Ural has a long history of manufacturing dependable motorcycles that can take a beating. As a Russian company that started making its bikes during World War II, it has had to adapt to many adverse conditions. Those conditions, however, have only made its products stronger. The 2009 Ural Patrol is a perfect example of how the company stands out as a unique motorcycle manufacturer that knows how to meet challenges head on with practical engineering.
Most bikes fall into one of two categories. Motorcycles built for paved roads tend to have little to offer in rough terrain. Bikes built for off-road adventures rarely meet street regulations, which make them impractical vehicles. The 2009 Ural Patrol has one wheel in each category, making it a street-legal bike with off-road abilities.
The Ural Patrol's unique quality comes from its on-demand sidecar driveshaft. When activated, the sidecar driveshaft turns the Patrol into a two-wheel-drive motorcycle that offers plenty of traction on slick surfaces. Many motorcycle enthusiasts happily stow their summer bikes away as cold weather sets in because they know they get to enjoy the Patrol's ability to handle slick conditions. It's the perfect winter motorcycle, built by a company that understands the demands of harsh weather.
Ural has a reputation for building reliable motorcycles like the 2009 Patrol. The company is also well-known for maintaining a WWII-era aesthetic that stands out on the road. Few European or Asian companies have stuck to their aesthetic roots like Ural. Japanese bikes, for instance, attract buyers who want bikes with sleek bodies and bright colors. The 2009 Ural Patrol attracts interest with its connection to motorcycle history, and it looks just as comfortable in a museum as it does on a modern expressway.
The 2009 Patrol also maintains a connection to Ural's engineering tradition. With 50 hp, it's hardly the most powerful bike on the market, and its leading link fork front suspension doesn't offer the world's smoothest ride. Ural, however, isn't trying to win over bikers who covet the latest trends. Building vehicles like the Patrol for over half a century has given the company enough experience to know that gimmicky features come and go. By focusing on rugged engineering that won't break down at the absolute worst moment, Ural has been able to perfect motorcycles for people who love motorcycles.
Anyone looking for a pampered ride should go elsewhere. The 2009 Ural Patrol accepts that motorcycles have ""imperfections"" that often make the road ahead feel a little bumpy. That's part of the experience of owning a sidecar bike like the Patrol. It puts the driver in contact with the road, instead of protecting him or her from minor discomforts that, when appreciated, can add to the adventure.