate, constant revs.
Electronic fuel injection (EFI), standardised on all export models since 2014, considerably facilitates cold starts and improves combustion consistency.
Comparison Table of 2026 Models
| Specification | Gear Up | Tourist | CT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 745 cc | 745 cc | 745 cc |
| Power | ~41 hp | ~41 hp | ~41 hp |
| Drive | 2WD (engageable) | 1WD | 1WD |
| Total weight (bike+sidecar) | ~360 kg | ~340 kg | ~330 kg |
| Winch | Standard | Option | No |
| Tyres | Mixed | Road | Road |
| Indicative price | €17,000–18,000 | €15,000–16,000 | €14,500–15,500 |
Indicative 2026 prices, excluding options and setup costs. Check with an authorised dealer.
Accessories and Customisations
Ural offers an official accessories catalogue covering: luggage (side cases, saddle bags), protection (raised windscreen, leg guards), additional lighting (LED bars for off-road) and passenger comfort (padded backrests, adjustable footrests).
The Ural community is also very active in modifications: many owners install navigation systems, intercoms, bike racks or custom camping equipment. The mechanical simplicity of the machine makes these modifications accessible to DIY enthusiasts.
Which Ural to Choose in 2026?
The choice depends essentially on intended use:
- Adventure and off-road → Gear Up. No question.
- Road touring and daily use → Tourist. Lighter, more economical, more elegant.
- Urban and lifestyle profile → CT. For those who love motorcycles but want to stand out.
- With regular passenger → Gear Up or Tourist depending on terrain.
- Tight budget → CT or used Tourist from 2018-2022 (reliability already improved).
In any case, a test ride before purchase is essential. Riding an Ural sidecar is so distinctive — we explain this in detail in our riding guide — that some enthusiastic buyers give up after 10 minutes of testing. Others, on the contrary, are immediately won over.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2026, new Ural prices in Europe range from approximately €14,500 to €18,000 depending on model and options. The Gear Up 2WD is the most expensive (around €17,000-€18,000), the Tourist approximately €15,000-€16,000. Prices generally include a tool kit and first service.
The main difference is the drivetrain: the Gear Up has 2WD drive (motorcycle wheel + sidecar wheel), ideal for off-road and difficult conditions. The Tourist only has the motorcycle's rear wheel driven (1WD). The Gear Up also includes a winch, an easily accessible spare wheel on the car body and generally off-road tyres.
The CT is indeed more agile and lighter than the Gear Up. Its smaller sidecar body, road tyres and simplified controls make it a better choice for mixed city/road use. It remains a 330 kg sidecar: city riding requires practice.
Yes, the Ural sidecar is designed to carry an adult passenger. The Gear Up can carry up to 120 kg in the sidecar (check your model's load limits). Child seats and safety bars are available as accessories. Comfort is better than in a car on cobbled roads, but more exposed to the elements.
The Ural's 750cc OHV engine consumes between 7 and 9 litres per 100 km depending on road conditions and load. On motorways with the sidecar, expect 9-11 L/100km. This is reasonable for a three-wheeled vehicle of this weight. The 19-litre tank gives a range of approximately 200 km.