I laugh when I hear “Military grade.” Basically translates to “built by the lowest bidder.”

Every diesel engine fan was waiting for the start-up to hear that diesel sound. Which totally got lost in the background.

There's a hidden benefit to having a diesel motorcycle. Pull up to the diesel pump and watch as people scream and yell at you not to pump it into the tank. You can cup your ear like you're trying to listen closely to their screams while pulling back the pump handle to give them a momentary respite and false sense of security before putting the pump nozzle back into the tank and start pumping while nodding and grinning like an idiot.

I had a KLR that had been converted to diesel a few years back. It was converted by a guy in Texas. He fitted a 418cc diesel generator motor and CV transmission in the 2002 KLR. I tweaked it a little to get it to run better, and it gave me a top speed of 60 mph. I built a proper header and intake for it because my shop is set up to do stuff like that. I sold it to a friend in Ohio, and last we talked, he still rides it a lot. I saw 106 mpg out of it if I rode it easy. Worst mileage was 85 mpg. Though about putting a turbo on it but never did still have the turbo! Was going to build a diesel Triumph Tiger with a 3 cyl Diahatsu motor snd Harley 6 speed, but got diagnosed with cancer and had to shelve that project. I still ride my other KLR. 153K miles on it so far. Good video Craig!

As an equipment mechanic in the military, all of our stuff runs on Jet A (previously JP8). Small 2 cylinder deutz engines up to 4 cylinder Isuzu, Kubota, Cummins and 6 cylinder Cummins. We still have some older units running Detroit engines. All run pretty solid. I intend on a poor man's apocalypse build with a DR650.

I served for 21 years in the Marine Corps. Attended the Division schools Marine Corps Motorcycle Combat school. Rode the KLR in Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms and the Saudi desert. Simple but great bike. Rode with radio and M16 on my back. I now own a 2023 KLR 650 as a off road and computer bike every day. I haven't seen a Marine Corps bike in years. He is right about the Harley, I tested one off road at Camp Pendleton. Way too heavy! Thanks for the memories!

There was a bike in India names "Sooraj" which was India's first diesel motorcycle and gave a mileage of around 80 kilometres to a litre of around 50 miles. Also, a very renowned company Royal Enfield also made Diesel motor cycles way back in 1980s giving almost the same milage

That white truck made me think that you would end up on the Moto Stars channel!

EPA would say hold my beer and dream up a bunch of restrictions that kill any high efficiency (mpg wise) diesel alternative.

One of my favorite bikes that you have picked up. Very cool.

Praise God brother. Keep it up! KLR was.my first and only bike. Sketchy at high speeds. I would stand up to stop the death wobble but it totally worked. Don't remember it doing much better than maybe 90 tops but probably somewhere in the 80s.

Fred Haise was also the Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 13. He was portrayed by Bill Paxton in the movie.

Kinda reminds me of the sound my royal enfield Himalayan I bought new back in 2018. It didn’t run as rough as the diesel but reminds me of the sound it made when I did winter rides. Once the engine warmed up, it smoothed out a bit. Same as my Delica diesel. Thanks for sharing.

They are cool but there are so many good regular KLRs out there with a huge aftermarket support and readily available parts that I recommend the gas one. Mine is tuned enough to make it fun.

I think you need to do a cross country ride with this bike! With the amount of Miles that are on it now it hasn’t even burned through a whole tank of diesel yet. Thats crazy!

Wrong Fred. Hayes is the diesel bike guy. The Fred you pictured is the astronaut that didn’t mess with bikes. But great video 😁

An Apocalypse Motorcycle that can run on Diesel or Kerosine spanning up to 600 miles, cool! I wish more modern bikes had larger fuel tanks. My Ninja 650 '21 has a decent 4.0 gallon engine with a range of 200 miles if riding conservatively around speed limits under 70 mph. Thanks for the review of this cool, utility bike. Glad you got it running again.

I don’t even like motorcycles, but I like this channel!

