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» Ural with cradle tuning. Ural motorcycle engine tuning: detailed information

Ural with cradle tuning. Ural motorcycle engine tuning: detailed information

“Ural” is one of the most recognizable Soviet motorcycles. The model is a copy of the BMW R71. During Soviet times, the Ural was used by the Ministry of Defense for patrol purposes. Combat models equipped with a machine gun or launcher carrier were also produced.

The motorcycle has a 750 cm3 engine with a power of 40 horsepower. The weight of the Ural exceeds 200 kg, but despite this it quickly picks up speed. The brakes are hydraulically actuated and located on the spoke of the rear wheel. The shape of the fuel tank, lights and turn signals are designed in a militaristic style, which especially pleases fans of this motorcycle.

Modern versions of the bike are designed for riding in urban environments and combine power and reliability. The seats are trimmed with genuine leather, which gives the motorcycle a special chic. Manufacturers strive to maintain a retro style when creating modern models.

"Ural" is valued for its retro style and modern filling. The history of the motorcycle goes back more than 60 years, and all this time motorcyclists have been trying to improve the appearance and technical performance of the motorcycle. The price of this “iron horse” is quite high, but there are fans who are ready to buy this model.

An improved Ural is almost impossible to buy. Fans who have invested a lot of time and effort into their motorcycle are not inclined to sell it. So if you want to get an improved Ural, you will have to do the tuning yourself.

External tuning

The original design of the Ural is already impressive, especially if you like the classics. But there is no limit to perfection. Owners of this motorcycle tend to customize the motorcycle according to their personal tastes. Of course, all work to improve the motorcycle can be ordered at the salon, but a real biker will always prefer to do the tuning of the Ural motorcycle with his own hands. The tuning process may be lengthy and require effort, but the result will certainly be worth it.

The following changes are most often made in the appearance of the “Ural” iron horse:

  • Handles, mirrors and fairings are changed.
  • The seat is made single.
  • Get rid of massive “wings”.
  • The steering wheel is raised and straightened slightly.
  • The footrests are moved forward to make riding more comfortable.
  • The original fuel tank is replaced with a streamlined tank. Tanks from motorcycles “IZH-49”, “Planet”, “Jupiter” and “IZH-56” are suitable for the “Ural”. If you have an old Ural model, then you can install a Java-250 tank on it.
  • If the owner wants to turn his Ural into a chopper, then the rear wheel should be replaced with a wider one. The optimal size is 130-150. The wider rear wheel requires replacement of the rear frame.
  • Parts are chrome plated.
  • The clutch and brake levers are replaced with ones cut from a piece of solid metal.
  • The muffler is located on the right side.

Of course, each motorcycle owner decides for himself how far he will go to change the appearance of his “iron horse”. The cost of this model is quite high, so if you need a completely modified bike, it is better to buy something more affordable. But if you like the classic Ural motorcycle, this is your choice. Photos of tuning these bikes can be found on the Internet and you can choose the option that you will focus on.

Improved technical characteristics

The surface of domestically produced engines has many roughnesses. To make the surface smooth, you need to stock up on a file, felt, sandpaper and patience. You can speed up the polishing process by using drill attachments with felt wheels.

Despite the fact that the Ural has impressive power, the owners still strive to improve the performance of their “iron horse”. In order to tune the engine of a Ural motorcycle, you should:

  • clean the cylinder head channels;
  • replace the original carburetor with the K-301B model;
  • install two air filters, parts from Moskvich-412 or GAZ-24 are suitable;
  • adjust the synchronization of the carburetor;
  • diagnose the correct ignition setting for each cylinder, the advance should be from 40° to 42°.

If everything is done correctly at all stages, engine power will increase to 42 horsepower. Engine power can only be increased in new models or motorcycles that have undergone major overhauls. When tuning an old engine, there is a danger of damaging it.

Installing a homemade muffler will result in the planned it will not be possible to pass the technical inspection.

Tuning a Ural motorcycle requires a lot of time and effort, but the result is definitely worth it. A stylish retro-style motorcycle, customized to suit you personally, is a great option for urban conditions.


