Ural Solo
Ural Solo

2010 Ural sT Review, Continued

Bottom Line: A Hearty, Visceral Ride Not for the Faint of Heart

Chances are you’ll either get the Ural sT, or you won’t: riders looking for seamlessly smooth, fill-it-with-gas-and-twist-the-throttle mindlessness will likely find the sT too rough around the edges for their tastes. On the other hand, motorcyclists with a soft spot for viscerally mechanical machines that require a little bit of attention won’t sweat things like the stuck throttle I experienced, and will gladly roll up their sleeves for a bit of roadside tinkering before they reach their destinations.

The Ural sT even makes retro-style rides like the $7,699 Triumph Bonneville and $8,990 Moto Guzzi V7 Caf- Classic seem sleek by comparison. The sT’s rudimentary suspension, porcine proportions, and somewhat awkward ergonomics will likely tick off those accustomed to more streamlined rides.

But those seeking old school design with the peace of mind a two year factory warranty offers will find that the Ural sT captures a golden era of motorcycling in a package that’s unlike most anything else on the road. Those bold enough to buy into a brand that’s head-snappingly nichey just might find two-wheeled nirvana aboard the Ural sT. Individualists unite: in the process of ditching the sidecar, Ural’s new solo motorcycle may leave most riders scratching their heads, but it also manages to appeal to a minority of traditionalists seeking a brand and a lifestyle like no other.

Specifications

A shot of the sT, with optional equipment including gloss red ($255), select chrome parts ($105), center stand ($105), stainless steel cylinder head bars ($125), stainless passenger handles ($60), and upswept pipes ($215).

Photo © Vladimir Pavlenko

Price: $6,999 (base), $7,979 (as tested)

Engine: 745cc, air-cooled horizontally opposed boxer-style, with electric and kick start

Output: 40 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, 38 ft-lbs of torque at 4,500 rpm

Transmission: 4-speed manual with dual-disc dry clutch

Final drive: Shaft

Front suspension: Telescopic 40mm Marzocchi forks

Rear suspension: Dual Sachs coilovers

Ural Solo
Ural Solo

Front brake: 295mm, 4-piston Brembo single-disc

Rear brake: 245mm, 2-piston Brembo single-disc

Dry weight: 441 pounds

Seat height: 30.3 inches (unladen), 29.9 inches (laden)

Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gallons (with .8 gallon reserve)

Fuel economy: 47 mpg

Estimated range: 235 miles

Who Should Buy the 2010 Ural sT?

Ural Solo
Ural Solo


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