The bike, built by HDT-RMCS, is powered by a 584cc (611cc according to www.dieselmotorcycles.com/models.htm) indirect injected (IDI), liquid-cooled USMC diesel engine, and this particular model is its M1030M1 JP8/Diesel. Hayes Diversified Technologies (HDT) and RMCS collaborated to make it happen, and the chassis comes from a KLR 650 Kawasaki.
According to www.dieselbike.net/kawasaki.htm, the bike has been tested by the U.S. Marine Corps, and are now in testing in the UK. Germany and France have shown serious interest in it as well.
The bike can be run on diesel or kerosene, can get 120 mpg (tested 96 mpg), and makes 30 PS (29.5896 hp) at 5,700 rpm and 33 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. Top speed is also said to be 80 mph (90+ mph according to www.dieselmotorcycles.com/models.htm).
Now, I’m still a little skeptical about a “heavy” diesel engine in a bike, but it doesn’t appear to be quite as bad as I initially thought:
“Anyone expecting the engine to be heavy will be pleasantly surprised. Compared to others of a similar capacity it is compact and lightweight and perfect for a motorcycle.” – Roger G. Flynn, test rider
In fact, the bike’s dry weight is 369 pounds, which is still a little hefty for a bike, but not obese.
Very cool stuff…
And proof that diesel can just about make it’s way into anything these days—and make it better.