People make fun of KLR riders, but a Diesel bike getting 96mpg would be pretty cool. And the wheel treatment looks good. Are they in use yet?
http://www.hdtusa.com/models.htm


ENGINE:
Type:4-Stroke, IDI, single cylinder, liquid cooled.
Displacement:611cc
Power:30 PS @ 5700 RPM
Torque:33 ft-lbs @ 4200 RPM
Lubrication:Wet sump, compatible with MIL-L-2104 lubricant.
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: 35.75 inches
Max Length: 85 inches
Wheel Base: 57 inches
Ground Clearance: 10.7 inchesThe M1030M1 JP8/Diesel Military Motorcycle has been under development since 1998. It is designed to operate reliably and efficiently on Kerosene based fuels to include Diesel Fuel and Aviation Kerosene. HDT is under contract with the U.S. Marine Corps to delivery over 440 M1030M1s. Production will begin in March of 2006.

Yes the USMC and others have been buying and using them for years. Deisel KLRs in civilian hands are as rare as hen's teeth, and are usually custom conversions. The only real difference is a modified head and intake/injectiion/ignition systems.

But with the price of diesel being more than a dollar more expensive then even hi-tests gas, its not worth it unless you are making your own biofuel.

Mileage / operating range ?

Why Diesel ?

Compatability with the regular military fuel supply line (which is diesel/JP).

KLR's are rather underpowered stock. The spec's said 30 PS (about 30 hp) but I would say that is very optimistic, KLR's get barely 40 hp when petrol fueled. A diesel fuelled version would be a real dog.

Either is good enough for trundling across the country-side. Commanders don't exactly want to encourage their troops wheeling and jumping around.

Advride forum had more info, seems they're modifying the gas M1030 to the multifuel one, it's described in this Mail Call video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtcd1kSdlQY

Martin I guess it's so they're not completely out of luck if they're out of gas. at 100+mpg on the new model it's safe to say your ass would give out before you're fuel, and if they put a couple litres on the back rack or swap in a bigger gas tank, range could get really huge. Heard some Adv bikes with 600km range and room for luggage.

iamcanjim I wonder about how it puts the torque out though. On bikes HP seems secondary, unless you're Ghost Rider trying to overcome human air resistance at 300kph. On gas bikes 50 pounds around a rider's waist can turn a snappy bike to a perceived sluggish one. But I wonder if a diesel bike might perform consistently, almost regardless of load variables.

Torque should be impressive.
And the 30 hp are ok. They aren´t on a Baja race. Military bikes of Cold War had 10 or 12 hp and were good enough.

I wonder however what strange mission is this for. Hundreds of miles of range by a small force, light weapons, rather vulnerable vehicle. This must be to have a tool for everything that might come up.

Do other states use motorcycles still, and how?

And why no side-car? 2wd would make it year-round vehicle.