97% of all domestic Ural motorcycles are exported to many countries around the world. And only three percent are sold in Russia.

Time moves inexorably forward. And with its course, everything in our lives changes. But for more than seventy years the Ural motorcycle has remained unchanged. You will not be able to feel all the pride in the domestic Irbitsky motorcycle plant if you have not sat behind the wheel of this motorcycle. Since 1957, the plant has been producing motorcycles and delighting its customers with their excellent quality.

The range of Ural motorcycles is constantly expanding. And there is no better motorcycle among domestic motorcycles today. These motorcycles are popular not only in the territory of the former Soviet Union. Our motorcycle is known in the countries of America and Europe, Australia and Africa. Residents of Iraq and Iran love the Urals.

Since 1960, the plant has been tuning its motorcycles. Most of the parts have been modernized. The tuning model of Ural motorcycles has raised the bar for the quality of these products. Together with foreign partners, the range of motorcycles is constantly being improved.

Tuning the Ural motorcycle has made this equipment very expensive, and only true fans can afford to buy it. Eighty percent of motorcycles are produced with a cradle. The plant produces not only road models. There are models designed for cross-country and road racing competitions. Back in Soviet times, models that were intended for patrol were modernized. Instead of cradles, they are equipped with a machine gun and a launcher carrier.

The history of the Ural motorcycle is very rich. This motorcycle has become a classic. Great respect for the people who assemble this equipment, and pride in our industry.

If you own a Ural motorcycle, but its appearance does not suit you, and you constantly look at foreign handsome men, do not despair. You can improve your vehicle. Most often, they buy a domestic motorcycle just for the shell, and everything else is redone.

Tuning the Ural will take you a lot of time, but it is a very exciting process, and the result will exceed all your expectations.

Before you get started, check out all the proposed upgrades and photos of motorcycles on the Internet.


Having decided, you can begin work. First we redo the rear part of the frame.

  • The pendulum needs to be expanded.
  • Cut off the seat tubes.
  • We weld curved pipes with a diameter of 28 mm, no less. This is not only a beautiful decor, it is also a headscarf amplifier.
  • To make the suspension softer, the rear shock absorbers need to be installed at an angle.
  • When you put the wide rear wheel in place, make sure that the rubber coupling works without distortion.
  • The footrests need to be moved forward, it will be more comfortable for your legs.
  • The frame needs to be lengthened by ten centimeters.
  • The engine moves backwards.

Perhaps in this case the landing will be incorrect. But for every motorist it is different, individual.

After completing all the work, select a workpiece, perhaps from a stroller, for the rear wing. If you want it to be deeper, you can cut plates from it and butt weld it to the wing.

Let's start working on the tank:

  • Use a grinder to remove the glove compartment.
  • You also remove the neck and tunnel.
  • A wedge is used to cut the top of the tank.
  • The two halves are welded at the back. And the neck and tunnel are welded.
  • To keep everything sealed, use epoxy resin.


Now we work with the seat:

  • You need to cut the base from two-millimeter steel.
  • Place thin foam rubber under it.
  • The finished structure can be covered with either suede or leather.

The steering wheel needs to be made simple. Everything is cut from a single piece of metal. This is the handle, clutch lever, brakes. For the mirror stand, cut blanks from eight-mm steel. You can buy a housing for a mirror in a store or make it yourself in the form of a sphere.

Silencers are located on the right side.

  • Weld the left exhaust pipe without bending it.
  • The right pipe remains standard, but it needs to be shortened a little at the top so that the leg does not melt.
  • The seams are cleaned, polished and chrome plated.
  • To get a chopper sound, you can insert valve springs from a car into the mufflers.

Engines in the Urals can be boosted. When working properly, its power increases to forty-two horsepower.

Ural tuning video

Choppers became popular in post-war America. In order to somehow stand out among the faceless masses, the mobilized Americans came up with the following. They decided to remove everything unnecessary from their motorcycles.

