Ural 750cc Mechanical Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know

The Ural 750cc is a simple, repairable and affordable motorcycle to maintain. This guide details all maintenance operations — from oil changes to valve adjustment — with intervals and recommended parts.

The Ural’s Mechanical Philosophy: Repairability First

Before diving into the technical operations, understanding the Ural’s mechanical philosophy helps approach maintenance with the right mindset. This motorcycle was designed to be repaired in the field, with basic tools, by soldiers without specialist training. This rugged design never really changed.

The 750cc OHV engine is a direct descendant of the 1940 BMW R71. No timing belt (risk of snapping), no timing chain, no complex engine electronics. The two flat cylinders are accessible without any prior disassembly. Spark plugs screw directly into the cylinder heads. The accessibility is remarkable.

The Official Maintenance Schedule

IMZ-Ural publishes a precise maintenance schedule for its models. Here are the main points for normal use (tarmac roads, European conditions):

Every 1,000 km (running-in or after major repair):

• Check valve clearance
• Check and torque all cylinder head nuts
• Check secondary drive chain tension
• Check engine and gearbox oil levels

Every 5,000 km:

• Complete engine oil change (including oil filter)
• Spark plug replacement
• Air filter cleaning or replacement
• Lubrication of moving parts (cables, pivots, ball joints)
• Front and rear brake check and adjustment
• Tyre condition check

Every 10,000 km:

• Valve adjustment
• Gearbox oil change
• Sidecar differential oil change (2WD models)
• Front wheel / sidecar wheel alignment check
• Wheel bearing check
• Front fork inspection

Every 20,000 km:

• Valve seal replacement
• Complete transmission shaft check
• Frame inspection (welds, cracks)

Complete Engine Oil Change Procedure

The oil change is the most frequent and most important operation. Here is the complete procedure:

Required materials: 2 litres 15W-40 semi-synthetic oil, 1 replacement oil filter, 24mm spanner for drain plug, filter wrench or strap wrench, drain tray (3 litres minimum), rags.

Procedure:

1. Start the engine and let it run for 2-3 minutes to warm the oil slightly. Warm oil flows faster and carries suspended particles better.

2. Stop engine. Place drain tray under sump. Unscrew drain plug (right side of sump, bottom). Oil flows out.

3. While oil drains, unscrew oil filter (cartridge filter, accessible by hand or with filter strap).

4. Replace drain plug with new copper washer. Screw new filter by hand (1/4 turn after seal contact).

5. Pour 1.8 litres of fresh oil through filler cap (left side, top). Start, run for 1 minute, stop. Check level on dipstick — should be between Min and Max marks.

Valve Adjustment: Step-by-Step Procedure

The metallic tapping some riders hear is often a sign of valves needing adjustment. The operation is doable without specialist training but requires rigour.

Engine cold (at least 4 hours since last start):

1. Remove cylinder head covers from both cylinders (4 screws each, 8mm spanner).

2. Turn engine manually (rear wheel in 4th gear, push motorcycle) until both valves of the right cylinder are closed (rocker arms are free, no pressure on valves).

3. Check clearance with feeler gauge: 0.10-0.15 mm at inlet, 0.15-0.20 mm at exhaust. The gauge should pass with slight friction, without resistance or binding.

4. If clearance is incorrect, loosen adjusting screw lock nut (10mm spanner), turn screw to correct clearance, re-tighten lock nut while holding screw. Check again (re-tightening can slightly alter clearance).

5. Repeat on left cylinder after repositioning engine.

6. Replace cylinder head covers with new gasket if old one is compressed.

Shaft Drive Transmission: Maintenance and Inspection

Shaft drive is one of the Ural’s mechanical advantages. Unlike a chain requiring regular tensioning and lubrication, the shaft only needs an oil level check at the drive gear every 10,000 km.

The CV joint at the front of the shaft (gearbox-shaft connection) should be inspected every 20,000 km. Rubber gaiters protect the joints — if a gaiter is cracked or detached, replace it immediately to prevent water and dust ingress.

The rear axle (differential) contains approximately 0.2 litres of transmission oil. Drain and refill with SAE 90 GL-4 gear oil every 20,000 km.

Spare Parts: Availability and Indicative Prices

The Ural spare parts ecosystem in Europe has significantly improved over the past decade. Here is a reference list for the most commonly replaced parts:

Sidecar Maintenance

The Ural sidecar deserves the same attention as the motorcycle. Points to check regularly:

Motorcycle-sidecar coupling joints: there are generally two or three articulated attachment points. The joints wear and develop play. This play is felt in handling (less precise steering). Check every 10,000 km.

Sidecar tyre: the sidecar wheel carries a quasi-static load. Tyres wear unevenly (more on the inside edge). Check wear every 5,000 km.

Body seals: on models with sidecar gaiter, sealing joints can detach. Repair with polyurethane sealant.

Sidecar brake cable (2WD models): the cable connecting the brake pedal to the sidecar wheel should be lubricated and tension checked every 10,000 km.

For owners looking to take their Ural on extended road trips, thorough preparation before departure is the key to trouble-free adventure.