Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

The U.S. Marine Corps needed dual-purpose motorcycles for convoy control, messenger services, military police work and scouting. Regular bikes, both off-road and on, use gasoline. But for good supply logistics the Marines needed a machine that runs on JP-8. This is fuel used by jet planes that is similar to kerosene and diesel fuel.

A Modified Kawasaki KLR650

So the word was put out and many contractors responded with impractical suggestions and finally a small company in California won the contract. In 2008, the Marines acquired a new bike called the HDT M103M1. It uses parts of the Kawasaki KLR650 -- the chassis, internal transmission parts, and some engine components.

But it has new engine parts designed to use JP-8. At a steady 55 mph it gets 96 miles to the gallon which is about twice the mileage a gasoline engine would give. It starts up a little more slowly than a conventional bike, but as you shift through its five-speed gearbox, it achieves 90 mph and will keep that speed through any harsh environment you test it in.

It has special lights and tougher tires and suspension. When you ride it, the handlebars and foot pegs vibrate because the Kawasaki KLR650 counterbalancer that would control this has been omitted. This is to make the bike lighter-weight and less complex.

These fast machines are not available for street or off-road use unless perhaps you go to your local Marine recruiter.

High speed riding is one of the contributing causes to motorcycle accidents on our highways. On an empty road it is safer but our roads are fuller each year with big rigs and SUVs and other large family trucks. They may not see you, or may not be able to stop or change lanes quickly enough to avoid an accident.

If you are in Ohio and need some guidance and support from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, please email the law firm of Robert W. Kerpsack today for a free consultation.