Building the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle

Photo By: John Allen for Overland Expo

This year’s Ultimate Overland Motorcycle goes above and beyond. The 2024 Ural Gear Up platform provided unique opportunities for outfitting and exploring like none other. Engineered for overland travel, this iconic machine features a 749cc air-cooled engine, two-wheel drive, and, of course, a sidecar, making it perfect for bringing everything you need while exploring remote landscapes. With its retro-inspired style and modern upgrades, the Gear Up is the perfect choice for our 2024 build.

Photo by John Allen for Overland Expo

When we set about building a Ural, we called the best in the business, Kalaber Creations. In addition to providing numerous racks and parts, Kalaber was instrumental in the assembly and design of the Ultimate Build this year.  Designed for rugged off-road use, Kalaber’s accessories enhance both utility and functionality.

All of Kalaber’s racks were powder coated in white, a striking contrast to the flat metallic Baikal blue of the motorcycle. Their luggage racks have a molle-type design for lashing luggage and adding versatile storage. The Gen 3 Winch Mount is engineered to fit all Ural models, offering a frame-mounted solution for attaching the Superwinch and rear cargo tray.

Photo by John Allen for Overland Expo

The Superwinch Terra 2500 is built for rugged conditions, featuring a powerful motor and all-steel gearing capable of pulling up to 2,500 lbs. With an IP67 rating for water and dust protection, it’s designed for reliable use on any adventure, making it an essential upgrade for Ural riders tackling tough terrains.

Photo by John Allen for Overland Expo

On the opposite end of Kalaber’s Winch Mount, we attached a cargo tray to carry our ICECO APL20 portable fridge/freezer. This  state-of-the-art fridge with a powerful SECOP Nano Compressor offers cooling from -4°F to 68°F. Built with a lightweight aluminum shell, this portable unit cools quickly and operates efficiently in extreme conditions, making it a durable and essential companion for extended sidecar expeditions.

On the front of the Ural is a compass headlight guard framed by Denali Electronics D7 PRO driving lights. The D7s are powerful, adaptable, and packed with features. These 4-inch lights deliver a whopping 23,000 lumens with independent control over flood and spot beams. You can adjust beam shape and color on-the-fly using Denali’s X-Lens system, ensuring maximum visibility and safety. With features like DRL Boost Mode and turn signal sync, the D7 PRO is truly the ultimate lighting upgrade for overlanding.

Photo by John Allen for Overland Expo

As if having a sidecar isn’t enough carrying capacity, we turned to Mosko Moto for additional storage. The Mosko Moto Reckless 80L V4.0 is a rackless luggage system built for the roughest adventures. Its composite harness wraps around the back seat of the motorcycle and ensures stability during bumpy sections of trail. The R80 and the Backcountry Duffle on the back of the sidecar, have a waterproof design that accommodates varying loads and keeps your gear dry and secure. We also added a Gnome Tank Bag to keep small items close at hand while riding. From backcountry trails to international rides, Mosko Moto is our go-to for reliable storage during long-distance riders.

Photo by John Allen for Overland Expo

No rider should leave home without their helmet and we chose the ScorpionEXO XT9000 for our build this year. The XT9000 combines lightweight carbon fiber construction with advanced comfort and safety features. The 190-degree shield and aerodynamic design provide great visibility and reduce drag, while the customizable AirFit cheek pad system ensures a snug, tailored fit. Designed for versatility, this helmet is perfect both on- and off-road.

Photo by John Allen for Overland Expo

Mounted to the side of the Ural is the MAX from Forrest Tool, an ax-based, multipurpose recovery kit designed for demanding environments. With interchangeable heads, this 34-inch ax can transform into eight heavy-duty tools, including a shovel, mattock, and rake. Tested to military standards, the MAX is ideal for overlanders needing a compact, reliable tool kit for any emergency.

Photo by John Allen for Overland Expo

RAM Mounts are synonymous with adventure and are the go-to solution for rugged and versatile mounting systems. The RAM Quick-Grip XL with Vibe-Safe is designed to securely hold your cellphone while damping vibrations, making it ideal for off-road rides. Paired with the RAM Tough-Mirrors, which offers superior visibility with aerodynamic design, this mounting system guarantees stability and performance across rough terrains.

Photo by John Allen for Overland Expo

For satellite communications, Zoleo’s rugged, versatile device pairs with your smartphone or tablet to provide seamless messaging, even outside of cell coverage. Utilizing the Iridium satellite network, Zoleo offers global reach, enabling riders to send messages, trigger SOS alerts, share GPS locations, and request weather forecasts. Its shock, dust, and water-resistant build ensures you stay connected no matter how remote the journey.

To further our preparedness while out riding, we added Uncharted Supply Co’s Zeus Pro, a portable jump starter built for emergencies. With USB-A, USB-C, and DC output terminals, it powers devices and jumpstarts vehicles, making it essential for backcountry travel. Combined with Uncharted’s First Aid Plus kit, which includes a range of survival tools, this setup provides peace of mind on all our adventures.

Photo by John Allen for Overland Expo

Rounding out our collection of top-notch gear on the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle are a pair of knives from WE Knife by CIVIVI. Mounted to the leather Forrest Tool accessory case, CIVIVI’s Stormridge is a full-tang fixed blade designed for reliability. Its stonewashed Nitro-V steel blade offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Paired with the Stormridge is the Sendy pocketknife, an essential piece of your riding EDC. This compact folder offers extreme toughness and excellent corrosion resistance in addition to having a smooth blade action that makes closing the knife convenient and smooth. 

Photo by John Allen for Overland Expo

With innovative products on a rock-solid platform, every aspect of the Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Build is designed to tackle the toughest terrains with ease. From recovery tools to storage to portable refrigeration, each accessory complements the Ural’s rugged spirit, ensuring that no matter the challenge, this Ural is ready to go the distance. Having such a well-equipped machine turns any overlanding trip into an unforgettable journey and we know this bike will continue to adventure for years to come.

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