Ural, king of the 2WD sidecar motorcycles, announces their top tier Gear Up Expedition model. The company modestly calls it “a fully equipped, go anywhere, do anything machine that can tackle nearly any situation on or off the road.”
The Better Equipped Ural
The Expedition comes straight from the factory with everything a rider and a passenger may need to travel anywhere in the world. Additions to the Gear Up Standard model will enhance the comfort of any tour. More luggage space, tougher protection for bike and sidecar, matching windshields, and upgraded suspension head the list of upgrades.
Traveling Colors
IMZ-Ural connotes the Expedition’s three colorways with views a rider and passenger might see as they explore the world. Colza Field, a bright yellow over OD Green design, reflects “lush prairies full of green leaves and yellow flowers.” Those heading north might pefer the orange/blue Polar Dawn design in their search for an Arctic sunrise. This look recalls the Gear Up’s Siberian roots. Finally, there is Ember Flame, rendered in terracotta over silver and meant to suggest “an urban landscape of steel, glass, asphalt, and glittering lights.” Ural created this one to remind riders they can find adventure anywhere.
The symbolism doesn’t stop there. The colors cross the motorcycle and sidecar at precisely 23.5 degrees. Sound familiar? It’s the angle the Earth tilts on its axis. Ural associates this with Expedition’s ability to take a rider over any terrain, while poking a bit of fun at the motorcycle’s quirkiness.
The Nitty Gritty
The Expedition’s stablemate, the Standard, comes well-equipped for overlanding. Handy things like a Jerry can, folding utility shovel, and tool kit will help when the going gets rough. As will a spare wheel that fits in any of the three wheel positions (Urals all wear Heidenau knobbies). The Expedition includes everything on the Standard and adds much more to help it reach that “do anything” status. Nitron shock absorbers smooth out the ride, with enhanced protection supplied by a skid plate and reinforced crash bar. Ural also provides plenty of gear storage by fitting three more luggage racks than the Standard.
New and Improved for 2023
Ural’s website shows a history of continuous improvement from 2009 to present day, with significant changes made yearly. The entire motorcycle appears to be fair game, from floor mats to high-compression pistons to this year’s new crankcase casting. Another 2023 change is swapping out universal joints for CV joints in a bid to improve service intervals and reliability. Learn more about Gear Up improvements in Stephan Edward’s post.
Hitting the Road
Those wanting to have a “fully equipped, do anything” machine will have to pay the piper. The Gear Up Expedition carries an MSRP of $31,440. The Standard runs $21,999 and the Base model is $19,999.
Photos courtesy of IMZ-Ural
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