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Marine Kawasaki’s are converted to diesel power so they can burn the military's universal fuel. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/automobiles/24KAWASAKI.html?_r=1&ref=automobiles&oref=slogin)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/USMC_Diesel_Kawasaki_KL650R_-_M103M1.jpgDexter Ford - NY Times - Feb. 24, 2008

Besides being one of the toughest bikes to ever see a beach or desert, it also receives 96 + mpg! -- Ed.

The United States Marine Corps, legendary for doing more with less, has used dual-purpose motorcycles for scouting, messenger service, convoy control and military police work.

But the motorcycles sold today for use on-road and off have a big drawback for military service: they use the wrong fuel.

Other American and NATO military machines, from diesel generators to stealth bombers, run on JP-8 to simplify fuel supply logistics. While JP-8, a formulation of jet fuel similar to kerosene and diesel fuel, works fine in those engines, commercially available motorcycles require gasoline.

That situation presented an opportunity for Fred Hayes, chief executive of Hayes Diversified Technologies, a military contractor in Hesperia, Calif., that has built specially adapted motorcycles for the Marines and the Army Special Forces for more than two decades. The bikes are modified to run in the harshest environments on earth with special lighting and more rugged suspensions and tires… http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/automobiles/24KAWASAKI.html?_r=1&ref=automobiles&oref=slogin



Diesel powered HDT M103M1/converted Kawasaki KLR650 specifications

Engine|HP@RPM|Weight (lbs)|0 – 60 mph acceleration (seconds)|Top Speed (mph)
611cc diesel|30@5,700|365|9.6|93

Wow! What are the emissions like on such a beast?

Hi Sean:

___You don’t want to know what the emissions of any of the bikes are other than those that are FI and CAT equipped. Even those are 10 to 20X’s worse than the average new car on the road :(

___Diesel, more. Bikes more too. Military vehicles? I do not think they much care much about emissions considering an M1A2 sips JP8 at the rate of 2 – 4 gallons per mile.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

My R1150RT BMW motorcycle is fuel-injected, has 4 valves per cylinder and a catalytic converter, so it isn't too bad.

That diesel bike is appealing mpg-wise, but it would vibrate too much for a long road trip. I'm a little old to sign up for the Marines, so I'll keep my 50 mpg (@55 mph) bike.

Harry

Very nice. haha

I periodically check their website (http://www.dieselmotorcycles.com/models.htm) hoping that the civilian version will make production. Here are more of the bike's specs. It doesn't say anything about emissions though.

ENGINE:
Type: 4-Stroke, IDI, single cylinder, liquid cooled.
Displacement: 667cc
Power: 35 PS @ 5400 RPM
Torque: 43 ft-lbs @ 3300 RPM
Lubrication: Wet sump
Air Filtration: High capacity, 3-stage, oiled foam, reusable
Transmission: 5-speed, constant mesh, return shift.
Final Drive: Self lubricated, sealed, O-ring roller chain.

WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS:
Dry Weight:369 lbs
Max Width:37 inches
Max Length:85 inches
Max Height:49 inches (w/o mirrors)
Wheel Base:57 inches
Ground Clearance:10.7 inches

PERFORMANCE:
Acceleration: 0-30 mph (53 kph), 3.1 sec
0-60 mph (106 kph), 9.3 sec
Gradeability: 60% (32 degrees)
Turning Radius: Less than 7 feet
Maximum Speed: In excess of 100 mph.
MinimumConstant Speed: Less than 3 mph.
Fording Depth: 24 inches
Fuel Mileage: 105 mpg @ 45 mph (Tested)
Range: 630 miles @ 45 mph

Emissions? Who cares! That's a badass bike. I'd get one.

impressive #'s!

Hi Jcp123:
Emissions? Who cares! That's a badass bike. I'd get one.
___You should :ccry: Ever seen pics of LA in the early 70’s? How about backing up the bike and pipe the exhaust into your home for a day :( I love the FE but a minimum of emissions would be best.

___Harry, even the latest FI and CAT equipped BMW puts out many times that of even the lowest rated LEV-II based automobile today.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

That bike makes me drool. Can't be any worse emissions-wise than my '81 yamaha xs850 triple... And it only gets 35mpg! I need a new bike...