Classic Motorcycle Pictures, USA Motorcycles, Old New Motors: Ural M70 Solo Limited Edition, 2012

Ural M70 Solo Limited Edition, 2012

Review
It has become a tradition that every fall come out with limited edition series.
Celebrate 70th anniversary of the legendary Irbit Motorcycle Factory and introduce two very special models: M70 Solo Limited Edition with sidecar and M70 Solo Limited Edition solo.

The motorcycle pays homage to its veteran predecessor, the original M72. The M72 was essentially a copy of a BMW R71, the best sidecar motorcycle of the time. A rugged, all terrain motorcycle, capable of carrying three people and heavy loads, was ideal for mobile troops.

The first M72's built by the Irbit Factory were sent to the front lines in February of 1942 and were used by the troops in the Battle of Stalingrad. 9,799 M72's served in reconnaissance and dispatch detachments, and were also used to evacuate the wounded from battle fields during the War. Read more about M72 and IMZ history.

M70 Solo Limited Edition is based on the Retro model. It is painted in olive drab, the sidecar has a machine gun mount and its tonneau cover is made of canvas similar to the one used on the M72. Just like the M72 it also includes a spare wheel and shovel. The tear drop gas tank is decorated with a replica of the first factory badge (circa 1956). The motorcycle features a tractor style seat and luggage rack on the rear fender. Each anniversary M70 Solo Limited Edition also comes with a special commemorative plaque.

While M70 Solo Limited Edition keeps the aesthetics of the original M72, it is also an extraordinary road going sidecar motorcycle. The M70 Solo Limited Edition comes equipped with 18" aluminum rims, 40 mm Marzochhi telescopic forks, Sachs shocks, Brembo front disc brake, and other modern features. A longer wheel base and lower sitting sidecar make this model the fastest and best handling Ural.

Ural Introduces 70th Anniversary Edition Motorcycles
Ural, the legendary Russian manufacturer of sidecar motorcycles celebrates its 70th anniversary with two special edition models.

It was a brutally cold November of 1941. The Nazis were at the outskirts of Moscow, preparing for the all-in assault on the Soviet capital. At the same moment, in a small town of Irbit, located on the eastern slopes of the Ural Mountains, 2000kms away from Moscow, a freight train arrived with the machinery, materials, and drawing boards. With this train came people with an impossible task to build a factory in the middle of a Siberian winter and produce combat sidecar motorcycles for the Red Army.

The motorcycle that was to be built at the Irbit factory was called M72. The M72 was essentially a copy of a BMW R71, the best sidecar motorcycle of the time. A rugged, all terrain motorcycle, capable of carrying three people and heavy loads, was ideal for mobile troops. The Nazis were to be beaten with their own weapon!

The first motorcycles built by the Irbit Factory were sent to the front lines in the middle of 1942 and were used by the troops in the Battle of Stalingrad. During the War, 9,799 M72’s served in reconnaissance and dispatch detachments, and were also used to evacuate the wounded from battle fields.

After the war the factory continued producing motorcycles with sidecars and built over 3 million outfits. People who laid the foundation of the factory would have never imagined that 70 years later this factory would remain the only sidecar motorcycle manufacturer in the world and Ural would become a cult motorcycle.

The M70 Solo Limited Edition is based on the Retro model and is offered in sidecar and solo versions. M70 Solo Limited Edition is not a copy of the original M72, but it bears resemblance to its veteran predecessor. The motorcycle is painted in olive drab, the sidecar has a machine gun mount and its tonneau cover is made of canvas similar to the one used on the M72. Just like the M72 it also includes a spare wheel and shovel. The tear drop gas tank is decorated with a replica of the original factory badge. The motorcycle features a tractor style seat and luggage rack on the rear fender. Each anniversary M70 Solo Limited Edition also comes with a special commemorative plaque.

While M70 Solo Limited Edition keeps the aesthetics of the original M72, it is also an extraordinary road going sidecar motorcycle. The M70 Solo Limited Edition comes equipped with 18” aluminum rims, 40 mm Marzochhi telescopic forks, Sachs shocks, Brembo front disc brake, and other modern features. A longer wheel base and lower sitting sidecar make this model the fastest and best handling Ural.
The total Anniversary Edition production run is 30 sidecar and only 10 solo motorcycles.

Limited Edition Features

New for 2012
Total Built: 10 units
Based on URAL retro model

North American Specifications
Engine and transmission

Displacement, cc 745
Engine type OHV air cooled 2 cylinder 4 stroke "boxer" (flat twin)
Valve per cylinder 2
Bore and stroke (mm x mm) 78 x 78
Max output (hp) 40 @ 5600 rpm
Max torque (ft-lbs) 38 @ 4500 rpm
Compression 8.6:1
Fuel system Carbureted, twin Keihin L22 AA
Ignition Full electronic CDI
Starting Electric & Kickstart
Clutch Double-disc dry
Transmission type Manual
Speeds 4

Gears ratios - I 3.60
II 2.28
III 1.56
IV 1.19

Primary drive (rear wheel) Driveshaft
Final drive ratio 3.89
Physical dimensions
Overall length, in 90.6
Overall heights, in 52.0
Overall width (handlebar), in 30.3
Wheel base, in 61.8
Seat height, in (unladen) 29.5
Seat height, in (laden) 29.1
Ground clearance (unladen), in 5.9
Dry weight, lbs 452

Chassis

Frame type Double loop steel tubular frame
Front suspension 40mm Marzocchi telescopic forks
Rake steering head, deg 30.0°
Trail, in 2.6
Front suspension travel, in 4.9
Rear suspension Double sided swing-arm with two Sachs hydraulic spring shock absorbers, 5x adjustable
Rear suspension travel, in 3.1
Wheels 2.5X18 aluminum rims with steel spokes
Tires Duro HF-308 4.0x18" front and rear
Front brake Single 295 mm full floating disc, 4-piston fixed Brembo caliper
Rear brake Single 245 mm fixed disc, 2-piston fixed Brembo caliper