It all started with the massive wings. Most motorcyclists have completely given up on these parts. To reduce the weight of the motorcycle, the tank was made minimally capacious. They also abandoned the double seat. On motorcycles they left a single seat on springs. The handlebars for choppers were made high.

You can make a chopper from the Urals. To do this, you need to find a spoked and narrow rear wheel. The tires should be size 130-150. No need for a larger one. The wheel size will determine where the rear of the frame needs to be changed. Two welded v-frames will replace the standard swingarm.

For a seat, a standard “frog” from a rare model, for example, the K-750, would look great. It is imperative to raise the “spine” part of the frame. The part of the frame that goes down to the engine from the steering column is padded with spacers to make it look longer.

With a telescopic fork, the feathers can be cooked to make them longer, or they can be completely remade. Extended stays will require the installation of an additional crossbar. This will give the structure the necessary rigidity. The front wheel must be larger than the standard one, but thin. Front brakes are not needed.

Mirrors and turn signals are removed - they are not used in choppers. Muffler - only with direct flow. The footpegs need to be moved forward - this is not discussed. Thus, having completed all the necessary work, you will turn your Ural into a stunning chopper.

Motorcycle ignition systems are designed to ignite the working mixture in the engine cylinders. On the Ural motorcycle the system is constantly being modernized. Mechanical ignition has its disadvantages and significant ones. The Ekaterinburg company proposed electronic ignition for the Ural motorcycle, which was accepted by the manufacturer.

Tuning the Ural motorcycle in the photo




Many motorcycle owners take up the task of remaking their iron horses, trying to give them individuality. At the same time, the final result obtained due to the changes made is not always satisfactory. A striking example of this is the legendary Ural motorcycle, tuning of which is associated with certain difficulties. Due to the significant prices for components, such an operation will cost more than, for example,

A little history


The products of the Irbit Motorcycle Plant are well known not only in our country. Various models, whose design originates from the pre-war BMW R71, have retained their parental genes for seventy years. True, the prefix “Ural” appeared in their name a little later. Since 1961, it has been assigned to the following modifications:

  • M-62 (1961 – 1963).
  • M-63 (1963 - 1971) - this was the so-called Ural-2.
  • M-66 (1973 – 1975) received the Ural-3 marking.
  • M-67 (1973 – 1976).
  • M-67-36 (1976 – 1983).
  • IMZ-8 (this model has been produced since 1985 and has many different versions).

And this is not counting special versions and limited editions. But in the process of tuning a motorcycle, any of the listed modifications have a lot in common. Despite the changes in the name, all models are similar in design and have similar technical characteristics.

Tuning or restoration?


Remaking new equipment is not very justified financially. It is cheaper to purchase a used, or even broken, copy, and first restore it. If you get your hands on a rare Ural motorcycle, restoration and repair of the rarity will bring greater dividends than the most advanced tuning. After all, in this way we restore and bring history itself back to life.

If the model is ordinary, then there will be nothing wrong with turning an ordinary Ural into a tuned one. In any case, the first step will be to restore the Ural motorcycle to working condition.

Choosing a case that suits your needs


Having set the goal of tuning a Ural motorcycle with your own hands, it is important to understand that there are modifications that are relatively painless and do not require documentary evidence to register the vehicle and undergo a technical inspection.

And there are changes that, in order not to conflict with the law, must be agreed upon with the manufacturer or other regulatory authorities. Based on this, tuning for a Ural motorcycle should be divided into two categories:

  • Painless, after which there will be no additional paper problems.
  • Complex, ideally requiring official paper approval.

Painless changes


You should not assume that any painless tuning for a Ural motorcycle will be easy to do. But, as they say, hunting is worse than bondage. For clarity, we will divide possible alterations into external and internal. The external ones are aimed at correcting the veteran’s appearance, while the internal ones will affect his driving performance and technical characteristics.

Appearance correction


Classic shapes, characteristic of all models without changing, go well with an abundance of chrome parts. Since chromium has good anti-corrosion resistance, it is not forbidden to use it even in the most unexpected places. After this processing, many details will look good:

  • Front and rear wings.
  • Fuel tank.
  • Side panels.
  • Carter, cylinders and engine cylinder heads.
  • Frame and suspension elements.

