Hammer Bike builds “World’s First” Ural Flat Tracker…
In 1939, alarmed with Hitler’s ambitions in Europe, the Soviet Union determined they wanted a brand new heavy-duty motorbike as a part of their army rearmament. So as to save time, they primarily based the design on the BMW R71. Some sources say the USSR obtained the R71 blueprints through the short-lived Molotov-Ribbentrop nonaggression pact between the 2 international locations, whereas others say the Soviet Minister of International Affairs secretly organized the acquisition of 5 BMW R71 bikes from Sweden for Soviet designers to reverse-engineer.
In both case, the M-72 appeared in 1941, and would turn out to be probably the most enduring army bikes of all time, remaining in manufacturing till 1960. Most frequently seen with a sidecar hooked up, the M-72 — constructed by each Dnepr and Ural, amongst others — earned a fame as a steadfast, go-anywhere machine with its 746cc, 22-hp boxer engine.
The engine had a two-bearing crankshaft with curler bearings for the connecting rods. The cast-iron cylinders have been coated with an anticorrosive, heat-resistant black varnish, and the bike’s auxiliary elements (alternator, oil pump, and so forth.) have been gear-driven.
“This motorbike was additionally outfitted with baggage for ammunition and spare elements, particular brackets with a pan-and-tilt association to put in a machine gun…The military additionally received in very small numbers of bike modifications with an 82-mm mortar launcher mounted as a substitute of the sidecar case.” –Motos of Battle
Quick ahead to 2023, and Roman Molchanov of Hammer Bike has introduced this 1955 Ural M-72 again to life as a private mission:
“Bears are discovered right here and it’s winter for half a 12 months and it is extremely chilly. Six months of winter means that you can work very effectively on bikes.”
Roman constructed his Ural in line with the “canons” of flat observe racing, trying to outdated Harley-Davidson flathead and XR750 trackers for inspiration. He rebuilt the boxer engine with high-compression solid pistons, modified heads, racing cam, and a lightened flywheel — modifications just like the Ural racing motors of the Nineteen Fifties. It’s additionally operating Buell forks and Comstar wheels.
Not solely did Roman pull considerably extra ponies from the outdated flathead boxer engine, however he says he shaved some 60 kg from the bike — 130+ kilos! It now weighs 166 kg (366 lbs) as a substitute of 225 kg (496 lbs).
Roman says it’s the primary Ural flat-tracker he’s ever seen in individual or on-line — probably a world first:
“It’s referred to as 1-Nah, which implies the very first. In spite of everything, nobody has but constructed an actual flat tracker from the outdated Urals! I used to be first!”
Under, we speak to Roman for extra particulars on this Ural flat tracker.
Ural Flat Tracker: Builder Interview
• Please inform us a bit about your self, your historical past with bikes, and your workshop.
My title is Roman Molchanov. I’ve been customizing bikes for 20 years. My workshop is positioned in Siberia, within the metropolis of Novosibirsk. Bears are discovered right here and it’s winter for half a 12 months and it is extremely chilly. Six months of winter means that you can work very effectively on bikes.
• What’s the make, mannequin, and 12 months of the bike?
This motorbike is predicated on the 1955 Ural M-72.
• Why was this bike constructed?
Constructed in line with the canons of flat observe racing. That is my private mission.
• What was the design idea and what influenced the construct?
The design is impressed by outdated XR racing Harleys.
• What customized work was accomplished to the bike?
The engine has been significantly boosted, and the load of the motorbike has been decreased by 60 kg!
• Does the bike have a nickname?
It’s referred to as 1-Nah, which implies the very first. In spite of everything, nobody has but constructed an actual flat tracker from the outdated Urals! I used to be first!
• Are you able to inform us what it’s wish to journey?
It rides very effectively, quick and slides effectively.
• What’s subsequent?
Now I engaged on from new mannequin Tremendous-Nah with supercharged flathead Ural engine.
Observe the Builder
Instagram: @hammerbike
Pictures: @kozlovnsk
