Does anyone have a positive outlook for a diesel cruiser motorcycle?

Question

There have been diesel motorcycles introduced in the past. There are also a few in production now. Diesel motorcycles can now be made lighter and more reliable than in the past. I have often wondered if a diesel cruiser motorcycle were introduced would it be well received today.

Answer 1

Currently the military is getting a diesel variation of a Kawasaki 650 trail bike, NATO contract should be filled 2008, American military contract late 2008, after which civilian production possible- this is a 35-40 horse power single cylinder. Currently in Wisconsin a couple Harley sized specials are running - a 1000 cc Hatz twin cylinder engined air-cooled model in Harley frame and the other a 3 cylinder Yanmar liquid cooled special - big Honda frame? 70-90 mpg, 35-40 hp, 85 mph+. Yanmar engine from small tractor and mini truck use. The new ultra low sulfur diesel fuel would take care of most of the pollution complaints, some bio diesel may give them popcorn smell. The conversions are using existing engines, performance is about like early 50s FLE Harley with twice the mileage. A 50 horse Yanmar in something like a Gold Wing frame would be about like a 1980 1000 to 1200 Gold Wing in performance- market acceptable?. A vw 1800tdi engine in something like big Suzuki frame- 75-90 hp and a 120 top speed while getting 60-75 mpg might find some decent sales depending on price. If the army bike engine was doubled- a V twin about 75 horse and mid weight frame a sports cruiser might make it to market- Kawasaki 1000 might be starting point to compare. Fuel availability, tax breaks for diesel cars that spill over to bike, torque characteristics of diesel engine would be good in long range cruiser market.

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

I think it's likely to go over a lot better than a diesel sportbike (which I'd expect to be a total disaster). You'd have a hard time getting the styling right, but a lot of the diesel's virtues - low RPM torque, loud rumbling noises, etc - seem like they'd go well with cruisers. The biggest obstacle with cruisers is making a diesel fit the styling, as cruisers are very much the motorcycle equivalent of hot rods with 1950s sheet metal.

Answer 4

They tried one in the 1970's and they failed miserably. Too slow and too heavy.

But that was only 2 reasons they failed.

The biggest reason was the pollution. Have you ever followed a diesel engine vehicle on a motorcycle? I can tell you that it's no picnic.

Diesels are dirty, greasy, and leave a smoke trail a blind man could follow. They are also quite noisy. How about the idea of sitting on one for a trip? All of that being spewed out as well as the fact that you would get lousy mileage from the beast.

I'll stick with the more environmentally friendly 37 mpg that my 24 year old V65 gets or the 60mpg that my wife's 8 10 year old VLX gets.

Answer 5

Cruiser motorcycles are all about the sound and the look of the engine, and the way it feels while riding. I doubt that a diesel engine would ever be popular in a cruiser... Maybe in some of the little commuter bikes where economy is more important than appearance.

Answer 6

I think it's more likely that a diesel touring bike could be successful. There the extra fuel economy could be a valid selling point. But realistically I don't know who would build it. Motorcycle companies have very little if any experience with diesel engines.

Answer 7

If they had one sort of like the Honda Goldwings. One that could have and extended range. I don't like having to pull off of the highway every 150 miles to get gas. My Yamaha FJ1200 gets only about 37 miles per gallon. Kind of makes it a hassle to go on a really long road trip. But If I could go for about 500 miles before refueling became a necessity that would be great. A good bi-turbo charger could make it fun to drive.

Answer 8

maybe if it could compete with the gasoline versions.

Audi introduced a diesel Le Mans race car and everyone hated it, but after it destroyed the competition, people kind of took a liking to it. ;)

Answer 9

The Virago is a really nice bike, but not faster than a police radio. And though the Virago chassis is stable and forgiving, it is NOT a sport chassis, ground clearance is limited, thus handling is also rather limited. If you are going to outrun the cops you had better be off the bike within 5 minutes, your only hope is a quick jump before the cops get behind you and get your plate, then you have to get out of their sight and hide the bike and get off it quickly. You will not outrun the radio, if they are riding BMWs then your Virago will not outrun their bikes either.

Answer 10

Look at how well (snicker snicker) the diesel quad or atv was recieved when a major manufacturer put one out a few years ago.

A diesel motorbike is not something anyone wants.