But if there is no opportunity or desire to do chrome plating, high-quality painting of a Ural motorcycle can be an alternative. There will be room to turn around, especially if you have a modification with a stroller.

Good results can be achieved by installing wings of a different style and size, a different fuel tank, roll bars and even optics. Many favorite modifications - installing a high steering wheel and new control handles, altering the seat - without the right approach, they worsen the rider's position, making it less comfortable. Such changes should be made with caution.

Inner harmony


Many owners start tuning the Urals to improve the technical characteristics of the motorcycle. Despite some orthodoxy in the design of the engine and gearbox, there is room for improvement here. The following steps can be taken:

  • Installation of support bearings crankshaft (crank), the quality of which is better than that of the standard ones. It is not recommended to reduce the size of the support necks themselves. After all, this removes the heat-treated layer and reduces the strength of the critical elements.
  • Reduced weight of pistons and connecting rods. Excess mass of these parts leads to an increase in the moment of inertia and a decrease in engine power. Even simply by removing the casting flash, you can significantly reduce the weight and increase the effective output of the power unit.
  • Alignment and grinding of inlet and outlet channels. Grinding in valves. Such procedures will improve the filling of the cylinders with the combustible mixture.
  • Making a new camshaft with a different cam profile that allows you to change the valve timing. This is a complex engine tuning that requires special knowledge.
  • Installation of new carburetors. A well-proven measure that allows you to get rid of failure during acceleration, which is characteristic of all IMZ models without exception. This is due to the fact that the manufacturer equips the equipment with variable-discharge carburetors, which are poorly suited for four-stroke motorcycle engines.

    You can get rid of this by equipping the motorcycle with suitable constant-vacuum carburetors. Both Mikuni and Keihin have such models. To optimize operation, the flow area of ​​the nozzles will need to be adjusted. Ideally, such modifications are carried out on a special stand. In the absence of one, one has to be content with fitting in road conditions. After such engine modernization, the Ural will accelerate much more confidently.

  • Replacing standard air filters to others with similar capacity but less resistance.
  • Installation of inertial boost. This will only work if you purchase components from a reputable manufacturer. There are often low-quality or even non-functional components on the market.
  • Manufacturing of new gearbox gears. Despite the relative labor intensity, this motorcycle tuning is more than justified. Original gears are often not of high quality and not only make it difficult to change gears, but also make noise during operation.
  • Installation of alloy wheels. Such modernization is not always justified. A cast wheel, if it is not spoked, will look ridiculous on a classic.

Whether you make all the upgrades, or just some, in any case, tuning the Ural motorcycle engine will be completely justified.

Complex modifications


It is not difficult to guess that this category does not include external changes. But the internal ones are quite enough. Carrying out tuning with their own hands, some owners make adjustments to the design of the motorcycle that are prohibited by law.

  • Installation of new mufflers. Despite its apparent simplicity, such modernization requires documentary approval. Otherwise, you will not be able to officially pass the technical inspection.
  • Frame modification. Having an impact on the strength of the structure, such tuning for the Ural motorcycle requires preliminary calculations, the results of which are confirmed by specialists.
  • Making changes to the brake system. In this case, problems during technical inspection will not be limited to. For unauthorized alteration of brakes, the law does not even provide for a fine, but a real sentence. If you are tuning a Ural motorcycle with your own hands and decide to replace the brake drums with more efficient discs, you must coordinate such changes with IMZ representatives, having received documented permission from them.

The main thing is experience


If you are taking on a motorcycle modification for the first time, you should first experiment with some simpler model. For example, to carry out an interesting and very popular model at one time, produced in Kovrov. Thus, you will approach work on the Urals already having some experience. This will help you avoid annoying mistakes.

The Ural motorcycle is one of the most recognizable domestically produced motorcycles. Its design was once borrowed from the German BMW R73, and during the Soviet Union, this motorcycle was the mainstay of the Soviet patrol and police forces, and was also used in paramilitary units. Time passes, and now this model is considered a classic of the domestic automobile industry.

