Classical Russians: A growth market? In hard core Russenrijdersland something is sulked: First, the 'new' Urals are so good that the charm of the tinkering is done. And the prices of the new sidecar combinations and classic Russians are no longer what they have been ...
A new - but actually 'classic' Ural Ranger combination costs just a few euros after 16.500. But the prices of the 'old Russians' are no longer what they have been. For example, the BMW R71 clones, the M72s currently raise amounts between the 4.000-6.000 euros.
And that is not least because of the fact that many of those survivors from the CCCP are now 75 + people, so simply based on their age are already interesting.
The side flaps are reliable, the parts supply is top notch and the parts are cheap. The M72s and K750s are pure character bikes. Oh yes: And they have been discovered by the growing group of reactors, the people who cherish and re-enact battles and other military distress.
Because why would you, if you are not a real German soldier from WWII, drive a real BMW R71? Certainly when you consider that a Real BMW can be worth more than even the newest Ural ...
There is even a cautious trend of BMW enthusiasts with limited budgets: they convert such a Russian into their dream bike, into a BMW R71 that is almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Whether that is 'cold'? Well, how wrong are the Cobra replicas and other priceless dream car references?
In the meantime, Russian side-clappers in a beautiful, or restored, state have not been found on all street corners and village fairs for some time.
So if you are still looking for pure nostalgia?
First score the phenomenal book "Mit Hammer und Schluessel" and then go on a Russian hunt. Or buy a Russian first and keep “Mit Hammer und Schluessel” as delicious reading material on your bedside table.
The book shows that Germans are indeed capable of some sort of putting things into perspective, but are above all a real bible for people who want to delve into the great Russian boxer twins, including the later head-clappers.
Mit Hammer und Schlüssel
https://www.amazon.de