Tools of War: M1030 M1 motorcycle

And now for something completely different.

While we all know they were used in WWII, there isn't a whole lot of general awareness of motorcycles being used in the modern military. That's because, for the most part, they are not. ATV's also see a bit of use, but both are generally seen as "non-standard" equipment, more likely to be used by special forces units than anyone else.

But motorcycles and ATV's do have some qualities to recommend them. Motorcycles, such as the M1030 M1 pictured to the right (a Kawasaki KLR-650 outfitted with a 4.2gal fuel tank and modified to run on JP4, JP5, JP8, kerosene, and diesel) can go nearly anywhere, are extremely agile, have a low visual signature, and have a range of about 400 miles on a full tank of gas. Perfect for forward scouts of mech units.

ATV's trade off some of the agility and speed for some cargo and towing capacity, but otherwise provide many of the positive aspects of a two-wheeled motorcycle.

While the Army uses the M1030-series to some extent, they have gained considerable traction in the Marine Corps.

The wikipedia entry on diesel motorcycles has this to say about the M10130 M1:

After several years engine development at Cranfield University,^[1][2] the M1030M1 has entered service. It is produced by Hayes Diversified Technologies,^[3] and it based around a modified Kawasaki KLR650. Top speed is approximately 90 mph (145 km/h) and fuel consumption is advertised to be 96 mpg (US gal) at 55 mph (89 km/h). M1030M1s have successfully taken part at the British National Rally and the International Speed Trials in Bonneville.

The U.S. Marine Corps bought 440 of the M1030M1 model, under the name 'M1030M1 JP8/Diesel'. The M1030M1E AVTUR/Diesel Military motorcycle is sold to British and European NATO countries. A version made for the civilian market, the D650A1 "Bulldog," was originally slated for release in March 2006, but due to increased military demand for the M1030M1, production of the civilian Bulldog has been delayed indefinitely.

As you'd expect, R. Lee Ermey can say it better than me...


By: Steve