Thank you for making this almost into a series about this cool motorcycle. It’s cool wverytime

Love the idea of a diesel motorcycle, although something with at least 2 cyllinders for balance would be preferred. Would be interesting to see a BMW 4 cyllinder diesel or a small 4 cyllinder diesel as well. Unfortunately the EPA is really being a bear like you said. The DEF and EGR systems are entirely unnecessary on a diesel and actually make it more likely to fail and harder to troubleshoot. Government knows best though, just like the auto start/stop technology on vehicles. I have a diesel car that was the last run of diesel cars in the US since the volkswagen incident. This was mostly due to the toshiba controller being common on a majority of the cars. Could get minimum 10 more mpg with a delete, around 100 more hp, and around 200nm more torque. Plus I can see when its smoking something isn't right. I think diesel would be a better future for cars than electric, I would also like to see diesel/electric hybrids though where the diesel engine just charges the battery and runs full bore all the time at peak efficiency.

Love this show!

Seems like a tach isn't really necessary on this bike

its running wooot wooot nice job mate

I love it. You can't draw comparisons to a bike that is in a category of its own, and unlike anything else out there. It quirky and that makes it awesome. Nice presso. 👍

I’m thinking the 7500 redline is just the original gauges which they didn’t bother to alter.

Great bike! Ty for sharing!

cool bike man id love one of those! great for going long distance

Had a 2013. Very nice big bike for a very big guy. The only motorcycle that is tall enough that I can sit comfortably without flat footing at the light. Huge bike. Also fun to work on.

I love the idea of a multi-fuel go anywhere bike. A single cylinder diesel will never impress anyone with its performance. If there was one available on the market, what would it cost? I live in Montana, on the edge of the Beartooth Mountains, so just this idea appeals to me. I am subscribed and enjoy your brief devotional offer every episode.

I really, really wish this thing or something very similar had taken off and gotten a chance in the civilian market. I can't imagine Kawasaki would have been willing to supplying frames for a competitor, but a partnership might have been possible if the bean counters in Japan didn't think it'd cannibalize KLR-650 sales.

I have an Ex-Military Polaris D-BAT 6x6 400cc diesel. The engine is a Yanmar. The battery power problem is solved by putting a 12V car battery in the front sitting across the front axel. Always starts even when left standing for months. It's in the UK and I paid GBP 1500 (USD 2000) for it back in 2020. The torque from the engine and 6x6 drive is amazing. The fuel economy and pulling power along with the weight it can carry ticks all the boxes. We use it on or small holding and have a bunch of equipment to fit it. Sprayer, Fertilizer spreader, Pulls a large rake, Pulls a large flail mower, Pulls a 1000kg IBC water butt. Put generator in the back when needing mobile power units taking across the fields and all the tools you might need. EMP proof. Can't believe there not main stream work machines, where you need torque, power, economy and reliability with heavy lifting cargo capacity. That said I also have the 2000 year Polaris Big Boss 6x6 500cc Petrol. Does everything the diesel does without the economy and is super scary fast but not EMP proof and only has a standard motorbike battery. Both machines are low maintenance, no electronics and easy fix. Both bikes are keepers. My friends thought these were toys initially, now they think otherwise and all want to buy the set-up from me ! E.P. Barrus Ltd in the UK still make Yanmar single cylinder diesel engines for generators.

The Delray Misfits podcast in California also chose a diesel powered KLR as the bike to have during a zombie apocalypse, but I don't think I would choose a diesel powered KLR for these reasons. One, during a real life nationwide catastrophe there is a good chance all communications will be down for quite a while, and trying to find another diesel powered KLR for parts to fix a problem related to the bikes diesel technology will be pretty hard. Two, if you need to siphon fuel from another vehicle your odds of finding gasoline is better than finding diesel, so I don't really care about the extra mpg from a diesel engine. Three, like you said in the video, these diesel powered KLR's don't have many miles on them, so how can you be sure their more reliable than a gas powered KLR? How do you know how the diesel KLR will behave in extreme climates and riding conditions? I've got over 40k miles on my KLR without any mechanical problems, so I already know from experience the gas powered KLR 650 is reliable enough for me to feel confident it will get me where I want to go. I never did any mods to the engine, so its reliable right off the showroom floor. Also, Supposedly a gov? commission determined that most vehicles would survive an EMP, and since the first and second gen KLR's don't have a computer I would think they would be included in the OK list.Those are the reasons why I would choose a gas powered KLR over the diesel model.

