you just like to putt around on a rig that draws an instant crowd
wherever you park, welcome aboard!
The classic boxer twin has a German heritage. So effective,
simple and powerful is this design that Porsche, Volkswagen, and
even Harley (during the war with the XA model) made this design
their choice. The reliability and torque of this elegant motor is due
to its original design in 1912 by Max Friz, a brilliant German
aircraft-engine builder. He devised a compact and rugged engine
that delivered significant torque for its displacement, at low and
constant rpms, without the gyro effects of other twins. The military
and civilian uses became legendary. The German motorbike
builder BMW, began using the design in their motorcycles in 1922.
Because of its opposed cylinder layout the "Boxer" as it was
dubbed, turns the crankshaft in line with the motorcycle (or
airplane!). This allows for a straight-through shaft connection from
the engine, through the gearbox and through a stainless steel
driveshaft to a rear wheel final drive gear in the wheel hub. This
drivetrain design is exactly like the millions of rear wheel drive
automobiles built over the past eighty years! It is a time tested,
proven drive system made elegantly simple by the "Boxer"
opposed cylinder engine.
Today the "Boxer" engine has evolved into the high tech and
electronically sophisticated and complicated versions that can be
found not only in BMWs but also in Porsches, Hondas and others.
These are wondrous engines at wondrous prices! But they still
retain the basic "soul" of Max Friz's first engines. And although it is
not as evolved as the most modern "boxers", the IMZ650 cc is true
to the earlier versions in looks, but also has many modern internal
components. These parts, like pistons, rings, valves, valve guides
& seats and oil seals are modern and western made. The
carburetors are made in Japan. These parts make the engine
more reliable and cleaner.
However, the "boxer" is still an air/oil cooled power plant. As such
it must be carefully monitored during operation to prevent
overheating. As the gear making and other machine tools in the
IMZ plant are "vintage" ones, a careful break-in of the engine is
very important. Neglecting to follow the prescribed speeds during
break-in or the frequent oil changes will cause this wonderful
engine to rebel against its "abusing" owner. However, by treating
the "boxer" with respect and raising it well, you will be rewarded!
So its true that sometimes simple is better, and old fashioned
ideas and designs have strong reasons for the ability to continue
for a long time. It is the main reason why over 3.2 million URALs
have been sold around the world.
In certain sections of this manual you will find references to more
frequent maintenance intervals than the "light duty" minimal
maintenance intervals referred to in the Maintenance Schedule
Summary. Operation with the sidecar accessory attached requires
adherence to the "normal duty" maintenance schedule which is