1 Motorcycle Ural - a modern classic

The Ural is equipped with a very good, even by today's standards, engine, the volume of which is 750 cubic meters and has a power of 40 horsepower. Despite the fact that the motorcycle weighs more than 200 kilograms, it has excellent dynamics and picks up speed well. It is also equipped with hydraulic brakes and has a military-style design, which gives this motorcycle a special exclusivity, for which it is appreciated by many fans.

New versions of this motorcycle are distinguished by high reliability and a special retro style, which is so rarely seen on modern models, unless, of course, we are talking about “cafe racers”. But the Ural is a motorcycle from a different “test”; its history goes back more than 70 years, so today it is almost impossible to buy a modernized and tuned Ural in good condition. Therefore, tuning comes to the aid of lovers of this motorcycle, which is done with their own hands or by specialists and includes several serious modifications, after which the motorcycle can truly be considered an urban exclusive.

2 External tuning – a flight of fancy!

The design of this motorcycle even in its original form can impress, especially if you prefer a classic style. However, true bikers who own this model strive to make it exclusive and unique, at least in terms of appearance. There are many specialized studios that offer entire programs for tuning the Ural, but this is usually quite expensive, and it’s much more pleasant, you see, to do the tuning of a Ural motorcycle yourself.

The most common elements of exterior restyling for this model are changing the shape of the fairings and control knobs. In addition, owners very often get rid of overly wide fenders and raise the steering wheel, “chopper” style. The fuel tank and muffler are also subject to changes, and the main exterior parts are coated with chrome. Some motorcycle owners prefer to change the clutch and brakes, replacing them with all-metal ones.

Of course, each owner assesses his strength differently in terms of external tuning of his iron horse, and there is very much room for imagination here. On numerous forums, bikers post photos of their creations, give advice and share their experiences.

3 Technical tuning of the Ural motorcycle

Despite the fact that the Ural motorcycle has quite good power, frankly speaking, it is far from perfect. That is why modern owners of such a model strive to make this “classic” a powerful and serious competitor for many foreign models. As a rule, technical tuning of a given motorcycle consists of several stages. First of all, the special channels of the cylinder heads are cleaned. Since this model has a carburetor-type engine, it is recommended to replace the original carburetor to improve its performance and dynamics. As a rule, the best solution is to install an upgraded version of the K-301 carburetor.

The technical changes don't end there. For more pronounced engine performance, it is necessary to replace both air filters. As a rule, air filters from cars with a carburetor system, for example, from a GAZ-24, are installed in the Urals. Subsequently, the correct setting and mandatory adjustment of the ignition takes place across the cylinders. Provided that these minimal changes were made correctly, the power of the modernized Ural can be increased to 43 horsepower.

It is also worth remembering that installing an updated muffler, which is manufactured without taking into account recognized standards, will not allow the owner of a tuned Ural to pass a technical inspection in the future. However, this circumstance stops few people, since the modernized muffler is capable of adjusting the sound and giving the updated motorcycle the uniqueness characteristic of foreign “choppers”. And of course, it is worth noting that tuning a Ural motorcycle with your own hands is labor-intensive and will require a lot of time. But the result will certainly exceed all your expectations, because true classics are eternal, and this is what those who own this motorcycle model, unique in style and history, strive for.

Owners have always liked Soviet-made motorcycles, and tuned equipment even more so. Most of the motorcycles from the USSR are being modernized, and the legendary Ural is considered one of them.

This legend was released more than 70 years ago, and during this time the motorcycle received more than one change from the owners. Therefore, today you can see excellent examples of the Urals with all the positive and negative sides.

History of the Urals

The world first learned about this new product back in the 20s of the last century, and then the first copy was produced with a powerful 1,200 cc engine and a power of only 24 hp. At low speeds the Ural handled perfectly, but after the 60 km/h mark this indicator disappeared. It is also worth noting that the designs and some parts of the motorcycle were borrowed from another foreign manufacturer, so the first Ural M-72 was not completely Russian, it had a particle of the German BMW R-71.

