2007 Ural Wolf Review

Ural, based in Irbit, Russia, is primarily known for its retro sidecar motorcycles, but in 2003 the company introduced its first strictly two-wheel cruiser, the Wolf, which it described as the product of a collaboration between the Ural factory and a Russian biker club called the Night Wolves. The 2007 model was a carryover.

Like all of Ural’s motorcycles, the 2007 Ural Wolf 750 is powered by an air-cooled, 749cc, horizontally opposed two-cylinder four-stroke engine, with an overhead cam valve configuration and dual Keihin carburetors. In typical cruiser fashion, the front suspension is a telescopic fork; the rear is a steel twin-sided swing arm with a spring preload shock. The four-speed transmission works with a shaft final drive. Brembo hydraulic discs in the front and back provide stopping power, part of the ongoing equipment upgrades Ural has been making to its machines over the past 10 years, following its purchase by a Russian entrepreneur named Ilya Khait.

Though, as a solo machine, the Wolf is an anomaly for Ural, it is based on the same late 1930s BMW bike that sired all Urals, and it has a classic look and feeling. It also features the classic upright cruiser riding position, comfortable for many miles of highway travel. The sidecar motorcycles have a top speed of about 60 miles per hour—the solo Wolf’s official top speed is around 85, and owners boast that it’s real upper speed rate is much higher. Riders give the cruiser high marks for its handling and responsive pick-up. Unlike the sidecar motorcycles, which have many accessories available, Ural offers none for the Wolf, and in 2007 it came in exactly one color: black. And yet, the company positions the bike as infinitely customizable, presumably with aftermarket or custom accessories.

Ural’s bikes are known for requiring almost constant maintenance, despite the many upgrades company has made. Fans say that the maintenance is easy and parts are inexpensive, and a passionate corps of enthusiasts stand ready to offer knowledgeable assistance.