It’s definitely not the only diesel powered motorcycle. Here in The Netherlands I’ve encountered a Track T800 motorcycle. It’s powered by a Smart CDI engine and I believe has a cvt transmission.

I'm really surprised Diesel never took off, image the performance we could have had by now with proper development.

Brother you have to upload videos regularly I wait so patiently for your videos I love it ❤ keep it up bro

I used to live in Spring Hill. I rode that same road multiple times. You might be interested in knowing you passed right past the creators of Daily Audio Bible on your trip this day. 😊

Stationed on camp Lejeune, from 1998, all the way up until 2014. Working at the ammo dump they used to ride these motorcycles across the street all the time. I remember seeing them Tearing up the backwoods of camp Lejeune

Literally the most awesome thing that exists! Had I one of these, I would need nothing else :D The rev sound of this thing is awesome.

Yeah I sure wish I could afford one of those and get one.

Yes, more Diesel bikes, please.

There was one like this for sale on Marketplace about a month ago in NC for around $14,000. Seriously considered buying it.

Agree, very cool!

Back in 06 I had a regular KLR. I lived near the shop that did the diesel conversions. I bought take off plastic from them to completely change the color of my KLR. Good times. KLR is slow with gas engine, can’t imagine how slow it is with diesel.

Great video. We need this in Australia because of the long distances on many popular long trips. Would be ideal for the Great Central Road and on through to Brisbane from Perth. Must be possible to modernise. Thanks.

We have lots of the Harley 350 electric start millitary bikes hear in the UK, they are popular with the off road bunch .I would love a diesel bike as you mentioned that they can even run on old engine oil or cooking oil (filtered)👍

I used to run the big rigs so a diesel motorcycle would be fantastic to have! Would love one of them. Once it quits accelerating is the moment to shift up is correct. Doesn't matter the rpm if it quits accelerating then that's it.

I once drove my 1100 virago from phoenix az to baltimore md with two 5 gal gas cans strapped on like saddle bags and fuel lines hooked up to the pump. I could go something like 550 miles on one fill without stopping. man your diesel KLR beat me on range!

I had this maybe not this exact but same bike in my shop here in southern Wi about 10 years ago. I should have made content then. I was doing work for the DNR and have a picture of my son sitting on it. It was interesting to say the least. Great Video!

I remember watching the series where you guys tried getting it running- that was no small feat!

I like the diesel bike. Looks like it would be fun to ride.

Amazing concept...

Cool bike

I wish I could find one. Pretty cool for off road stuff.

These things are very interesting. I don't think I would want to own one because of all the rare and specialized maintenance, but very cool.

A super cool bike, for sure.

So dadgum cool! All the best 💯…… keep it 👍🏻

That's a nice bike. It needs an updated look but keeping the origins.

Been waiting on this

I cant stop staring at handlebar crashbars😅....seems fun

Def a cool bike that’s worth keeping 😎👍

You had me at "EMP Safe" time to google :D

Sounds fairly quiet (think SHTF stealth). Would you say it's quieter or louder than a KLR 650?

As an adventure bike rider, and diesel car driver, my ultimate street and off-street vehicle would be adventure bike with turbo diesel engine. Dutch company Tarck did build those. I don't know if they are in the business anymore.

Since you put out the first video of the diesel klr650 , all of us have been waiting for you to roll some coal outta that thang! 💨

Incredible that motorcycle manufacturers don't make diesel bikes, I'm certain they would sell. Here in Australia because of the remoteness it's better to drive a diesel 4wd in the outback because diesel is available everywhere, whereas petrol (gas) is not. Also, you need the range because of the massive distances. I'd buy one of these! I owned a KLR, they're a great outback touring bike.

I argue that it is not the perfect apocalypse motorcycle. In the apocalypse you want to be able to scavenge parts off other bikes. This thing is a one off. It's amazing, but not zombie escaping material.

