I saw on the news that they are making more and more diesel as opossed to gasoline. I wonder what it would be like to ride a diesel powered motorcycle? :eek1
They are nice for military use because they use the same fuel as everything else, but I wouldn't expect the performance to be impressive.
There is a company out in California that converts KLR 650s to diesel for the military. http://www.m1030.com/ They have yet to offer it to the public though. They claim 105 mpg and a 630 mile range. Tim
The problem is, my ass can't handle 600 miles non-stop on a thumper.. no matter how smooth the engine is running.
I wonder wonder if the reliability is that of a diesel truck. Buses and trucks go forever it seems like before they need a rebuild. -M
I rode one and was not impressed...basically it is a gutless KLR650...I love KLR650s mind you but the performance is 0 to 60 in 20 seconds...I AM NOT Exagerating here!!!! Mileage is suppose to be good but I have rode scooters that were faster...this one was for the army and if someone is shooting at me...I want that sucker to haul ASSSSSS!!!
I too rode one very briefly and spent a lot of time riding along side of one and it went everywhere the gas powered version couldnt and with ease. It was made for the Marine Corps though so maybe thats why it was better... Funny thing happened too, it was early on in testing, the guy smacked the throttle from a dead stop in front of me and the bike lunged backwards into my front end...learned some new curse words that day.
Yeah, I dont know much at all about diesel engines but the tech that showed up said "huh...a diesel dieseling..." One hand on the hip other scratching his head. Apparently it actually ran backwards. Cant explain just how puzzled I was to see a KLR coming at me from about 5 feet away wide open and backwards. I wish I thought to look in the guys mirror so I could see the look on his face.
They have a much better set up than the stock klr. I think the bike is built by F1 engineering who also makes a real nice progressive rear shock that they used to sell to the public. Not sure if you can still get one but I know they had been planning to sell them to the public and may have even sold a few. If I remember they sell in that 16k range which is a far cry from $205.
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2005/02/25/thunder-star-1200-diesel-by-star-twin/ I think this is more interesting. Capable of 150mpg and 160mph, though I dare say, not at the same time. 450lb bike with 250ft/lbs of tdi torque would be a lot of fun in the twisties. I think.
