The only motorcycle that comes with an oar

“In Case of Emergency: Detach sidecar, jump in, and then paddle like heck,” read the instructions printed on the blade of the oar bolted to the side of this new Ural Yamal limited edition. Named after a Russian Icebreaker, the … Continued

The best Hammarhead photo shoot ever

Everyone who reads HFL knows how much we adore Hammarhead bikes. Back in June 13, 2011, James Hammarhead hired me to shoot all three models in one very special location. The shoot was for an outside project that never materialized, … Continued

Stuck in the mud

Back in November, I explained that the unique appeal of the Ural sidecars is that they’ll go where no other vehicle can. A unique combination of compact dimensions, relatively light weight and 2WD makes them virtually unstoppable. Well, here’s one … Continued

When Ural printed its own money

In the early ‘90s, if you presented this stamped sheet of paper at a bakery in Irbit, you’d have received six 1kg loaves of bread in return. Operating in a collapsed economy, the company supported its workforce and the town … Continued

The factory in Siberia where Urals are made

It’s actually a misnomer to call the Irbit Motorcycle Factory a motorcycle factory at all. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely makes bikes, it’s just that it makes bolts, pins, spokes, rims and nearly all the other parts that go … Continued