UPDATE August 2, 2025

Ural reached out to clarify that the pause is not immediate, and will only apply to export markets.

Article Rewritten

A couple of weeks back, I had the opportunity to visit Ural's global headquarters in Seattle and its surrounding areas. During my visit, I engaged in insightful discussions about the upcoming Neo 500 platform, for which I had the chance to test the prototype. If you haven't already, you can read about my experience here.

Testing the only prototype of a new motorcycle in the country was already a unique experience. However, Ural surprised me with unexpected news. The Ural Neo 500 marks a significant shift for the renowned sidecar motorcycle company. Adapting to changing times is crucial for motorcycle manufacturers, and Ural is no exception.

Ural revealed its plans to temporarily halt production of the Gear Up line for export markets. While it will continue to provide parts and support for existing Gear Ups, the company is exploring ways to make production more sustainable in the future.

Despite the pause in full-vehicle production, Ural will maintain parts manufacturing and support for Gear Ups. The Neo 500 platform represents a bold move towards the future of sidecar motorcycles. The success of this venture will depend on the reception of the Neo 500 once it enters production.

The production of the Neo 500 is expected to commence around early 2026. For a glimpse of what's to come, you can read my impressions of the Neo 500 Prototype. Keep in mind that the production model may have differences from the prototype I tested.