1997 Ural

If the Russian-built 1997 Ural motorcycle looks markedly similar to an old BMW motorcycle, that's only because it is on old BMW motorcycle.

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After World War II, Russia seized BMW's plant in Germany and moved the tooling and equipment back to the Soviet Union.

A short time later, what were essentially reproductions based on parts from different BMW motorcycle models hit the market carrying Ural badges.

Though the design has seen updates over the years, the latest URL motorcycles still closely resemble the originals -- and, by association, more-modern BMWs.

The 1997 Ural motorcycle's 650-cc horizontally opposed twin remained a simple overhead-valve affair, and sidecar versions retained the option of having a powered wheel that comes in handy on rough terrain.

Suspension was by traditional swingarm with coil-over shocks in back, but in front was a modified Earles fork reminiscent of those used on BMWs from the mid 1950s to the late 1960s.

Wheels on the 1997 Ural motorcycle retained drum brakes and were interchangeable; the spare could be fitted to any of the three corners.

Though it looked ungainly and crude by 1990s standards, a 1997 Ural motorcycle with sidecar could be purchased for about $6,000 -- quite a transportation bargain.

And the fact that the 60-year-old design was still in production was also a compliment to its original German maker.

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