Diesel

[Julian217]

the yanks have a go   

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/05/22/hydrostatic-drive-diesel-motorcycle/

 japanese mini tractor engine.

[bullet350]

he says 80mpg is possible, but doesn't give any performance figures so it's quite hard to judge if its worth while.

enfield diesels do over 150mpg, but a cruising speed of 40mph or less means you'll be run over long before it needs more fuel.

the hydraulic drive sounds like a good idea though, its been used for years in plant machines, just needs to be lighter and cheaper.

bullet350

[andy230]

Hmmmm

I like the idea.  But my GOD its ugly!!

I dont think my efforts would be very pretty either, but come on...!

Has anyone here got a diesel bike?  Or ridden one?

I am getting seriously tempted by the idea.  And my love of fried food means that I can even run it on the cheap too...  Horrificly slow, I know, but thats alright.  I would just leave the house a bit earlier!

a

[SteveC#222]

Something like this perhaps...




it's a Neander and it cost's a bomb unfortunately.

[Julian217]

It was 'interesting' that they thought 80mpg was good !

[guest18]

There was talk on the radio today of them banning the sale of any new car which couldn't manage 35mpg or better... wonder what they'll do about 60% of all new bikes 

[guest7]

Man, that really has been beaten mercilessly with the ugly stick

[Steve H]

Odd mixture of Shiny Aluminium bits and black painted CheckerPlate, still a lot of work though, and Ive seen worse, usually with a V8 engine strapped to it.

[floyd fan]

This is the new military diesel bike that is to replace the Harley MT.

http://www.defenceimagedatabase.mod.uk/fotoweb/Preview.fwx?position=60&archiveType=ImageFolder&sorting=ModifiedTimeAsc&search=(%20Trials)&fileId=82009AFCAB28BB7B4818188E6EE0F5842527F21A9EA60BCB068E1C97D7AA43F0BA877BF55CF600ED1D3DB01BD3914663F948A35DA08A0623F948A35DA08A062398D8A9A7B8E1D992513741741DE1AE2BF7B439EE3BC281C09CF766BF32F4EDACFA67F429865CBA697D81775855457B7E0423EB681ABFCD566AF0FB8EFE077917

[andy230]

now THAT I like....  any in britain??  When will they start selling em off to civvies??

(and how in the name of buggery does one insure it?)

Smudge used to harp on about this a bit...  are you there?

a

[pigafetta]

Yup, that's more like it! Anybody found any more info on them?

[floyd fan]

The manufacturers web.

http://www.dieselmotorcycles.com/military.htm

Also....

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2006/01/14/mfbike114.xml

[guest18]

Briefly.. (before I get accused of "harping on"    )

They were undergoing trials and the last I heard our lot were going to get them.
The US forces have already got at least some of them.
It's a militarised KLR650 chassis with a purpose built 600cc diesel, apparently tops out about 80mph and gets better than 100mpg off road 
Haven't seen any sign of them in uk forces hands yet 
Manufacturer wants *stupid* money for the civvy version.
I still want one.
If Kawasaki had the brains to sell it to civvies (just exactly as it is!) for about £4k to £5k I'd take the debt and buy one!!
(as would I suspect a heck of a lot of commuters...)

As to when they'll appear surplus? Your guess is as good as mine, but don't hold your breath and I bet the trade buy them up and demand a pretty penny for them  Anyway, you're behind me in the queue 

[floyd fan]

... Anyway, you're behind me in the queue 

Er, dont think so dude. I've got me tent pitched outside Withams already  .

Another review..

http://www.motorbikestoday.com/features/Articles/diesel_bikes.htm

[guest24]

think I'm going to join you! the way petrol is going up and up in cost I soon wont be able to afford to get to work, shame.