why are there no diesel motorcycles on the market ?

Question

In just a few years, Unleaded Gasoline will either be $7 per gal or non-existant. Bio-diesel is beginning to become more and more available. It will be THE replacement fuel, especially since it does not need any new research and development. It is even now ready to become a mainstream fuel, needing only time to build up reserves. So why is the motorcycle world not getting on board?

Motorcycles are operated using the petro-unleaded fuel, and that is set to run out withing the next ten years.

Why are motorcycles not being developed to be able to run diesel? While it may be true that diesel engines would be to heavy now, they have like 5 years to design one for motorcycles, yet they are not. If they don't what will motorcycle fans do? their favorite noise toy will become a reminder of not stepping up to do something about the end of petroleum. (we only have a max of 10 years-- don't let others fool you into thinking it is more like 50).

Actually, as of this time, Diesel is about the price of the mid-grade unleaded. So, as for price, it is still quite comparable.

As for the bulkiness, that is just a matter of diesel designers getting their brains on, and doing the work.

What are motorcyclists going to do when they can not get "unleaded gassoline for their bikes?"

Same goes for the gas powered yard equipment. Why are they not looking at these things?

Answer 1

That is a great question.It shows that some people are thinking outside the box,keep up the good work.

Answer 2

My opinion: A diesel motorcycle will be accepted as soon as diesel cars are more common. If you are specifically thinking a cruiser, the closest thing I know of is Royal Enfield, which there is a kit available for making it a diesel. The truth of the matter is that diesel motorcycles have been reliable from the beginning, as diesels are simpler engines in the first place. Do I think that a diesel cruiser could not have a low rumbling sound? Have you ever heard a tractor???? You tell me! Diesels are low toned in the first place, as they run at lower RPMs. The conversion Royal Enfields have a lower tone than a hog, and this is at 450cc! I am not one for noise, but man, some of the answers here were way off, more like guessing! With straight pipes, they can be very obnoxious! Yes, the diesel motorcycle has a niche market. I do not know if they will hit it off right away, or if they will become a fond memory, but they are well proven!

Answer 3

Diesel has greatly outpaced regular unleaded gas price increases. This is probably due to the lack of market in comparison which leads to increase production costs per unit volume.

Diesel used to be about 20cents cheaper / gallon. Now it actually costs more. You can expect this outpacing trend to continue well into the future.

Also, diesel engines are usually, heavy duty (i.e. high torque & slow), big, bulky, they require heating bulbs & use compression only to ignite the spark. I doubt diesel engines would be practical in a motorcycle.

Answer 4

I recall seeing a limited 2007 production run of a diesel
2-wheel. Try Cycle World. Personally think most 2-wheel
owners will follow the gas sucking marine engine owners
into the oblivion reserved for those who can't afford petrol
or simply find supply sources empty. This extinction event includes diesel and bio-diesel. Useless tech', I say.

There is only one hybrid engine technology and fuel to save motorcycling from oblivion. It must come from L.P.G. and existing motorcycle platforms. Liquid Propane Gas is widely distributed and tooled to fit existing petrol engines. To view the appropriate platform to carry the fuel tankage see my listed source as example.

Tankage would appreciate double wall protection and open
front and aft to vent away from operator should containment vessel suffer breech or simply minor leakage. Be sure only
cigarette smokers check for leaks before LPG bike sells.
Why waste somebody more worthy?

Some new limitations initially apply to motorcycling so widely revised but throwing away your leathers after the demise of cheap petrol can be yet avoided. Yes, LPG is made from petrol. LPG can also be made from Natural Gas ; North America retains this fuel source in good supply. It is also noted all of the US Governement petrol fleets are in the process of being exchanged for Compressed Natural Gas vehicles {See Honda.com} . So, is it possible something is about to hit the fan? Hmmmmmm?

Assume reason motorcycle industry is not getting on board
is a terminal addiction to petrol culture. The production culture and market needs to be dropped into the toilet first.
Once amid the deep brown of bowl content can 2-wheelers
kick free of their burdens and address all Lords of Porcelein
Places to come save them. Be sure to beg sweetly.

Answer 5

Motorcycles typically get 50-90 mpg, so fuel economy is not an issue...low weight is. Diesels are built beefier than standard motors because of their high compression and so weigh more.

Answer 6

im with you! not for the fact of fuel, but that big puff of black smoke is kick ***!!! (best way to get people off my *** in my TDI!)

Hayes is "supposed" to start a civilian diesel model soon, but it keeps getting put off due to high military demand for diesel bikes.

and Neander is coming out with a pretty bad *** cruiser, but its not scheduled for the U.S.

www.neandermotors.com

http://www.dieselmotorcycles.com/military.htm