IMZ-Ural is one of the most famous Russian motorcycle brands, particularly in producing motorcycles for domestic and international markets. IMZ-Ural is best known for its sidecar motorcycles, celebrated for their robust construction and off-road prowess. Sidecar motorcycles have a longstanding presence in the Soviet military and rural civilian life.

IMZ-Ural produces diverse motorcycles, including models with and without sidecars. Popular offerings include the Ural Gear-Up, Ural Retro, Ural CT, and Ural Solo, featuring classic and retro design elements. Many of these motorcycles are propelled by a 749cc, air-cooled, flat, two-cylinder engine. This design is similar to older BMW motorcycle engines.

Even though IMZ-Ural motorcycles look old-fashioned, they include modern features like fuel injection, disc brakes, and electronic ignition to meet current safety and pollution control requirements. These motorcycles are famous worldwide and sold in many countries, especially attracting adventure riders.

An IMZ-Ural motorcycle offers a unique and nostalgic experience, especially with a sidecar. The sidecar configuration makes them versatile for transporting passengers' cargo or venturing off-road. IMZ-Ural has built a community of fans who join rallies and events to celebrate their love for these motorcycles.

Founded: in 1941

Headquarters: Irbit, Russia

Website: https://www.imz-ural.com/

Dnepr is a historically significant motorcycle brand originating in the former Soviet Union, primarily in Ukraine. These motorcycles, especially the ones with sidecars, are rigid and flexible. They're used in the military, farming, and everyday transportation.

People celebrated Dnepr motorcycles for their practical design function over aesthetics. They typically featured flatly opposed twin-cylinder engines, often with a displacement of around 650cc. Simple city and ease of maintenance were hallmarks of these motorcycles. Dnepr made different motorcycles, including ones for single riders and ones with sidecars.

In the past, Dnepr motorcycles from the Soviet Union were sold in many countries. It becoming popular in Eastern Europe and other places. People especially valued their ability to carry passengers or cargo in the sidecar. Unfortunately, production of Dnepr motorcycles ceased in the early 2000s due to various economic and regulatory challenges.

However, they are still important to people who love old motorcycles. They represent a real connection to the history of the Soviet motorcycle industry and its impact on transportation. Enthu lasts, and clubs work hard to preserve and care for Dnepr motorcycles.

Founded: in 1967

Headquarters: Kyiv, Ukraine

Website: https://dnepr-motors.com/

Minsk motorcycles, made in Belarus when part of the former Soviet Union, are essential in the history of making motorcycles. These motorcycles became known for their small engine, usually between 50cc and 250cc. This made them great for city travel, easy off-road trips, and even motocross races.

One of the notable models was the Minsk-125, a 125cc motorcycle that ran on two-stroke fuel. It became famous not just in the Soviet Union but also in some countries outside it. Other Minsk models included the Minsk-50, Minsk-70, and Minsk-80, each offering a unique blend of economical, helpful, and multifunctionality. Minsk motorcycles were easy to handle, so people in areas with few places to fix motorcycles liked that.

Minsk motorcycles enjoyed racing success in motocross competitions, with some riders achieving recognition on the international stage. They are long-lasting symbols in the history of Soviet and Belarusian motorcycles. People preserve these no-nonsense motorcycles because they play a part in transportation and sports.

Founded: in 1951

Headquarters: Belarus, Soviet Union

Website: http://minsk-moto.by/home_en

Velomotors, a prominent Russian motorcycle brand, has been crafting motorcycles since its establishment in 1991, with its headquarters in Moscow, Russia. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation for producing various motorcycles, catering to diverse market segments. These motorcycles include sports, cruisers, off-road, and motocross bikes. They have different engine sizes, making them suitable for new and experienced riders.

One of Velomotors' standout attributes is its commitment to cost-effectiveness and reliability. Many people often regard their motorcycles as practical transportation and riding choices. The brand has earned considerable recognition in Russia. This brand is famous for making simple motorcycles that many riders can easily care for and fix.

Besides selling motorcycles in Russia, Velomotors also sells them in other countries, especially in Eastern Europe and Asia. Moreover, the company makes models with less emissions to display environmental responsibility.

Beyond motorcycles, Velomotors has produced scooters, electric bikes, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). With a diverse range of models, Velomotors continues to impact the motorcycle world domestically and abroad.

Founded: in 1996

Headquarters: Moscow, Russia

Website: https://velomotors.com/

TIZ, short for "Tula Motorcycle Plant," was a Soviet-era motorcycle manufacturer based in Tula, Russia. TIZ motorcycles have small engine displacements. They typically featured two-stroke engines with capacities ranging from 125cc to 350cc. They designed these motorcycles for various purposes, including transportation, agricultural work, and light off-road riding.

TIZ produced several models over the years, one of the most well-known being the TIZ-AM-600. This model featured a 350cc engine used for various civilian and military purposes. The Soviet military also used TIZ motorcycles for reconnaissance and courier duties.

Vintage TIZ motorcycles have become collectible among enthusiasts and collectors, particularly those interested in Soviet-era motorcycles. Their small engine sizes, straightforward design, and historical significance make them attractive to collectors. TIZ motorcycles represent a part of the Soviet motorcycle manufacturing history, particularly in the mid-20th century.

Founded: in 1939
Headquarters: Tula, Russia

Voskhod, a brand of motorcycles manufactured in the Soviet Union, bears a notable place in the history of Soviet motorcycle production. They remained a prominent choice for urban commuters and light off-road riders throughout the 1970s. This brand was part of a more significant Soviet motorcycle industry with many different companies.

Voskhod motorcycles had small engine displacements, typically with lightweight, two-stroke engines with a capacity of around 175cc. Their small size made them accessible and practical for urban transportation needs.

One of the well-known Voskhod models was the Voskhod 3M. It had a semi-automatic transmission that worked well for new and experienced riders. Besides that, the brand had other models like the Voskhod 2M, which looked like mopeds. These motorcycles were made to be easy to drive.

These motorcycles were designed with utility and simplicity in mind. Voskhod's reputation rested on the reliability of its bikes, appealing to riders seeking practical, no-frills transportation. Even though they're not made anymore, old Voskhod motorcycles are still sought after by people who love collecting them. They're valued because they have a small size and simple design.

Founded: in 1960

Headquarters: Kovrov, Russia

IZH, short for Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, holds a significant place in the industrial history of the Soviet Union. Started in 1807 as a government-owned gun factory in Izhevsk, IZH eventually expanded to make motorcycles and bicycles. The introduction of motorcycles took place around the 1920s, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the company's history.

IZH motorcycles became renowned for their inexpensiveness and reliability, making them popular among Soviet citizens. The brand offered various models, catering to different market segments. Some well-known IZH models were the IZH Planeta, IZH Jupiter, IZH Pulsar, and IZH Yunker.

Besides motorcycles, IZH also made motorcycles with sidecars, similar to brands like Ural and Dnepr. These sidecar motorcycle modes of transportation outfits served various purposes, from civilian transportation to military applications. But in the early 2000s, the factory returned to what it was initially known for - making guns.

Collectors and enthusiasts cherish IZH motorcycles because they represent Soviet motorcycle history. People celebrate them not only for their historical significance but also for their straightforward and durable design. Today, all collectors want to own an old IZH motorcycle to reminisce about the era of Soviet transportation.

Founded: in 1942

Headquarters: Izhevsk, Russia