Then the manufacturer experienced several ups and downs; World War II forced them to reconsider production. After the war, the bikes were produced as military motorcycles with a special design: PKMB machine guns were built into them. Further in the Soviet Union, the legend was actively sold; about 3 million copies were sold. But after the collapse of the USSR, the situation worsened significantly and production decreased significantly. Today you can see photos of new Ural motorcycles; 2015 was an excellent update for them.

Today's Urals are represented by several models. They are equipped with an engine with a volume of 750 cubic meters and a power of 40 horses. With a large weight of 200 kg, the motorcycle is capable of traveling at high speed without losing control. Also, the new motorcycles received a completely standard, but stylish appearance, which is made in a militaristic style.

Ural motorcycle tuning

Old Urals with ready-made tuning are unlikely to be on sale, because due to their enormous age, the modernized models have not survived to this day. Therefore, if you own an old, but still alive motorcycle, you can do tuning for the Urals with your own hands. If you want something large-scale and special, contact the specialists. If you are not a complete zero in tuning, then you should know that any modernization includes: external and internal tuning. The second option means changing the technical characteristics of the motorcycle.

External tuning of the Urals

For lovers of the classics, this model will be an excellent option, and it is unlikely to need tuning. But any owner, when frequently traveling in a crowd of other bikers, wants his motorcycle to be unique and special, so many strive to do external tuning. If you want to take something already known for Ural tuning, the photo will help you. In the presented images you can see all the imagination of the masters. Some people prefer to take their Urals to workshops, and thanks to the popularity of the motorcycle, there are several specialists for this model.

Most Soviet motorcycles have a completely standard set of elements that offer tuning. For the Urals, the following procedures can be carried out:

  • changing fairings;
  • replacing side handles;
  • installation of reduced wings;
  • changing the size of the steering wheel;
  • control knobs are replaced.

After you raise the handlebars, your motorcycle will look more like a real chopper from the Urals. Also common elements that undergo tuning are the muffler and brakes. Finally, the standard way to make a motorcycle look even better is to coat the metal parts (engine, muffler) with chrome.

If you don’t know what to do with your Ural motorcycle, dozens of bikers have already tested this model. Therefore, if you have a minimum of imagination, look at examples of motorcycle modernization, perhaps you will like something.

Internal tuning of the Urals

Depending on the year of manufacture, your iron horse has excellent technical characteristics, so it does not need internal tuning so often. But for many, this power may not be enough, so the owners come to tuning the Ural engine. Also below you will find other options for changing the characteristics of your motorcycle.

Ural engine tuning

In order to improve engine performance, you will also have to change the frame, landing and even suspension. The most popular type of modernization of the Urals is engine boosting, but this process has many difficulties. Firstly, you won’t be able to do the tuning of the Urals yourself; the boost is performed by a specialist. Also if you upgrade by boosting, the torque will increase for the most part and accordingly you can participate in rally racing.

Ural engine

If you don’t want to do tuning or you prefer the classic Ural technology, check out the review of the new year. The new products have something to impress.

In addition to these recommendations, when boosting the engine, the unit must be in perfect condition. An engine after a major overhaul or a completely new engine is allowed. And in conclusion, it’s worth considering that the boosting process should only take place after you put the pistons from the Dnieper in the Urals, and this means additional boring of the cylinder.

Changing the Ural frame

The material used to create the motorcycle frame is low-carbon steel, so it will not be easy to customize it to suit your needs. If desired, you can install new pipes or increase the height of the steering wheel. Thus, the motorcycle will look more like a chopper. To improve the landing, the rear shock absorbers are changed. To carry out such tuning, you will have to install shock absorbers under the wheels.

If you have installed a new frame, it is advisable to install a tank with an increased volume in the Ural. In order for the large fuel tank to fit into the frame, you will have to cut off unnecessary parts and remove the glove compartment. The final stage will be the installation of a new seat, headlights, fenders and other parts. This process will also reduce the weight of your Ural, which will have a positive effect on dynamics and handling.

Video tuning of the Urals