Maryland doesn't emissions test Motorcyles, but some states surely do, whereby a diesel might get by w/o emissions test. The Torque off idle on a Diesel must be quite a plus for puttin' around overland..

I just got a Honda CT 90 for my apocalypse machine lol. Looking for a bigger frame with no motor to put a diesel motor into. Awesome.

When I was in Jaipur in about 1992 I saw one parked in the street. It was a Royal Enfield diesel engined Bullet. I did a little research and it only had 7.5 HP from a 436cc engine! Claimed top speed of 55 MPH and 200 MPG. They didn't sell well.

Loved the idea of a diesel bike fer a long time, out of curiosity what does it weigh? Anyhow glad yer enjoying it, God be with you brother!

I am a KLR fan, own a Gen3 now, and my name being what it is... I have wanted one since I saw the first video. But I have had an eye out the last 9 months or so, and I have seen 1 and it was a "parts" bike for sure. I will let you ride my Gen3 KLR if you let me ride your KLR? haha.

Would be interesting to see the HP and torque figures of the diesel KLR.

A guy near me has a Dutch built bike by as company called Trak I think it's called, I could be wrong. Anyways, it uses a turbo diesel smart car engine mated to a BMW GS gear box and finally drive. It's an adventure style bike and looks pretty good. Not sure the company is still in excellence though. The guy loves it and it's certainly unique.

Someone definitely should start making a apocalyptic/civil war/end times marketing plan for this bike. What a sweet concept.

Love your videos ! Can I ask who taught you how to ride? In the video you go from riding it like a bicycle in the bike lane! To riding the grease strip? Never ride the grease strip in the centre of the lane. You can pick up oil and coolant on your tires and wipe out. Always ride in the left of the lane to prevent people passing you and STAY off the grease strip!

I thought he was getting pulled over when I first heard the sirens. 😂

I put a sticker of a bearded guy on the left side of my windshield , and a beignet done that sticker on the right side . It now has 5000 more horsepower and is ready for battle . That's a thing

It's neat. Regular klr honestly better bike in every way. The mpg really starts to feel trivial quickly. With military everything took jp8 so it made more sense.

Diesel is heavier than gasoline. If you go by weight ratio gasoline would be close to competing with diesel. When i was in the army in the early 80s the rangers at hunter army airfield had trail bikes. I think it was a feasibility test that apparently didn't satisfy the need. Good video

Okay so I'm used to sports bikes mainly the cbr600rr but I really want a cruiser and I've been looking into both the 750 shadows and the 1300 stateline/interstate. I'm about 260 6ft. Which one would you recommend? I'm definitely into the shaft drive and fuel injections

10:16 what a twot

You mentioned one of these for sale. Do you have any info for that bike? Thx

Where are the ammo can panniers and mounted rifle?

A KLR with a particular start sequence? How 'odd'... from a '94 KLR 600 kickstart only owner...

Hey Shawn you could just hire me to come start & drive every you have. Plus I live in Nashville 😉👍

Can you try aprillia pegaso 2002 650cc in deep water because I'm thinking of buying one to go to work because my manager said if I miss a nother day I will lose my job because of the message flud

I rode a city KLR for a few years and wanted a diesel one because I was a diesel tech.

Sean, are you planning to get a diesel Royal Enfield? That would be cool too.

You can make some great videos at all things Chrome they have some amazing motorcycles.

Wonder if this would run well on alterative fuels. would be nice to run veggie or motor oil for 80MPG of free fuel

The bike is a Neander Turbo Diesel 1400 cc built in 2019 I don't know why it never came to America maybe you can find one.

A bike for survival. Cool You have ridden just about every bike it would be good to know if you had to have a top 3 or top 5 forever bikes what would they be.

How does that have a 7000rpm red line? Does it actually rev that high? I thought 5k was like top of the top for a diesel?

Now that's a thumper!

Will it pull a wheelie at all? even with some Clutch action?

Sounds like it would be a great adventure bike.

You should get one of these: TRACK T800 CDi Diesel Motorcycle

So are higher rpms inversely proportional to the smallness of a diesel engine?

Diesel trucks don't make the most power, they make the most torque.

Europe,where it all started(!) had several high mileage diesel cars