Continued....

For riders looking for less comfort but an incredible heritage, taking the time to find the nearest Ural dealership may be in the immediate future.

Featuring Russian engineering (albeit borrowed in some opinions) and a sidecar, the Ural motorcycle is probably the most unique looking ride on the road. With a pedigree dating back to the Second World War when the Soviet Union acquired the design and production techniques for BMW R 71 motorcycles and sidecars and created it’s M-72.

Sometimes known as the ‘Cossack motorcycle’ the modern heavy duty URAL sidecar motorcycles are designed for rough Russian roads they traditionally feature four-stroke, air-cooled, flat-twin engines, a four speed gear box with reverse gear, shaft drive, two disc dry clutch, spring shock absorbers, and drum brakes.

While models have been improved for Western markets, it is still possible to ride away from an American showroom with a motorcycle using a kick-start. Whether from being designed for rough terrain or the steel sidecar, the different models in the Ural line-up (nine if you care to count them) include a reverse gear.

But for those who enjoy the modern comforts, in 2007 Ural switched to a Ducati electronic ignition and utilize new engine and transmission gears designed by Herzog in Germany making for a quieter engine operation and smoother shifting transmission.

With manufacturers looking to win the next new motorcycle purchase in these tough economic times, looking back could be the way forward for some. But certainly the art of finding motorcycle sales from the styling of yesteryear seems to come from smaller and mostly privately held manufacturers with Triumph being the prime example.

And from the same country as Triumph working hard to revive a legendary brand, Norton has released its first model under the auspice of proud brand owner Stuart Garner and Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd. The latest motorcycle manufacturer rode out its Commando 961 to mixed reviews in April 2010.

Of course many will say Harley-Davidson's have their own unique vintage style about them and while that discussion can be tabled for another article the fact remains, when a biker feels those nostalgic yearnings the selection and range available in the modern day showroom. And those new models areas diverse and eclectic as the very history those inspiring vintage motorcycles first found themselves riding through.