Are you an avid motorcyclist? Or do you have a friend who loves riding as much as you do?
If so, you’re going to want to keep an eye on the emerging market of Russian motorcycles ever since Russian motorcycle manufacturers started to take off in the early 2000s.
However, they’ve been building their reputation and now have significant companies like KTM interested in partnerships and future collaboration.
Whether or not you’re into motorbikes, it’s fascinating to see how these Russian brands have risen to such prominence.
Here are Russian motorcycle brands you need to know about right now.
1. Ural
The Ural often called The Urals, are a small city in the Urals and home to one of the world’s most famous Russian motorcycle brands.
The Ural motorcycle company was founded in 1940 by Evgeny Davidovitch Malyshev and moved its factory from Leningrad to Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg) in 1943.
Located on the slopes of the densely wooded hills near where Iren Dvor’s Cossacks ambushed Napoleon’s retreating army, Ural motorcycles were designed for farm work.
But their versatility has made them coveted by riders worldwide who want something different from mass-produced bikes.
2. Stel
The history of motorcycle production in Russia can be traced back to the Soviet Union’s involvement in World War II. At that time, a new company called Uralmash was formed to make military equipment.
They acquired experience in making motorcycles for the war effort, which proved handy when motorbike production resumed after WWII.
The first model introduced by Uralmash was based on pre-war BMW bikes and offered consumers speed, status, and reliability.
In 1946, Krasnye Krylia began manufacturing 50cc models for private buyers. Their focus switched from affordable consumer motorbikes to less economical vehicles capable of carrying up to three people and their luggage with more incredible speed and stability among Russian motorcycle brands.
3. ZiD
ZiD is one of the top-selling Russian motorcycle brands. The company’s history dates back to the years following World War II.
This was when the country was recovering from the devastation of war. Several factories began producing a wide range of goods, including motorcycles and trams.
Nevertheless, a pivotal moment in ZID’s history came with the rise of Mikhail Gorbachev. His famous call for broadening Russia’s economic sphere.
This led to significant changes in many markets. This includes manufacturing, with companies like ZID being privatized or sold off in government auctions.
4. Balt motors
Balt Motors is a Belarusian manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters established in 2003. The brand produces vehicles under two lines.
These are the Boulevard – an entry-level model for riders looking for reliable and cost-effective transportation, and the Hype – a sportbike.
The company also sells accessories such as bike trailers, protective gear, and LED headlights.
5. Irbis
One of the more popular and well-known Russian motorcycle brands is Irbis. They specialize in manufacturing light motorcycles with minimal engine capacity.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, then Irbis might be what you need. This motorcycle brand manufactures reliable heavy-duty machines often used for industrial purposes.
Conclusion
Not all motorcycles are made the same, and their appearance, performance, and technology. Also, the sound they produce while operating are slightly different. Owning a bike is an investment that not everyone is willing to make.
That being said, not many people who own motorcycles ride them often. The bike’s life can be short if you constantly drive it and expose it to rough terrain and bad weather conditions daily.
For your motorcycle to survive for a long time, it needs regular maintenance and care and constant upkeep, like tire pressure checks and periodic oil changes.
When shopping for a bike, you should consider Russian motorcycle brands and what you will use it for most of the time: commuting. Freeway speeds? Uphill drives? Downhill biking?
