kawasaki diesel motorcycle

TSNAPCRACKLEPOP · TSNAPCRACKLEPOP's Garage

i read that the military requested this so they would only have to transport one fuel in the field. i read that the marines have had t this bike for several years, at about 600-650 cc's, and that it was supposed to go public availability in March.

anyone encountered one yet? its supposeced to have lots of low and mid-range torque.

tom

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

Tom,

I think it was Royal Enfield that made a diesel motorcycle- sold it in India- Top Gear tested one way back. It was a slow dog, but amazing mpgs...

I'll do some research.

Cheers,

Paul.

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_bikes.html
http://motorcyclecity.com/Military-bikes/M1030Diesel-Kawasaki.htm

TSNAPCRACKLEPOP · TSNAPCRACKLEPOP's Garage

yes, m1030.com

thanks

speeder · speeder's Garage

What an absolutely brilliant idea. A MC w/ a small turbo DI diesel would get 100+ mpg and be a blast to ride. This idea should be extended to other small, ultra-light 4-wheeled vehicles that weigh under 1000 lbs. They could use an expanded HOV lane on freeways that would severely limit the chances of an unpleasant encounter w/ an SUV or regular car.

TSNAPCRACKLEPOP · TSNAPCRACKLEPOP's Garage

looks like there is a delay in the production of the commercial model

scottmandue · 04-22-2006, 07:19 AM

Man, we need to start a email campaign to Kawasaki to get hem to start producing these things and selling them in the USA.

I know the biking world is obsessed with crotch rockets and loud over weight cruisers but I think there is still a market for utility bikes.

TSNAPCRACKLEPOP · TSNAPCRACKLEPOP's Garage

there was a company in oklahoma working with the military initially producing these. at first, the were like 350cc, but military contract demanded more performance, thus bumped to 650 cc.

i think this would make me buy my first "new" motorcycle.

TSNAPCRACKLEPOP · TSNAPCRACKLEPOP's Garage

the macine gun option would be a great asset in our larger cities, not to mention controlling those pesky deer.

HardDrive · 04-22-2006, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul K
Tom,

I think it was Royal Enfield that made a diesel motorcycle- sold it in India- Top Gear tested one way back. It was a slow dog, but amazing mpgs...

I'll do some research.

Absolutely. My wife is from India. A guy in her sisters neighborhood had one. Makes a great sound. Really low RPM 'putt putt putt'. Thing sounds like its turning 200 rpm.

scottmandue · 04-22-2006, 09:03 AM

I have a 1980 Honda XL500 sitting in the garage that I want to get rid of... you don't suppose...

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by speeder
a small turbo DI diesel

Some turbo Diesel's are two stroke, not four stroke.

Is this what you had in mind?

Air cooled, right.

Rufblackbird · 04-22-2006, 04:41 PM

I would buy one, as long as it was a TDi

My bike gets 30-35 mpg in city riding, something that gets 100+ would be awesome

legion · 04-22-2006, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kach22i
Some turbo Diesel's are two stroke, not four stroke.

Is this what you had in mind?

Air cooled, right.

I thought 2-stroke TD's were largely restricted to locomotives and large generators.

I've always wondered why we don't have a 2-stroke gasoline engine that work like a 2-stroke diesels (no intake valves + turbo).

TSNAPCRACKLEPOP · TSNAPCRACKLEPOP's Garage

is the xl500 honda the lateral vtwin configuration? i saw one in a bike junk yard that had a "diesel" script beneath the Honda tank emblem. will take a pix next time i am there.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Oh, lemmee guess. The CARB is going to make it "not available in California" just like the TDi 'cause only large trucks, boats and busses are allowed to have diesel.