Ural Neo 500 set to launch in U.S. by 2026

Washington, United States- IMZ-Ural, Inc., a maker of off-road ready sidecar motorcycles, is preparing to launch the Ural Neo 500 in the U.S. in 2026. Developed under the new Ural Neo sub-brand, this upcoming model marks a strategic effort to broaden Ural’s appeal by introducing a more affordable, beginner-friendly, and modern sidecar motorcycle to the market.

Sidecar motorcycles are a niche market, and Ural has long dominated this segment with its rugged, WWII-inspired machines. But while the traditional Ural models, like the popular Gear Up, are known for their two-wheel-drive setups and go-anywhere capabilities. The Ural 500 aims to change that by serving as a gateway model to the world of sidecars, delivering the unique riding experience Ural is known for, but in a more street-oriented, budget-friendly package.

The Ural 500 is based on the Yingang SUV500 II, a sidecar-equipped motorcycle manufactured in China. However, the final production version sold under the Ural Neo name will feature significant changes. Gone are the adventure-style elements of the original Yingang; instead, the Ural 500 will sport a cleaner, more urban-focused design, customized to meet Ural Neo’s engineering, quality, and durability standards. While production will take place in China through Yingang, the entire project has been closely overseen by Ural Neo, with extensive road testing already conducted in Russia and Kazakhstan to refine the final product.

Under the bodywork, the Ural 500 will likely be powered by a 446cc parallel-twin engine developed by Zongshen, delivering approximately 35 hp. Though not yet officially confirmed, this power output puts it in a comparable range to Ural’s current 750cc boxer-twins (which make around 41 hp), though the new model will not feature the iconic switchable two-wheel-drive system found on the Gear Up. The bike will come with a 5.3-gallon fuel tank, ensuring long-range touring capability.

One of the standout features of the Ural 500 is its leading-link front suspension, specifically built for three-wheeled operation, giving it better handling characteristics compared to traditional telescopic forks. In terms of tech, the bike is expected to be far more advanced than Ural’s current lineup. The SUV500 II it’s based on includes a 7-inch TFT display, full LED lighting, and even a hidden 1080p front dashcam, features rarely seen in Western sidecar motorcycles.

The goal behind the Ural 500 is twofold: to make sidecar motorcycles more accessible to new riders and to lower the entry cost without compromising on the core values that make a Ural unique. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from a recent demo event held at Ural’s U.S. headquarters in Washington State suggests that the company is on the right track. Attendees praised the bike’s friendly handling and more approachable size compared to traditional models.

Though it won't replace the brand's iconic two-wheel-drive lineup, the Ural 500 is positioned to expand Ural’s market reach, offering riders a new, tech-savvy, and easier-to-ride option in the sidecar segment. As sidecar motorcycles continue to remain a niche passion for many, the Ural Neo 500 brings a fresh take with modern components and styling, all while staying true to the adventurous spirit that defines the Ural brand.

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