The Ural Retro is the styling-led member of the sidecar range. Sold as the IMZ-8.1036, it puts the classic look of the 1950s on the modern chassis. For the factory’s 70th anniversary in 2011 the Retro became the basis of the M70, a plainer machine with fewer chrome parts.
Ural Retro at a glance
| Maker | IMZ-Ural, Irbit |
|---|---|
| Factory designation | IMZ-8.1036 |
| Style | retro, inspired by the 1950s Ural |
| Anniversary version | Retro M70, 2011 |
| M70 sidecar | 30 machines at $14,200 |
| M70 Solo | 10 machines at $9,150 |
| Engine | 750 cc air-cooled boxer twin, 41 hp |
| Gearbox | four-speed plus reverse |
| Final drive | shaft |
There is no separate Wikipedia article for the Retro; the model is described in the model list and anniversary section of the Russian article on Ural motorcycles.
History of the Ural Retro
Retro styling
The Retro is one of the factory’s styling models, listed under the designation IMZ-8.1036. It keeps the mechanical layout of the modern sidecar outfit but wears a classic-looking body, and it was offered in both sidecar and solo form; the 2013 range included a Retro Solo alongside the Retro.
The M70 anniversary
In November 2011 the Irbit factory marked its seventieth anniversary with two commemorative versions of the Retro. The M70 Sidecar was built in 30 examples at $14,200 and the M70 Solo in 10 examples at $9,150. The M70 was based on the units of the Retro but had no chrome and a more utilitarian finish.
Design and features
- Retro bodywork: a 1950s look on the modern 750 cc chassis.
- Two forms: the Retro was offered with a sidecar and as a solo.
- M70 anniversary edition: a plainer, chrome-free Retro built in 40 examples in 2011.
- Modern engine: the 750 cc boxer twin with reverse gear and shaft drive.
Ural Retro versions
- Ural Retro (IMZ-8.1036): the standard retro-styled outfit.
- Retro Solo: solo version, listed in the 2013 range.
- Retro M70 Sidecar: 30 machines for the 70th anniversary, $14,200.
- Retro M70 Solo: 10 machines, $9,150.
The Retro belongs to the 750 cc generation and shares the range with the Patrol and the Tourist. More machines are in the Ural collection.
Video: 2008 Ural Retro Startup
Video by Alex Christie on YouTube.
Sources
- Урал (мотоцикл), Russian Wikipedia: Retro designation, Retro Solo, M70 anniversary
- IMZ-Ural, English Wikipedia: modern engine and factory history
